PFAS: Some period products may contain 'forever chemicals'

Evan Walker
Evan Walker TheMediTary.Com |
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Tampons are among the products researchers studied for potential PFAS contamination. Natalie JEFFCOTT/Stocksy
  • Researchers said they found perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a potentially harmful substance, in certain period products, including the packaging for those items.
  • PFAS have been linked to potential health problems, including cancer, liver and kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and immune system dysfunction.
  • Experts say you can lower your exposure to PFAS by making sure water, food, and packaged products do not contain these “forever chemicals.”

Perfolyfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are called forever chemicals because of their extended time to break down.

In a new study led by Graham Peaslee, PhD, a professor at Notre Dame University in Indiana, researchers said they examined period products and detected PFAS in some of them.

They presented their findings this week at the 2023 American Chemical Society fall meeting. The research hasn’t been published yet in a peer-reviewed journal.

“PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, found in period products — liners pads, tampons, cups, and underwear — has long been a topic of conversation around the water cooler for its potentially harmful effects on the user, said Dr. Sherry Ross, an OB-GYN and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California.

“PFAS’s harmful ‘forever chemicals’ can potentially linger in the body and cause hormonal and reproductive problems, immune suppression, and potential cancer risks.”

“It’s hard to know whether the period products contain PFAS since it’s not listed on the ingredient list,” Dr. Ross told Medical News Today.

“There is a lack of scientific research showing the exact association between PFAS intake and harmful medical conditions.”

It is unknown whether PFAS can pass through different materials through the skin. Researchers have also found PFAS in Health">school uniforms and firefighting gear.

These chemicals have been Health">linked to potential Health problems, including an increased risk of:

  • cancer
  • liver and kidney damage
  • cardiovascular disease
  • obesity
  • diabetes
  • immune system dysfunction

“I don’t think the information presented here, or that which will be presented at the meeting by this presenter, does anything more than suggest that more [research] is needed to truly dial into whether this is a problem,” Dr. Randy Fiorentino, the physician site director with St. Joseph Heritage Medical Group’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, told MNT.

There are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to PFAS.

Officials at the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry have a number of recommendations:

Recommendations on reducing your risk of PFAS exposure
Avoid drinking contaminated water
Don’t eat fish from contaminated waters
Avoid food from animals exposed to PFAS
Avoid products packaged with PFAS materials

“There are many options when selecting period products, using organic and natural products which are generally free of synthetic chemicals, menstrual cups, and reusable period underwear should be considered,” Dr. Ross said. “Looking for ‘PFAS-and fluorinated free’ products is also a good strategy for finding safe alternatives.”

“It’s reassuring that the majority of period products do not contain PFAS,” Dr. Ross added. “You can never be too safe when it comes to using period products that may put your health at risk.”

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