Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Reusable Feminine Hygiene Products

Abstract

Personal care products, such as cosmetics, have received attention for containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), yet limited information is known on the PFAS content in reusable feminine hygiene products, both in the United States and abroad. In this study, 59 reusable feminine hygiene products across five product categories first underwent total fluorine screening via particle-induced gamma-ray emission spectroscopy. Period underwear and reusable pads had the greatest rates of intentional PFAS use (>110 ppm total fluorine) at 33% and 25%, respectively. Subsequently, 19 of these products were chosen for targeted analysis of 31 ionic and 11 neutral PFAS. PFAS were detected in 100% of the extracted products, 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. The observation of at least one product in each tested category not containing intentional fluorine indicates that PFAS use is unnecessary in all these reusable products. The results of this small initial survey, together with limited knowledge of the dermal absorption of PFAS, suggest more comprehensive PFAS exposure studies are needed.