PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, are synthetic compounds used for their water and stain-resistant properties. They are found in various consumer products, such as food packaging, cookware, and textiles.

In 2020, Jessian Choy, a journalist for the American magazine Sierra, decided to test THINX brand menstrual underwear, which promotes “free from harmful chemicals” products. The results were unequivocal: various chemicals were found in THINX products, including the infamous PFAS. One pair of underwear contained more than 3,264 ppm of PFAS, while current recommended levels for drinking water are below 0.0001 ppm (or 100 ng/L). Although there were no established thresholds for products in contact with the skin at the time, the disproportionate amount of PFAS found raised concerns, and the Sierra article sparked a scandal.

The media uproar led to a class-action lawsuit in the United States, with thousands of Americans filing complaints against THINX. The company settled the case with a $5 million payout to be distributed among the plaintiffs.

A Report That Snowballed

Following this lawsuit, the New York Times took up the issue and commissioned a new study by the same Graham Peaslee from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA, who had tested THINX products. A total of 44 different menstrual products, including pads, tampons, cups, and menstrual underwear, were tested to analyze their PFAS concentrations.

Peaslee and his collaborator, Alyssa Wicks, conducted over 200 tests. Multiple samples were analyzed for each product, with samples taken from various parts (e.g. for tampons: the cotton wad, the string, the applicator, and the wrapper).

Peaslee and Wicks concluded that while all tested models contained at least one known PFAS, the low concentrations found in over half suggested accidental contamination. However, eight out of the 44 tested models had PFAS levels exceeding 300 ppm, indicating intentional use in the manufacturing process.

An independent study was then conducted in 2021 by the parenting blog Mamavation, in collaboration with the digital media outlet Environmental Health News. They tested 46 models of sanitary pads, 23 models of tampons, and 17 models of menstrual underwear, yielding unequivocal results:

  • 48% of the tested pads, 22% of the tampons, and 65% of the menstrual underwear had fluorine levels indicative of PFAS presence.
  • One model of menstrual underwear had a fluorine level exceeding 900 ppm!

The good news from this study was that several brands tested showed a clear absence of PFAS:

These brands are available in UK through various e-commerce sites like Amazon or directly from their own websites.

PFAS found in menstrual protection products

Future Bans in The Pipes

A recent article by the American association Environmental Working Group highlighted that menstruation represents over 2,500 days in a lifetime—2,500 days of potential exposure to PFAS, which are now known to have numerous suspected health impacts.

Given the studies indicating that PFAS can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, it is crucial for consumers to be aware of potential risks and for manufacturers to prioritize product safety.

In response to these findings on menstrual products, some U.S. states have already started banning the sale of menstrual products containing PFAS. For example, California and New York have enacted laws to ban PFAS in menstrual products, with implementation planned for 2025.

Protecting Ourselves, Protecting ou Loved Ones

While not all menstrual products contain PFAS, it is clear that many brands have not yet grasped the urgency of the situation and the imperative need to ban PFAS from these products that come into contact with the skin and sensitive mucous membranes.

We can only recommend that you seek and choose products certified PFAS-free while our policymakers work on establishing clear and consistent regulations to protect public health.

In the meantime, we are here to help you navigate this PFAS pollution issue and provide solutions. Stay connected and follow our blog regularly for more information on the subject!

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