Notre Dame Study Finds PFAS in Reusable Feminine Hygiene Products

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have identified concerning levels of polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, in reusable feminine hygiene products. The study reveals that these human-made chemicals, notorious for their resilience in the environment, pose potential health risks to consumers.

PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to breaking down. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to PFAS has been linked to several adverse health outcomes, including reduced fertility in women, developmental issues in infants such as low birth weight, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

The research team found that nearly one-third of the reusable feminine hygiene products tested contained significant levels of PFAS. Specifically, the study reported that 33% of period underwear and 25% of reusable pads showed evidence of “intentional fluorination.” Alarmingly, this finding includes items marketed as “eco-friendly,” raising questions about their safety.

Graham Peaslee, a lead researcher, emphasized the dual risks posed by these products. “This means these products are both a risk to the wearer as well as to the rest of us when they are eventually disposed of,” he stated in a news release. He pointed out that PFAS can persist in landfills and potentially contaminate irrigation and drinking water systems.

The study examined more than 70 products, including menstrual cups and reusable incontinence underwear. While the findings are significant, Peaslee acknowledged the limitations of the research. The published results in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters suggest that further studies are necessary to fully understand the extent of PFAS use in manufacturing these items.

“There’s still a lot we don’t know about the extent to which PFAS are being used in the manufacturing of these products,” Peaslee remarked. He also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the potential for these chemicals to be absorbed through the skin by consumers.

Researchers chose not to disclose the brands that were tested, but they hope their work will encourage consumers to inquire about the presence of PFAS in their products. The study aims to inform discussions around potential legislation for mandatory labeling of such chemicals.

Peaslee has been involved in multiple studies regarding PFAS in feminine hygiene products. His previous research, which discovered PFAS in unused menstrual underwear in 2019, contributed to a $5 million lawsuit against the brand Thinx.

Health concerns related to PFAS have prompted federal bans and regulatory measures, including recent actions taken in Indiana to monitor the chemicals’ effects on firefighters. As awareness grows, the implications of this research extend beyond individual health, highlighting the need for comprehensive regulations to protect public health and the environment.