Menstrual panties and cups: PFAS detected in all reusable feminine protection

PFAS in 33% of menstrual panties

This time, they were found in reusable feminine hygiene products. Menstrual panties, reusable sanitary pads, menstrual cups, and reusable incontinence underwear and pads—a total of 59 products were tested. All contained PFAS. But for nearly 30% of them, they were found at levels consistent with intentional use by the manufacturer. Menstrual panties and menstrual cups had the highest levels of intentional PFAS use, at 33% and 25%, respectively.

“With reusable products on the rise due to their increased durability compared to single-use products, it is important to ensure their safety. This is crucial, especially for adolescent girls and young women, who are more vulnerable to the potentially harmful health effects of PFAS,” said Professor Marta Venier, lead author of the study, in a press release. “Feminine hygiene products remain in prolonged contact with the skin, and the risks associated with skin absorption of PFAS, particularly neutral PFAS (more volatile, editor’s note), are still poorly understood.” It should also be noted that mucous membranes are much more permeable than skin.

A duty of transparency on the part of manufacturers

“One of the most abundant PFAS detected in products on the North American market is 8:2 FTOH, a chemical voluntarily removed from food packaging by manufacturers, in compliance with the FDA, due to its persistence in the body after dietary exposure,” said Sydney Brady, a doctoral student in Marta Venier’s lab. 8:2 FTOH converts to PFOA, which is classified as a human carcinogen by the IARC.

While the risks associated with skin exposure are not yet well defined, the precautionary principle should be applied and the consequences of skin absorption further studied. This is especially true since at least one product in each category did not intentionally contain any traces of PFAS. It is therefore possible for manufacturers to manufacture safer products.

Marta Venier also emphasizes the need for transparency from manufacturers. "Consumers need to know that the composition of a product is not always indicated on the packaging. Greater transparency from manufacturers would help consumers make informed decisions about purchases for themselves and their families."

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