Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

Microplastics Safety Act

S. 2353 · Senate bill Health

A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors

Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

In committee

Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.

The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, known as the "Microplastics Safety Act," directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a specific study. Acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, the Secretary will investigate the human health impacts of exposure to microplastics found in food and water. The study must identify major exposure pathways and examine effects on children's health, the endocrine system, cancer, chronic illness, and reproductive health. Additionally, the Secretary can address other important areas they deem appropriate. Finally, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment that includes the study's findings and recommendations for legislative or administrative action.

Yes· 3 of 8

  • Scored +5

    Would children be better off under this?

    The study specifically includes examining the impact of microplastics on children's health.

  • Scored +5

    Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?

    The study may lead to future regulations that protect consumers from microplastic exposure in food and water.

  • Scored +5

    Does this put more money into scientific research?

    The bill funds a scientific study to investigate the human health impacts of microplastic exposure.

The opposite

No question was scored the opposite.