Graham Peaslee, a physicist at the University of Notre Dame, has brought attention to a very serious public health threat. First, he’s raising awareness about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in reusable feminine hygiene products. In 2019, he began testing samples from different brands of unused menstrual underwear. Those tests found toxic substances at worrisome levels that are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they stay in the environment for decades. This scandalous finding has led to a class action lawsuit of $5 million against Thinx. The brand is well known for its period and incontinence underwear.
Peaslee is professor emeritus in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Notre Dame. TOF-PIGE for non-destructive elemental analysis He developed advanced particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) ion beam analysis for his research. From these 323 unique samples, we conducted rigorous testing to determine which PFAS compounds are present. These research findings have alarmed many about the chemical exposure through feminine hygiene products.
In 2023, Peaslee continued his research by testing an additional 44 period and incontinence products for PFAS. He and his team collaborated with graduate student Alyssa Wicks to evaluate over 70 products. They pulled these products from a wide variety of regional markets throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The findings showed that one in three period underwear sampled contained intentional fluorination, with a 25% found in reusable pads.
The ramifications of these findings are profound. Currently, there are no federal labeling requirements for PFAS in consumer products. As it stands, only a handful of U.S. states have introduced such laws. These state laws contain language that would ensure consumer products are free from intentional PFAS use. The absence of oversight is a clear danger to the health and safety of consumers who depend on these products for health and hygiene.
Peaslee and Wicks, alongside researchers from Indiana University, including Marta Venier and Sydney Brady, authored a landmark study. It highlights the urgent need to consider and regulate the chemicals present in feminine hygiene products. This study highlights the need for ingredient transparency in products to protect consumer health.
The public’s awareness of the dangers posed by PFAS chemicals is expanding exponentially. In response, manufacturers will be under growing pressure to publicly release product chemical compositions. The ongoing discussions surrounding this issue emphasize the necessity for consumers to be informed about the potential risks associated with their choices.