PFAS found in some period products

PFAS found in some period products

Harmful “Forever Chemicals” Found in Menstrual Products

Menstrual products are essential for many women, providing comfort and convenience during their periods. However, recent research has revealed a concerning truth: some of these products contain harmful chemicals known as “forever chemicals.” These chemicals, called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have the potential to be harmful to both users and the environment.

Researchers analyzed over 100 period products, including pads, tampons, cups, and underwear. They were specifically looking for fluorinated compounds, which are indicative of the presence of PFAS. Surprisingly, most of these products do not list their ingredients on the packaging, making it difficult for consumers to be aware of any potential risks.

PFAS are a group of more than 12,000 compounds known for their resistance to water, stains, and sticking. They persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body. Although exposure to these chemicals has been linked to certain cancers and immune suppression, regulatory limits on PFAS and period products are limited in the United States and Europe.

The team of researchers presented their findings at a meeting of the American Chemical Society, held in San Francisco. Graham Peaslee, the principal investigator and a professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame, expressed concern not only for the wearers of these products but also for the ecological impact. When these products are discarded and end up in landfills, they can decompose, releasing PFAS into the groundwater and potentially posing a risk to future generations.

It’s still unknown how much PFAS can pass from these materials to the skin. To conduct this study, researchers performed a screening by analyzing small pieces of each product using particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy. They found that while some pads and period underwear contained PFAS, tampons and menstrual cups, as well as the layers of pads in contact with the skin, did not.

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However, the scientists were surprised to find high amounts of fluorine, indicating the presence of PFAS, in the wrappers of single-use products and the outer layers of some period underwear. Alyssa Wicks, a graduate student involved in the research, hypothesized that PFAS may be added to wrappers to keep the contents dry or to the outer layers of underwear to prevent leaks.

The team examined 123 products sold in the United States and plans to further analyze those containing measurable amounts of fluorine for 40 individual PFAS compounds. They also intend to analyze period products sold in Europe.

To add to the significance of these findings, Graham Peaslee remarked, “It’s clear that PFAS are not essential. Feminine products are essential, but the need for a fluorinated wrapper or layer doesn’t seem to be, as plenty of these products are made without relying on these compounds.”

While these findings have raised concerns, it’s important to note that they are preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. Nonetheless, this research sheds light on the potential risks associated with certain menstrual products and highlights the importance of further investigations and regulation in this area.

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