Toxic Chemicals Found in Reusable Menstrual Products

Extremely high levels of toxic chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found in a small sampling of reusable menstrual pads and panties, according to CNN.

PFAS are called “forever” chemicals because they fail to break down fully in the environment. Known endocrine disruptors and various types of PFAS have been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, obesity, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, low birth weight, accelerated puberty, and hormone disruption—according to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).

The highest levels of contamination come from a type of “neutral” PFAS that scientists know exist but have not until recently been able to measure and more thoroughly test for harm. This new testing found an alarming amount of these neutral PFAS in some reusable period products, CNN reported.

The Journal of Environmental Science and Technology Letters published a study on July 22 that analyzed 43 period underwear, eight reusable pads, four menstrual cups, three reusable incontinence underwear, and one reusable incontinence pad. A separate part of the study also looked at tampons. According to researchers, many reusable materials were sourced from third-party suppliers in other countries, who may not be as aware of the dangers of PFAS as domestic manufacturers.

While the use of PFAS appeared to be random in terms of where it was in the product, researchers added that the situation is extra dangerous because labels do not warn consumers.

Still, researchers found only a subset of the products had high levels of PFAS present, which means that PFAS must not be essential in the manufacture of reusable feminine hygiene products.