High levels of chemical substances found in ecological menstrual products, reveals a study

Extremely high levels of toxic chemicals were found in a small sample of reusable menstrual towels. Meanwhile, panties, a new study revealed.

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A total of 59 ecological menstrual products, mainly of American manufacturers, has been analyzed, including reusable hygienic towels, menstrual cuts and pregnancy underwear as part of the study published Tuesday in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters.

The study has not only demonstrated that an alarming quantity of PFAS (perfluoroalkylasted. Similarly, polyfluoroalkylakyls) was in certain reusable hygienic products, but also revealed that some of these toxic chemicals were added intentionally.

“What is shocking is that we have discovered that 33 % of periodic underwear. high levels chemical substances found new Similarly, 25 % of reusable hygienic towels contained intentional PFAS, which means that chemicals have been added, probably to prevent products from fleeing,” said the main study of the study, Graham Peaslee, professor of physics, chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Notre-Dame. Furthermore, Indiana, at CNN.

PFAS. also called “eternal chemicals” because they do not decompose completely in the environment, are used in particular for their non -stick, waterproofing and fireproof properties, but their persistence poses problems on health and the environment.

Known to be endocrine disruptors. various types of PFAS have been associated with serious health high levels chemical substances found new problems such as cancer, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, lower fertility, weight insufficiency at birth, accelerated puberty and hormonal disturbance, according to information from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Add a chemical … without knowing it

Many reusable materials came from third-party suppliers from other countries. which may not be as aware of the dangers of PFAS as national manufacturers.

“It seems that it is random – sometimes they put the PFAS in the inner layer of the material. sometimes outside, sometimes between the layers, which suggests that they have no idea what they are doing,” added Mr. Peaslee.

In the absence of the packaging, Mr. Peaslee warns that consumers have no idea that certain products contain toxic chemicals.

A situation which is deplored by the assistant professor in environmental sciences at the Irving Medical Center of Columbia University in New York. Kathrin Schilling.

“An increasing number of adolescent girls. adults are looking high levels chemical substances found new for more environmentally friendly choices, while scientists still know very little about the quantity of PFAS and other chemicals actually absorbed by vaginal tissues over time,” she deplored the CNN media.

The professor believes that this is a huge gap in knowledge on the subject. considering that many people use these products every month.

“Although these results may seem marginal at first glance. they highlight a wider need for research, regulation and transparency concerning the materials used in all menstrual products,” she added.