High PFAS levels found in period products

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in some reusable menstrual underwear and pads, with one-third of tested items showing signs of intentional use.

Researchers analysed 59 products, including 43 pairs of period underwear, eight reusable pads, four menstrual cups, three reusable incontinence underwear and one reusable incontinence pad.

PFAS – short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are synthetic chemicals that do not break down in the environment and have been linked to cancer, obesity, high cholesterol, reduced fertility, hormone disruption and other serious health issues.

Some products contained neutral PFAS at levels measured in parts per million – significantly higher than the parts per trillion often considered safe.

Neutral PFAS, which carry no electrical charge, may be more easily absorbed through skin and mucous membranes such as vaginal tissue.

The study, led by the University of Notre Dame, found that 33 per cent of period underwear and 25 per cent of reusable pads contained PFAS at levels indicating they had likely been added deliberately, most likely for leak protection.

Professor Graham Peaslee, of Notre Dame’s departments of physics, chemistry and biochemistry, said: “What’s shocking is that we found 33 per cent of period underwear and 25 per cent of reusable pads had intentional PFAS use — meaning the chemicals had been put there, likely to keep the products from leaking.”

The researchers also observed inconsistent PFAS placement in the products.

Peaslee added: “It did seem to be random — sometimes they put PFAS in the inside layer of material, sometimes on the outside, sometimes between the layers, all of which suggests they have no idea what they’re doing.

“There’s no labelling, so consumers have no clue because there’s no way they can tell.”

Many of the materials were sourced from third-party suppliers overseas, where awareness of PFAS-related risks may be lower than among US-based manufacturers, the study noted.

The findings come as more people seek eco-friendly menstrual products, although there is limited research on how much PFAS may be absorbed through vaginal tissue over time.

Dr Kathrin Schilling, assistant professor of environmental science at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, said: “That is a huge gap in our understanding, especially given how many people rely on these products monthly for years.

“While these findings might seem niche at first glance, they point to a broader need for research, regulation, and transparency around the materials used in all menstrual products.”

The products tested came from manufacturers in the US, as well as from South America, Australia and Europe.

While the sample size was relatively small, the researchers said it provides a representative snapshot of the current market.