Thinx Again: On What We Need to Know about PFAS in Our Period Products

As thoughtful consumers, we try to make the best decisions for ourselves and our families. And the bottom line is that we shouldn't have to twice about the possibility that the everyday products we use, from the cookware in our homes to our cosmetics, could pose any level of danger to our health and wellbeing. We should be able to have confidence in the brands that make these products, as well as in the role of the powers that be — specifically the FDA — in ensuring their safety. However, there are unfortunate realities behind many of these everyday goods; PFAS, better known as "forever chemicals,” being one of them.

In today’s episode of On Health, I address the threat of PFAS to our wellbeing as women, and to our children as I talk about the recent controversy that was brought to light from behind the shadows of some very misleading marketing by Thinx, a popular period underwear company. I dive into the long-term impact these chemicals can have on our health, the toxicity of labels like "organic" and "natural" in products that clearly contain PFAS, what products to be aware of, how to limit your exposure, and the importance of advocating for real, systemic change to keep ourselves, our families, and future generations as safe and healthy as possible.

Join me as I discuss:

• The definition and history of PFAS and why they are classified as "forever chemicals"
• Where menstrual products fall under the FDA's regulatory category and what this ultimately means for their safety
• How much PFAS exposure we are getting from menstrual products and the health risks associated with this
• Tips and best practices to reduce exposure to PFAS when it comes to both menstrual products and everyday living
• Why the issue of these chemicals present in our products requires systemic change and what needs to be done moving forward

Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm and go to avivaromm.com to join the conversation.

Resources:

For PFAS-free options for menstrual underwear, check out guides from Better Goods and Mamavation

The Green Science Policy Institute has lists of PFAS-free consumer products—from rain gear to car seats.

The Environmental Working Group’s database can help you to identify cosmetics and body products that do not contain PFAS.

Additional Reading:

Are Your Menstrual Products Hazardous To Your Health? https://avivaromm.com/menstrual-products/

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) Impacting Your Hormone Balance https://avivaromm.com/hormone-disruptors/

The Toxins That Could be Tanking Your Thyroid https://avivaromm.com/thyroid-toxins/

For an in-depth discussion of the role of endocrine disruptors on our reproductive health - and what you can do - get your copy of my bestselling book, Hormone Intelligence