SOUTH BEND, Indiana – – A study first published in the Environmental Science & Technology Letters on July 22, 2025, has revealed the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in commonly used feminine hygiene products used by women during menstruation. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are a global concern due to links to a variety of health issues such as cancer, immune disorders, decreased fertility, and developmental delays in children.
Conducted by an independent group of researchers that included Forever Analytical Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer Graham Peaslee, PhD, the study investigated the occurrence of PFAS in 59 reusable feminine hygiene products across five categories: period underwear, reusable pads, reusable incontinence underwear, and menstrual cups. A sampling of sanitary pads, panty liners, tampons, and disposable incontinence underwear were also analyzed.
The study conducted two flights of analysis. All 59 products underwent total fluorine screening via particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy (PIGE). PIGE analysis revealed that period underwear and reusable pads had the greatest rates of intentional PFAS use—PFAS knowingly used for specific performance such as a moisture barrier.
In the second flight, 19 products underwent targeted analysis of 31 ionic and 11neutral PFAS. One hundred percent of these products were determined to contain PFAS, with 6:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomer alcohols being the most abundant compounds. Tested products were sourced from multiple markets, including North America, South America and Europe, all of which had at least one item with levels consistent with intentional fluorination. Surprisingly, at least one product in each tested category did not contain intentional fluorine. This indicates that the use of PFAS is unnecessary in reusable feminine hygiene products.
Although the presence of PFAS in menstrual products is concerning due to potential health risks, Forever Analytical’s Peaslee states more research is needed.
“Feminine hygiene products are generally worn against the skin, posing a direct exposure pathway for PFAS. Years of monthly use amplifies that exposure and risk. While there have been numerous studies on the presence of PFAS in cosmetics, the dermal absorption of PFAS in feminine hygiene products has not been widely studied. The results of our initial study raised a caution flag and suggest more comprehensive PFAS exposure studies are needed to better define the dermal exposure risks of PFAS across a wider variety of feminine hygiene products.Broader research will enable us to draw stronger conclusions on PFAS presence and potential impact on health,” Peaslee said.
Despite the need for more research, a number of U.S. states, including California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Vermont, have already passed legislation banning the use of PFAS in menstrual products. This underscores the need for further studies and data to support further regulatory action.
Hunter MacMillan, Co-founder and CEO of Forever Analytical, invites makers of feminine hygiene products to take advantage of the company’s PFAS testing services, which screen for thousands of PFAS rapidly and affordably. “There’s growing awareness among consumers of the potential risk of using everyday products that contain PFAS. Brand owners are well served by proactively screening their products for PFAS and achieving greater transparency and trust with their customers.”
About Forever Analytical, Inc.
With dual headquarters in South Bend, Indiana, and Eindhoven, The Netherlands, Forever Analytical provides PFAS testing and monitoring services to customers across the globe. The company’s novel proton-beam powered technology is able to rapidly detect with accuracy and specificity thousands of PFAS chemicals and other contaminants in minutes and in so doing support fluorine-free human and environmental health. Learn More.
