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- Bipartisan Bill H.R. 4486: Studying Human Health Impacts of Microplastic Exposure
Bipartisan Bill H.R. 4486: Studying Human Health Impacts of Microplastic Exposure
Calling for clarity: research gaps and legislative action
Sam Garcia
October 14, 2025
The mounting evidence of microplastic's pervasive presence and potential harm has spurred calls for urgent action. There remains a recognized gap in fully understanding the long-term clinical implications, the extent of harmful exposure, and which populations and particle types are most susceptible.
H.R. 4486, known as the "Microplastics Safety Act," is a bipartisan bill introduced in the House of Representatives on July 17, 2025. Sponsored by Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR) and Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL), the legislation mandates a comprehensive study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA), on the human health impacts of microplastic exposure in food and water. A companion bill, S. 2353, was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).
The primary objective of the bill is to gather crucial data to inform future policies and regulations aimed at safeguarding public health from microplastics. The study outlined in H.R. 4486 will specifically:
Identify the major pathways through which humans are exposed to microplastics.
Evaluate the impact of this exposure on critical health areas, including children's health, the endocrine system, cancer, chronic illness, and reproductive health.
Address any other significant areas deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Upon completion of the study, the Secretary is required to submit a report to Congress detailing the findings and conclusions, along with recommendations for legislative or administrative actions to mitigate any identified health risks associated with microplastic exposure in food and water. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.