Plastics are a global disaster. All the plastic that has ever been produced is still on this earth. Plastic does not readily decompose; it just breaks down into smaller particles called microplastics and nanoplastics that scientists call “forever chemicals.” These “forever chemicals” leach carcinogens and other toxins into our bodies. Everyone has microplastics in their bodies.

Food and Water Watch’s national campaign called STOP MICROPLASTICS NOW! aims to put microplastics on the EPA list of water contaminants. To do this, we need seven governors to sign a legal petition to the EPA asking that microplastics be included in the upcoming Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6) so that microplastics can be appropriately monitored and ultimately regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The Pennsylvania Green Amendment in our Constitution guarantees our right to a healthy environment. Therefore, we must understand the level of this threat in our water and work to correct sources of contamination. Please join us by calling or writing to Gov. Josh Shapiro to ask him to sign the governors’ petition.

Kathy Cook

Exton

The writer is Food and Water Watch Pennsylvania plastics lead.

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