- Researchers said they discovered perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS), a possibly damaging compound, in specific duration items, consisting of the product packaging for those products.
- PFAS have actually been connected to prospective illness, consisting of cancer, liver and kidney damage, heart disease, weight problems, diabetes, and body immune system dysfunction.
- Experts state you can decrease your direct exposure to PFAS by making certain water, food, and packaged items do not consist of these “forever chemicals.”
Perfolyfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) are called permanently chemicals since of their prolonged time to break down.
In a brand-new research study led by Graham Peaslee, PhD, a teacher at Notre Dame University in Indiana, scientists said they took a look at duration items and found PFAS in a few of them.
They provided their findings today at the 2023 fall conference of the American Chemical Society. The research study hasn’t been released yet in a peer-reviewed journal.
The researchers analyzed more than 100 duration items and their product packaging, searching for fluorinated substances, a sign of possibly damaging
The items analyzed consisted of tampons, pads, multiple-use underclothing, and menstrual cups. The scientists kept in mind that labels for duration items do not usually list active ingredients. Therefore, customers do not understand what remains in the item.
The scientists said the outcomes revealed that a number of the items did not have polyfluoroalkyl. However, the scientists said they were amazed at the existence of it in the wrappers for some pads and tampons along with in the external layers of a few of the duration underclothing.
The research study group reported high concentrations in some items, specifically in product packaging and the external layers.
They assume that makers include fluorine to keep wetness out and keep the item dry. When they include fluorine to the external layers of the items, it might keep blood from leaving the inner layers and infecting clothes.
“PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, found in period products – liners pads, tampons, cups, and underwear – has long been a topic of conversation around the water cooler for its potentially harmful effects on the user, said Dr. Sherry Ross, an OB/GYN and women’s health expert at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California. “PFAS’s harmful ‘forever chemicals’ can potentially linger in the body and cause hormonal and reproductive problems, immune suppression, and potential cancer risks.”
“It’s hard to know whether the period products contain PFAS since it’s not listed on the ingredient list,” Ross informed Medical News Today. “There is a lack of scientific research showing the exact association between PFAS intake and harmful medical conditions.”
It is unidentified whether PFAS can go through various products through the skin. Researchers have actually likewise discovered PFAS in
These chemicals have actually been
“I don’t think the information presented here, or that which will be presented at the meeting by this presenter, does anything more than suggest that more [research] is needed to truly dial into whether this is a problem,” Dr. Randy Fiorentino, the doctor website director with St. Joseph Heritage Medical Group’s Department of OB/GYN, informed Medical News Today.
The
The firm says “Many PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are a concern” since they:
- do not break down in the environment,
- can move through soils and infect drinking water sources,
- build up (bioaccumulate) in fish and wildlife.
“PFAS are found in rivers and lakes and many animals on land and in the water,” CDC authorities included.
“It seems the focus of the research is on the environmental effects when these compounds hit the landfills,” Fiorentino said. “As far as concerns to women’s health, I think we would have to learn about the concentration of PFAS’s in these products and the route and concentration of their absorption.”
“Fluoride is actually a safe element in small daily amounts,” Fiorentino included. “So, it may be unlikely that this poses a significant risk to women’s health. In fact, the study’s summary suggests that they will be considering the question of fluoridated compounds in wrappers over those found in the products themselves. Again, pointing to the environmental risks.”
There are actions you can require to lower your direct exposure to PFAS.
Officials at the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry have a variety of suggestions.
“There are many options when selecting period products, using organic and natural products which are generally free of synthetic chemicals, menstrual cups, and reusable period underwear should be considered,” Ross said. “Looking for ‘PFAS-and fluorinated free’ products is also a good strategy for finding safe alternatives.”
“It’s reassuring that the majority of period products do not contain PFAS,” Ross included.” You can never ever be too safe when it pertains to utilizing duration items that might put your health at danger.”
