HHS, NIH, and EPA to assess health risks posed by microplastics and synthetic materials like textiles. Credit: Firn/Shutterstock.com.

The MAHA report calls for a collaborative research effort between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on 13 February, which established the “Make America Healthy Again Commission.”

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The directive mandated that the commission deliver the “Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment” to the President through its chair and executive director.

This assessment was made public on 22 May.

Additionally, the executive order stipulates that a strategy titled “Make Our Children Healthy Again,” derived from the assessment’s conclusions, must be submitted to the President.

National Cotton Council (NCC) chairman Patrick Johnson said: “With growing awareness of microplastics’ potential human health impacts, we thank President Trump and the MAHA Commission for their forward-thinking decision to investigate microplastics. As this topic is researched further, we are optimistic about the potential to further underscore the inherent benefits of natural fibres in the items in our daily lives, such as clothing and bedsheets.”

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The NCC has also commended the Trump administration for involving agricultural stakeholders in the development of the report.

“We also welcome news of the Environmental Protection Agency’s partnership with food and agricultural stakeholders to foster confidence in the EPA’s robust review procedures for crop protection products. We stand ready to collaborate with the White House and all federal agencies as they work to implement the commission’s report,” Johnson added.

Earlier in May, the NCC raised concerns following the MAHA Commission’s findings on increased health risks for children from exposure to chemicals such as heavy metals, PFAS, pesticides, and phthalates found in textiles and other consumer products.

The council emphasised that pesticides currently used have been rigorously tested for safety regarding farmers, consumers, and environmental impact.

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