Editorial: A well-deserved war on microplastics

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been no stranger to controversy in his 14 months in office, from his vaccine advisory reforms to his downsizing of federal agencies. But there should be broad agreement on one recent initiative: his joint announcement with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to confront microplastics contamination as a serious health threat to the nation's drinking water.

Many Americans may not be familiar with microplastics, which are tiny fragments of plastic, often invisible to the human eye. They originate from the gradual breakdown of everyday materials: cellophane wrap, paint additives, water bottles, even polyester clothing. Each year, millions of tons enter the environment, eventually making their way into the human body through food, water and air. Scientists have estimated that humans may be ingesting tens of thousands of these particles every year.

And here's where things get serious. Studies have detected microplastics throughout the human body, including in the heart and brain. Like pharmaceutical drugs - which Kennedy and Zeldin have similarly vowed to regulate in drinking water supplies - they may pose significant health risks, including a potential link to cancer. With global plastic production continuing to rise, the urgency of the issue is undeniable.

Exactly how best to regulate microplastics is not quite so clear. HHS officials say the effort will begin with determining best practices for measuring and quantifying microplastics in humans, identifying which are most harmful and determining their source or sources, and then developing methods to eliminate them. They have even come up with a catchy name for the campaign: STOMP or "Systematic Targeting of Microplastics."

Whether this effort expands into broader limits on plastic production remains an open question. Will the administration commit to funding the necessary research? Or will it retreat under pressure from industries concerned about costs, profits, and economic impact? That remains to be seen.

Many in the MAHA movement had expected President Donald Trump to do more to regulate pesticides - only to be disappointed when he signed an executive order two months ago promoting greater production of glyphosate, a key ingredient in Roundup often used to control weeds on farms, as vital to the nation's "food security."

In the meantime, consumers are not without options. Health experts recommend practical steps to reduce exposure: avoid microwaving food in plastic containers (use microwave-safe glass or ceramic instead), toss your plastic cutting boards, put aside non-stick cookware (go with stainless steel, cast iron or ceramic), and ditch the plastic utensils (metal, wood and high-quality silicone are likely safer).

Additional guidance includes using metal tea infusers instead of nylon bags, reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods, and being cautious with products packaged in plastic-lined cans. Regularly washing produce, cleaning household dust, and choosing natural fibers like cotton, wool, and linen over synthetic clothing can further minimize exposure.

These individual choices are not a substitute for systemic solutions, but they are a start. As research evolves and policy takes shape, the growing awareness of microplastics may prove to be the first step in addressing a problem that has, until now, largely gone unseen.

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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 4:43 AM.