RFK Jr. announces microplastics and PFAS added to EPA draft contaminant list

The Department of Health and Human Services and the EPA announced April 2 that four contaminant groups — microplastics, pharmaceuticals, PFAS and disinfection byproducts — are included in the EPA's draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List, which also names 75 chemicals and nine microbes. The list identifies substances not currently regulated nationally and may lead to future action under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

The Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on April 2 that they have added new groups to the EPA's draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List. The added groups include microplastics, pharmaceuticals, PFAS and disinfection byproducts. The CCL names contaminants found in public water systems that are not currently subject to national regulation and may be considered for future rules under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Key details: - The draft CCL 6 includes four priority contaminant groups and lists 75 chemicals and nine microbes that may be present in drinking water. - The announcement marks the first time the EPA is designating microplastics and pharmaceuticals as priority contaminant groups in this program. - The Contaminant Candidate List is not itself a regulation; substances on the CCL may be studied and could prompt future regulatory consideration under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Summary: The agencies reported the additions to focus research and possible future regulatory steps for contaminants found in drinking water. Undetermined at this time.