Overview

• Researchers screened 59 reusable menstrual products from North America, South America and Europe using particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy to assess total fluorine content.
• Period underwear and reusable pads showed the highest rates of deliberate fluorination at 33 percent and 25 percent respectively.
• Targeted chemical analyses of 19 products found PFAS in every sample, with neutral fluorotelomer alcohols 6:2 FTOH and 8:2 FTOH the most abundant compounds.
• Study authors warn that prolonged skin contact may pose unquantified dermal absorption risks and that PFAS persistence threatens landfill leachate and water supplies.
• At least one PFAS-free product was identified in each category, demonstrating viable manufacturing alternatives despite the absence of labeling requirements.