Scientists have found that many reusable menstrual products, including period underwear and washable pads, contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), raising concerns about prolonged skin exposure to these persistent and potentially toxic chemicals.
Sharon Udasin reports for The Hill.
In short:
- Researchers screened 59 reusable menstrual and incontinence products from global markets and found high rates of intentional PFAS use in period underwear (33%) and reusable pads (25%).
- All 19 products selected for more detailed testing contained PFAS, with two neutral PFAS types — 6:2 and 8:2 FTOH — appearing most frequently, especially in North American products.
- Scientists are concerned about skin exposure risks, particularly for adolescents and young women, and note that some products were PFAS-free, suggesting safer alternatives are possible.
Key quote:
“Feminine hygiene products stay in contact with the skin for extended periods of time. The risks from the dermal absorption of PFAS, especially neutral PFAS, are not well understood.”
— Marta Venier, associate professor at the University of Notre Dame and study co-author
Why this matters:
PFAS, dubbed “forever chemicals” for their resistance to breakdown, have been linked to a growing list of health problems, including cancer, reproductive harm, immune dysfunction, and hormonal disruption. Their widespread use in consumer goods — now including items marketed as sustainable and safe, like reusable menstrual products — adds a troubling layer to already complex exposure routes. Skin, our largest organ, may absorb these chemicals during prolonged contact, especially in areas with thinner or more sensitive tissue. The lack of clear safety standards for dermal PFAS exposure, combined with their ability to accumulate in the body, leaves consumers, particularly teens and young adults, unknowingly vulnerable.
