A recent study has revealed alarmingly high levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in reusable menstrual products, such as pads and panties, raising serious health and environmental concerns.

The research indicates that nearly 30% of the tested samples contained PFAS at levels suggesting intentional inclusion by manufacturers, although not all products had high levels, implying these chemicals are not essential.

While PFAS are used to prevent leaks and stain resistance, at least one sample from each product category was free of these chemicals, highlighting that their use is not indispensable.

Currently, the U.S. lacks labeling requirements for PFAS in menstrual products, though some states are working on legislation to address this gap.

Industry experts are calling for greater transparency, urging consumers to ask manufacturers about PFAS content, as specific brands were not disclosed in the study.

PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to serious health issues including cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental problems, with the CDC stating over 99% of Americans have been exposed.

These chemicals do not break down in nature, and washing PFAS-containing textiles releases them into wastewater, contributing to environmental contamination.

The study emphasizes a significant knowledge gap regarding the long-term health effects of PFAS exposure through menstrual products, especially since many materials are sourced from third-party suppliers who may not be aware of these risks.

Experts stress the importance of further research and transparency to ensure product safety, particularly for vulnerable groups like adolescents and young women.

Testing revealed notable contamination levels of PFAS in some menstrual products, raising concerns about skin absorption and potential health impacts.

Advanced testing methods, such as particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy, were used to analyze fluorine content in over 300 samples, highlighting the widespread presence of these chemicals.

The presence of PFAS in menstrual products has previously led to legal action, including a $5 million lawsuit against the brand Thinx in 2019, which increased awareness about toxic chemicals in feminine hygiene items.