National organizations, businesses, and public health advocates came together at Microplastic-Free US Hill Days, a national lobbying event organized by The 5 Gyres Institute to advance federal action on microplastic pollution. Participating organizations included Food & Water Watch, Oceana, and Hispanic Access Foundation, alongside businesses including CLEANR and Intrinsic Advanced Materials.

This advocacy followed the success of Food & Water Watch’s health professionals letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency to include microplastics monitoring in the upcoming Sixth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 6). The letter, signed by over two hundred and fifty doctors, nurses and other health care and public health professionals and organizations highlights the link between microplastics exposure and various cancers, immune system disruption and developmental or reproductive harm. The letter goes on to note how exposure to the contaminant disproportionately impacts low-income and marginalized communities. 

Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size. These toxic particles are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat, and researchers have identified them throughout the human body, including lungs, heart, placenta, blood, brain, testicles, and breast milk. Scientists estimate that the average person consumes more than 4,000 microplastics annually from drinking water alone.¹ 

“Monitoring for microplastics in our drinking water is an essential step towards safer water,” said Food & Water Watch Policy Analyst Drew Guillory. “And we cannot wait any longer for the data we need to determine the scope of this crisis and how to get to regulation. EPA must include microplastics in the UCMR 6.”

“We all deserve a healthy environment, clean air, and safe water, but these basic rights are threatened by microplastics. It’s time that our elected officials do something about it,” said Senior Strategist of Policy Initiatives, The 5 Gyres Institute, Paulita Bennett-Martin. “Solutions to microplastic pollution exist, and we’re urging our nation’s leaders to take bold action to safeguard public health.”

To learn more about microplastics, visit 5gyres.org/MicroplasticFreeUS.

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About The 5 Gyres Institute

The 5 Gyres Institute (5 Gyres) is a leader in the global movement against plastic pollution with 15 years of expertise in scientific research, engagement, and education. With the original goal of answering a few key scientific questions about ocean plastics, co-founders Marcus Eriksen and Anna Cummins led 19 research expeditions in all five subtropical gyres, as well as many of the world’s lakes and rivers. 5 Gyres continues to lead with scientific research to drive upstream solutions through education, advocacy, and community building. Learn more at 5gyres.org and @5gyres.

About Food & Water Watch

Food & Water Watch brings together more than 2 million people nationwide to fight for safe food, clean water, and a livable climate. For over 20 years, we’ve partnered with communities to take on polluting industries and win real, meaningful protections for people and the environment.

¹  Leslie, H.A. et al. “Human Consumption of Microplastics.” Environmental Science & Technology (2019). PubMed Study

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