Environment

Legislatures ramp up efforts to combat microplastics contamination surge

Lawmakers in seven states introduced 17 bills this year to try to tackle the problem.

Humberto Sanchez

06:00 AM, Jul 22, 2024

In this Aug. 8. 2017, file photo, visitors view Emerald Bay on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, near South Lake Tahoe, Calif. The fallout from humanity’s addition to plastics is showing up in the waters of Lake Tahoe. Scientists detected microplastics at several locations around the lake for the first time this year. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

State legislatures are exploring ways to rein in the surge of microplastics that are increasingly found in food, water, pets and people.

Lawmakers in seven states introduced 17 bills this year to try to tackle the problem, according to tracking by Safer States, a national alliance of environmental health organizations. They include measures to study the issue, test drinking water, and ban the sale of products containing microbeads often found in cosmetics and personal care products.

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