Microplastic contamination has been found in tap water in countries around the world, leading to calls from scientists for urgent research on the implications for health.
Scores of tap water samples from more than a dozen nations were analysed by scientists for an investigation by Orb Media, who shared the findings with the Guardian. Overall, 83% of the samples were contaminated with plastic fibres.
The US had the highest contamination rate, at 94%, with plastic fibres found in tap water sampled at sites including Congress buildings, the US Environmental Protection Agency’s headquarters, and Trump Tower in New York. Lebanon and India had the next highest rates.
Comment: Pile this onto the total toxic burden that we’re subjected to every day. These plastics can also absorb toxic chemicals, which then make their way into virtually everything we eat and drink. As the plastic fibers are so small, water filters do not catch all of them. (Recall our story on the FTC blocking development of a biodegradable plastic that, ironically, could help solve this problem.)
Action Alert! Tell the EPA to follow the law and clean up our drinking water. Please send your message immediately.
