Re-usable menstrual items contain pervasive chemicals, raising questions about their potential health effects.
In a recent development, a study published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters has brought to light the presence of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in reusable menstrual and incontinence products. This discovery has sparked concerns about potential health risks associated with the use of these products.
PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," have been linked to several documented adverse effects on women's reproductive health. As endocrine disruptors, they interfere with hormone systems, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, reduced fertility, early menopause, pregnancy complications, and possible developmental risks for offspring.
The study specifically found PFAS in eco-friendly menstrual and incontinence products, adding a surprising dimension to the debate. The capacity of PFAS to accumulate in the body allows maternal transfer to fetuses via the placenta and to infants through breast milk, raising further concerns about developmental and reproductive outcomes in offspring.
Epidemiological data indicate associations between PFAS exposure and female infertility, although the molecular mechanisms remain under study. Additional adverse effects related to PFAS exposure, which could indirectly affect reproductive health, include liver and kidney damage, altered cholesterol levels, and immune disruption.
It's worth noting that PFAS have been found in consumer products like reusable feminine hygiene items, increasing dermal or mucosal exposure. However, research on comparative risk of skin/vaginal contact versus environmental exposure is still limited.
The presence of PFAS in period products has been a topic of discussion since an investigation by Sierra Magazine in 2020, which highlighted Thinx, a popular period underwear brand, as being a part of the PFAS debate.
In a related development, evidence of intentionally added PFAS was found in nearly 30% of the full group of 59 products tested, with period underwear and reusable pads showing the highest rates. This revelation led to a class-action case against the company, which was settled at the end of 2022.
Despite these findings, a global review on reusable menstrual pads found that these products have not shown to pose any major health threats, aside from skin irritation associated with long-term use or inadequate cleaning.
As the research continues, it's crucial to assess the types of PFAS present, their levels, and their health effects in both single-use and reusable menstrual products. The World Health Organization classified two PFAS as carcinogenic and possibly carcinogenic to humans in 2023, underscoring the urgency of this issue.
In the meantime, it's essential for consumers to be informed about the potential risks associated with the use of period products containing PFAS. Women of reproductive age pass PFAS on to their children through the placenta and breast milk, highlighting the need for careful product selection and use.
[1] Environmental Science and Technology Letters, [Title of the study] [2] Sierra Magazine, [Title of the article] [3] Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, [Title of the study] [4] Environmental Health Perspectives, [Title of the study] [5] Chemosphere, [Title of the study]
- The discovery of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in health-and-wellness products like reusable menstrual and incontinence products, as highlighted by a study in Environmental Science and Technology Letters, raises concerns about potential negative effects on women's health-and-wellness, particularly womens-health, due to PFAS's documented adverse effects on reproductive health.
- PFAS, often found in consumer products including environmental-science-related items like reusable feminine hygiene items, pose a concern for consumers as PFAShave been found to accumulate in the body, potentially leading to health issues not only for the user but also for their offspring through maternal transfer via the placenta and breast milk.
