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Forever Chemicals in Feminine Hygiene Products

Every month, women rely on feminine hygiene products. These products often contain substances that can be harmful to health and come in contact with the most sensitive and absorbent areas of the female body. The most concerning chemicals are PFAS, phthalates, parabens, phenols, “fragrance”, VOCs, pesticides, and dioxins and dioxin-like compounds.


PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” have been linked to “decreased fertility, high blood pressure in pregnant people, increased risk of certain cancers, developmental delays and low birthweight in children, hormonal disruption, high cholesterol, reduced effectiveness of the immune system—leading to decreased efficacy of vaccines—and more.” The nickname “forever chemicals” comes from the fact that they take several years to leave the body or environment where they are introduced. These chemicals are used to make materials resistant to stains and non-absorbent and are found in many feminine hygiene products.


“In a series of lab analyses commissioned between 2020 and 2022 by the consumer watchdog site Mamavation and Environmental Health News, 48% of sanitary pads, incontinence pads, and panty liners tested were found to contain PFAS, as were 22% of tampons and 65% of period underwear.”

Phthalates, parabens, and phenols are known to be endocrine disrupting. Endocrine disruptors disturb the delicate hormonal balance of the body and can lead to developmental issues in children, increased risk for certain cancers, and reduced fertility.

“Fragrance” is a blanket term used to represent the chemical cocktail that produces scent. Companies do not have to disclose these chemicals because they are considered to be trade secrets. Many of these chemicals can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, hormone disruption, and neurological issues. Choosing unscented feminine hygiene products that do not have “fragrance” or “perfume” on the ingredients panel is the easiest way to avoid these chemicals. 


VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are also present in some feminine hygiene products. Many of the VOCs present in these products are known carcinogens, like benzene. These chemicals are entering the bloodstream of menstruating women, since tests reveal that they are being excreted in the urine.


High levels of pesticides are found in conventionally grown crops, including the cotton used to make period products. “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified 7 of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton as ‘possible, likely, probable, or known human carcinogens.’” Choosing organic feminine hygiene products reduces your exposure to these harmful chemicals. 


“According to Pesticide Action Network, farmers are forced to use some of the most hazardous pesticides on their cotton fields, and the WHO has classified many cotton pesticides as ‘extremely or highly hazardous.’ These pesticides have been linked to infertility, neurological dysfunction, and developmental defects.”

Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds include PCBs, POPs, PCDFs, and PCDDs, and “are unwanted by-products of combustion and various industrial processes, such as chlorine bleaching of paper pulp and smelting.” These chemicals are found in many feminine hygiene products. Production processes, like cotton bleaching, allow these chemicals to enter into these products. 


Choosing feminine care products made from natural materials that have been minimally processed is a good way to avoid these toxic chemicals. Alternative products include organic unscented and unbleached cotton pads and tampons, medical grade silicone or natural rubber cups, and reusable organic cloth pads.


Schedule an appointment with Renewed Hope Nutrition to learn more about natural health and receive personalized nutrition recommendations.



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