Very High Levels of Toxic Chemicals Found in Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products, Study Says
July 22, 2025 | Source: CNN Health | by Sandee LaMotte
Extremely high levels of toxic chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been found in a small sampling of reusable menstrual pads and panties, according to a new study.
“Whether we wear feminine hygiene products or not, we will all be exposed,” said senior study author Graham Peaslee, a professor of physics, chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.
“Everything in the US ultimately goes into landfills, and with time these forever chemicals leach into our drinking water, our irrigation water and our food supply,” Peaslee said.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are called “forever” chemicals because they fail to break down fully in the environment. Known endocrine disruptors, various types of PFAS have been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, obesity, high cholesterol, decreased fertility, low birth weight, accelerated puberty and hormone disruption, according to the EPA.