In a significant move, California legislators have introduced a bill aiming to ban the sale of menstrual products containing harmful "forever chemicals," signaling a renewed effort to protect public health and the environment.
Mackenzie Mays reports for the Los Angeles Times.
In short:
- Assemblymember Diane Papan proposes a bill to ban PFAS in menstrual products, with public health information requirements.
- Exposure to PFAS is linked to serious health issues, including kidney cancer and liver dysfunction.
- The bill, overcoming last year's veto, could enforce fines on violators starting in 2027, enhancing consumer protection and potentially generating state revenue.
Key quote:
"This is a step in protecting women from PFAS in one of the most intimate ways that it can be exposed to our bodies."
— Diane Papan (D-San Mateo), California assemblymember
Why this matters:
Legislative efforts highlight a growing awareness of and response to the health risks associated with exposure to PFAS, particularly in products directly in contact with the body. They reflect a broader movement toward menstrual equity, ensuring that menstrual products are safe, accessible, and free from harmful chemicals for all who need them.
The Los Angeles Times story highlights a recent study by Environmental Health Sciences and the wellness and environmental watchdog group Mamavation that identified indicators of PFAS in about a fifth of tampon brands tested. Learn more about the results of that testing, which found evidence of these "forever chemicals" in everything from sports bras to ketchup, including in brands labeled PFAS-free.
