EPA Proposes Adding Microplastics and Pharmaceuticals to Drinking Water Contaminant List

In Brief

The EPA's move could lead to future regulations on microplastics and pharmaceuticals in U.S. drinking water, impacting water utilities and public h...

Key Facts

• The Environmental Protection Agency proposed including microplastics and pharmaceuticals on its drinking water contaminant candidate list for the first time.
• The EPA's proposal was announced on Thursday, according to The Independent.
• This action marks the first time microplastics have been added to the EPA's contaminant candidate list.
• The Department of Health and Human Services announced a national program to study the effects of microplastics on humans.
• The EPA's proposal could eventually result in new limits on microplastics and pharmaceuticals for water utilities.

What Happened

The EPA proposed adding microplastics and pharmaceuticals to its list of potential drinking water contaminants, a step that may lead to future regulatory limits.

Why It Matters

This proposal addresses growing concerns about the presence of microplastics and pharmaceuticals in drinking water and their potential effects on human health.

What's Next

Further study and public input are expected before any regulatory limits are set. The HHS will also conduct research on microplastics' health impacts.