![]() John, Every time you pour a glass of water, you trust that what's inside has been tested for contaminants that could affect your health. But right now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) doesn't require our drinking water to be tested for microplastics, or limit how much can be in it.1 That needs to change. We need to know how much microplastic pollution is reaching our taps and ensure that the water we drink is protected. Tell the EPA: Address microplastics in our drinking water. Microplastics are tiny fragments that break off larger plastic products, like single-use packaging, bottles, or textiles. They can wash down drains or run off into waterways, eventually reaching the water that we drink.2 Because microplastics are so widespread, they're also making their way into our bodies. They've been detected in human blood, lungs and other organs. One study found microplastics in the blood of 18 out of 20 people tested.3 Scientists are still studying how long-term exposure to microplastics could affect our health, with research raising concerns about potential harm to our digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.4 We may not know the full effects of microplastics yet, but the findings so far show why we need stronger protections. Tell the EPA: Don't let us drink microplastics. The EPA itself has acknowledged microplastics as a priority contaminant in drinking water -- but acknowledgment must be followed by meaningful action.5 We deserve to know how much microplastic pollution is in our water and to have standards that keep our exposure in check. The EPA has an opportunity to both track microplastic pollution and protect people from it. The agency is accepting public comments on the proposed rule through August 31. Add your name: Tell the EPA to keep microplastics out of our water. Thank you, Faye Park |
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