Microplastic contamination in the Great Lakes threatens drinking water and fish supplies for millions
By
Michael Hawthorne
2d ago· 2 min readenNews
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Summary
The Great Lakes, which provide drinking water to over 40 million people in the U.S. and Canada, are contaminated with microplastics containing toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other diseases. Fish in the lakes are also contaminated, affecting Indigenous tribes, immigrant populations, and communities of color who rely on them as dietary staples. Despite this widespread pollution, there are no regulations in place, and manufacturers are planning to significantly increase plastic production in the United States.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledEach glass of treated lake water is laden with tiny bits of plastic — microplastics — made of toxic chemicals linked to cancer and other diseases.
Yet this pollution isn't regulated, and manufacturers are moving to dramatically increase the amount of plastics produced in the United States.
Also contaminated are fish, staples of Midwestern fish fries and fish boils, and an important part of the diet of Indigenous tribes, certain immigrant populations and communities of color.
More than 40 million depend on the Great Lakes for drinking water. Yet plastic pollution in the lake water isn’t regulated, and manufacturers are moving to dramatically increase the amount of plastics produced.