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Illinois leads push to track microplastics in US drinking water

Tiny plastic fragments lurk in every sip, but no one’s measuring them. Now, Illinois is racing to change that before health risks spiral.

In this image, I can see a glass bottle and there is water. I can see algae on the rocks.
In this image, I can see a glass bottle and there is water. I can see algae on the rocks.

Illinois leads push to track microplastics in US drinking water

Concerns over microplastics in drinking water are growing across the US, with Illinois among the states pushing for action. These tiny plastic fragments, found in water, food, and air, have surged in the environment since the mid-1900s. Yet no federal or state-wide program currently tracks their levels in tap water.

Microplastics—small plastic pieces and fibres—pose potential health risks. Some studies suggest they may disrupt hormones or increase cancer risks when ingested. Despite this, no official system measures their presence in drinking water.

The push for microplastics monitoring continues, with Illinois exploring ways to adopt a system like California’s. If successful, the state could set a precedent for others. For now, the lack of data leaves questions about exposure and health impacts unanswered.

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