Source: Fox News
Summary
Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin have declared a “war on microplastics”. Microplastics are small plastic particles that can persist in the environment for hundreds or thousands of years and may cause harm to human health. The EPA is adding microplastics and pharmaceuticals to its Contaminant Candidate List for drinking water, which will help prioritize funding and pave the way for potential future regulation. HHS is also launching a program to study how microplastics accumulate in the body. Kennedy and Zeldin are working together to address the issue, with Kennedy blaming big businesses for causing the problem and wanting them to clean it up.
Our Reading
The advice sounds familiar. The issue of microplastics in the environment and its impact on human health has been discussed before. The EPA’s decision to add microplastics to its Contaminant Candidate List is a step towards addressing the problem. However, the lack of science on the impacts of different types of plastics is a concern. Kennedy’s statement that “you clean up after yourself, you don’t force the public to do it” is a familiar refrain. The fact that microplastics are found in food, air, water, and pharmaceutical drugs is alarming. The call for more education and transparency on the issue is a familiar response. The relationship between Kennedy and Zeldin and their desire to continue working together is a positive note.
Author: Evan Null
