All women use sanitary products that are currently made with highly toxic chemicals with many known as forever chemicals. These includes PFAS, PFOS, lead, arsenic, glyphosate etc.  The skin of the vagina has a higher potential for chemical absorption than skin elsewhere on the body thus chemicals that are absorbed can bypass liver metabolism and directly enter systemic circulation. 

• Traces of glyphosate, a pesticide linked to cancer, has been found at very high levels in menstrual products. See full report
• Metals of some kind, including toxic metals like lead, arsenic and cadmium, were present in all the tampons that we tested, regardless of brand. See article
• Metals have been found to increase the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes, and cancer. See full article
• Study found that menstrual products contain a variety of endocrine-disrupting chemicals including phthalates, volatile organic compounds, parabens, environmental phenols, fragrance chemicals, dioxins and dioxin-like compounds. See article

Since 2002, it has been discovered that sanitary products has questionable safety standards for use. It took campaigning by interest groups, NGOs and scientists to bring this pressing health concern to the forefront. And yet, everyday girls and women around the world are exposed to this poison and paying their good money for it. It has been said that 68% of women in the U.K are not aware of this danger. 

To expect immediate alternative to current standards of sanitary product will take too long and it is highly important to now ensure that women sees and understand that by continuing to use these toxic products, they subject themselves to chemical admission.

Hence, all sanitary products should by tested and to indicate clearly all of  the chemicals that are present in them on the face of the product packaging. Even as legislations are passed in New York and California, manufacturers found ways to circumvent the regulations by not stating period products ingredients specifically - period washing women (Bill: “Menstrual Products Right To Know Act of 2022”.).

More resources:

Legal Responses to the Potential Dangers of Menstrual Products​

Volatile organic compounds in feminine hygiene products sold in the US market: A survey of products and health risks​

Vermont’s new law is the first in the nation to restrict phthalates, formaldehyde, mercury, and lead among other chemicals in menstrual products