E.P.A. Targets Microplastics and Drugs in Drinking Water

Hiroko Tabuchi and Maxine Joselow / nytimes - The move drew praise from leaders of the Make America Healthy Again movement who had recently criticized the agency’s handling of toxic chemicals.

AI Summary: Federal agencies are moving from polite warnings to action on contaminants people actually drink. The EPA is targeting microplastics and trace pharmaceuticals in drinking water, while ARPA‑H is pouring funding into health-impact studies, and other agencies are considering formal contaminant designations to force testing, cleanup and new standards. Small particles, big headache.