Microplastics Safety Act
The Microplastics Safety Act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA), to conduct a study on the human health impacts of exposure to microplastics in food and water. The study must identify major exposure pathways and examine effects on several health areas, including children's health, the endocrine system, cancer, chronic illness, and reproductive health, along with any other areas the Secretary deems important. Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress detailing the study’s findings and providing recommendations for legislative or administrative actions to address health impacts from microplastics in food and water. The bill does not itself impose new regulations; instead, it aims to generate evidence and policy options for Congress.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a study led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services through the FDA to assess human health impacts of microplastics in food and water.
- 2Requires the study to identify major exposure pathways (how people come into contact with microplastics).
- 3Requires evaluation of health effects on: children’s health, the endocrine system, cancer, chronic illness, reproductive health, and any other areas the Secretary deems important.
- 4Mandates a report to Congress within 1 year of enactment, detailing findings and providing recommendations for legislative or administrative action.
- 5The bill authorizes (but does not itself create) potential future actions by Congress or Federal agencies based on the study’s findings.