Period underwear without PFAS: Why you want to avoid PFAS

Period underwear is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to the traditional menstrual products of tampons and pads. As people become concerned with using more environmentally friendly products, safety questions about the materials in the products are also growing. One of them is the PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—which are chemicals found in consumer goods because of their water and stain-resistance. We will explain why choosing period underwear without PFAS matters more to your health.

What are PFAS?

So here is the basics on PFAS—those are an acronym for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They're basically a group of synthetic chemicals that are effective at resisting heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. That's why they appear in all sorts of products we consume every day, from your non-stick cooking pans to water-repellent tops. They even show up in things like period pants.

The health risks of PFAS

Most people will call them "forever chemicals" since they don't degrade in the environment. Meaning that they can linger in our water and soil and find their way into our bodies over time.

So, PFAS are really just these chemicals that can do a number on our health. Studies have found that they can interfere with our hormone balance, which is basically scary, especially for us women. The hormone imbalance from this chemical can impact our reproductive health, and even cause pregnancy and fertility issues. They're also linked to weakening our immune systems. Which means it becomes more difficult for our bodies to be able to fight off infection.

Some studies have shown that exposure to PFAS can increase our risk for getting cancer, like kidney cancer. The true concern is that PFAS build up in our systems over time. So, we might not even realize the effect is happening right away, but it could really harm our health in the future. Something that we definitely need to know about.

It's so important to look out for PFAS in products like period underwear. We wear it so close to our body. Going for PFAS-free products can significantly cut down our intake of these chemicals. It's something worth thinking about when deciding what to purchase.

PFAS in menstrual products

2023 research discovers the presence of PFAS, in the majority of menstrual products, including tampons, pads, and period underwear. The concentrations are linked to serious health issues like cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system compromise. Alarmingly, most such products are branded as 'natural' or 'organic'. 

TIME highlights the need for tighter regulations and transparent labeling to protect consumers.

So from the news we discovered that some brands had period underwear that contained PFAS. Which is horrible, because the vaginal tissue is highly absorbent, so even minute amounts of PFAS can be absorbed into the body. 

Choose period underwear without PFAS

Going for PFAS-free period underwear has some serious perks that are good for both us and the planet. Here’s why we’re all about them:

1. It’s way healthier: This kind of underwear cuts down on your contact with pfas chemicals that mess with your hormones and could up your risk for some scary stuff like cancer and thyroid problems. It’s like choosing a cleaner option for your body.
2. Eco-friendly: PFAS chemicals don’t break down and can really damage nature. By choosing PFAS-free, we will help to avoid this.
3. Comfort first: Since they don't have PFAS, these briefs are typically made with natural or safer synthetics that are incredibly soothing on your skin. That translates to less irritation and greater comfort when our skin is most sensitive that time of the month.
4. Encouraging improved brands: Purchasing items with no PFAS within them is sending the message to companies that we need safety and sustainability. It is an effective way to encourage companies to become more transparent and improved in action.
5. Saves money in the long run: Even though they might cost a bit more at first, PFAS-free period underwear tends to last longer, so you’re not buying new ones as often. Over time, you’ll save some cash, which is always a bonus.

How to know and choose PFAS-Free Products

When you're out shopping for period underwear, it's actually really important to avoid PFAS for your own well-being. Here's how you can make sure you're picking products that aren't full of those yucky chemicals:

1. Read the labels: Just always read the product labels for the terms "fluoro" or "perfluoro," which are immediate red flags for PFAS. Most responsible brands will just flat-out state whether they're "PFAS-free" on the box.
2. Look for certifications: Employ products which have certifications by well-known health and safety institutions. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or Made Safe certified means the product's been checked and is toxin-free of nasty stuff, such as PFAS.
3. Read the brand: Visit the brand's website and read their product descriptions and FAQs. Trustworthy brands will inform you about all the things regarding what materials they are employing and how they are producing their products without utilizing deadly chemicals, like PFAS.
4. Call the manufacturer: If you're still not sure, simply email the manufacturer and inquire whether they use PFAS. Any reputable brand will be truthful and inform you so.
5. Choose good eco-friendly brands: Eco-friendly brands avoid chemicals like PFAS. They're more than willing to boast about their health and environmental concerns, which is a pretty good sign they're safe.

After ensuring a product meets safety standards, it’s worth considering brands that are committed to both your well-being and environmental sustainability.

One such brand is Bamboozy, which offers a range of period underwear designed with both safety and comfort in mind. We ensures that our products are free from harmful chemicals, including PFAS. This commitment is evident in our use of OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified materials, which guarantees that our underwear are free from harmful levels of more than 100 substances known to be hazardous to human health. Choosing a product like Bamboozy’s can be a step towards ensuring personal health safety, while also supporting broader environmental goals. See the period underwear collection here.