Menstruation products are products used by people who menstruate to manage their periods. These products can include tampons, pads, period underwear, menstrual cups, and reusable cloth pads. Here is what we know about the ingredients and materials used in these products:
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Ingredients: Ideally, every ingredient intentionally added to the product should be listed on the outer package so that the user knows what ingredient exposures are associated with use of the product. However, many products still do not disclose all of their ingredients, and some use vague descriptors that do not allow users to identify or understand the actual chemical exposure. Womens Voices for the Earth advocates for labels to include the chemical name of the ingredient, the component in which the ingredient is used, and the function of the ingredient.
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Materials: Some menstrual products have been found to contain toxic chemicals, such as PFAS, which have been linked to health issues. However, there are also many menstrual care products free of bleach, pesticides, and toxic chemicals, including organic, unbleached tampons and pads, reusable cloth pads, some period underwear, and silicon and natural rubber cups.
It is important for people who menstruate to have access to accurate and detailed information about the ingredients and materials used in menstrual products so that they can make informed choices about what products to use.
