California Bans ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Tampons: Here’s What to Know

California has become the first state to take a stance against “forever chemicals” in tampons and other menstruation products, such as discs and period underwear. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom this week signed a bill that, by 2025, will prohibit the sale of products that contain “intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances,” or PFAS, similar to existing California law on PFAS in cosmetics taking effect next year. By 2027, PFAS in menstruation products sold in the state must be kept below a specific level. 

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because of their ability to stick around in our bodies. Long-term exposure has been linked to different health problems, including reproductive and hormonal disruptions, effects on the immune system, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Earlier research has identified PFAS in menstruation products, including tampon wrappers and period underwear, and advocates have pushed for reducing our exposure to PFAS whenever possible. 

In addition to menstruation products, PFAS can be found in a variety of everyday consumer products and necessities, from cosmetics, perfumes, cookware and even drinking water. But the fact that tampons and pads may contain PFAS may be of considerable concern because they’re necessary items for millions of people for a significant chunk of their lifetime, usually spanning their early teenage years to their early 50s. And in the case of tampons, they’re also used inside the body where there may theoretically be more opportunity for absorption. 

The news from California trails earlier research on tampons and menstruation products and fears over the potential that they contain other additives with potentially harmful effects on human health, including metals such as lead. 

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