Study Finds “Forever Chemicals” in Reusable Feminine Hygiene Products

The following is excerpted from an online article posted by EurekAlert!

A new study from researchers at the Indiana University Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and the University of Notre Dame shows that per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS)—also known as “forever chemicals”—can be found in reusable feminine hygiene products.

Published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, the article, “Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in reusable feminine hygiene products,” presents findings from Indiana University Associate Professor Marta Venier and her Notre Dame colleagues, who tested 59 reusable personal hygiene products from North America, South America, and Europe across several product categories—period underwear, reusable pads, menstrual cups, and reusable incontinence underwear and pads. Researchers found the presence of PFAS at levels consistent with intentional use in nearly 30 percent of the samples, the first confirmation of PFAS in reusable feminine hygiene products.

“Since reusable products are on the rise due to their increased sustainability compared to single-use products, it’s important to ensure that these products are safe. This is crucial, especially for adolescents and young women, who are more vulnerable to potential negative health effects,” Venier said. “Feminine hygiene products stay in contact with the skin for extended periods of time, and the risks from the dermal absorption of PFAS, especially neutral PFAS, are not well understood.”

PFAS are linked to serious health risks. While further studies are needed to define the risk of PFAS exposure to human skin, the study’s finding that at least one sample per category showed no intentional presence of these chemicals suggests that safer and healthier alternatives can be manufactured without them.

Source: EurekAlert!
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1091952