There’s been a lot of talk in recent years about PFAS in various consumer products, including absorbent hygiene products in the period and incontinence care space. Today on the blog, we’re breaking down what we know about PFAS and why it’s so important to our health to understand how the products we use every day are made.
What are PFAS and why are we talking about them?
“PFAS” or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals widely used in various industrial and consumer products for their water-and stain-resistant properties. (Gore-Tex is one well-known example). PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and human body, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." Exposure has been linked to a range of serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, immune system disruption, thyroid disease, and developmental problems in infants and children. Their ability to accumulate over time exacerbates these risks, making it crucial to minimize exposure.
PFAS in Disposable Hygiene Products
In recent years, scary headlines have popped up reporting that PFAS have been found in many absorbent and personal hygiene products including tampons, diapers, wipes, and other brands of incontinence pads. When conducted properly by a certified lab, testing can detect PFAS by analyzing product samples for the presence of fluorine, which, if found, is indicative that PFAS are present.
PFAS in disposable hygiene products, such as diapers, period sanitary pads, and incontinence products, raise significant health concerns, particularly given that these products sit in direct contact with our skin for extended periods of time. The disposal of these products also contributes to environmental contamination because PFAS do not decompose and can leach into soil and water, posing long-term ecological and public health risks. Given these health risks and the impact these chemicals have on our environment, it’s important to look for hygiene products that are free from these chemicals.
How Do PFAS Get Into Personal Hygiene Products in the First Place?
PFAS sometimes end up in disposable absorbent hygiene products both intentionally and inadvertently. Intentionally, they are incorporated into product designs for their water- and stain-resistant properties, ensuring effectiveness and comfort. However, PFAS can also be present inadvertently. For example, if water used in the manufacturing process is contaminated with PFAS, these chemicals can inadvertently become part of the final product. The pervasive nature of PFAS means that even products marketed as PFAS-free might still test positive for these substances in a lab. When PFAS are found to be inadvertently present, they are typically at much lower concentrations. Despite this, the potential health risks and environmental impacts remain significant, as PFAS can accumulate over time. The challenge lies in mitigating exposure and finding safer alternatives to these persistent chemicals.
How We Think About PFAS at Attn: Grace
From day one, we’ve been committed to holding our design and development process to the highest standards of health and environmental safety. We manufacture our liners, pads and briefs in European factories, adhering strictly to all relevant European and EU-national legislation concerning chemicals and product safety. European regulations are renowned for setting some of the highest standards for consumer product safety globally, further ensuring that our products meet rigorous criteria.
As part of our commitment to consumer protection, we comply fully with these regulations, excluding the same harmful ingredients from our products that are prohibited in the EU. We’re proud to have designed products that provide game-changing absorption and comfort while also ensuring that our products are free from harsh, harmful chemicals. Our commitment to quality and safety means our customers can trust they are using high-performing products that prioritize their health and the health of our environment.
Eliminating harmful, unnecessary chemicals from our pads, briefs, and incontinence extras to bring you products you can trust has always been core to our larger mission and reason for being. To learn more, check out this blog post about our Absolutely Nots, and our status as a Certified B Corp.