Bill aims to keep PFAs out of feminine hygiene products

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – This spring, Vermont passed the country’s most restrictive ban on toxic chemicals in period products. Experts told Channel 3 about how you can shop smart and urge big brands to adapt.

With so many styles, sizes, and prices on the shelf, shopping for period products can be a deeply personal and tricky experience. Add chemicals to the mix, and your selection can be downright dangerous.

“[These are chemicals] nobody should be having to be using in their products in such a sensitive area,” said Lauren Hierl of Vermont Conservation Voters.

Chemicals like PFAs, lead, and formaldehyde have been found in a range of period products.

Studies show these chemicals can create a host of health problems from asthma to fertility issues to cancer.

Scientist Alexandra Scranton with Women’s Voices for the Earth says there’s limited research on what happens when chemicals are absorbed through products like tampons or pads, but it raises a lot of concerns.

“If you’re using a product vaginally or through vulvar skin, it is very connected to your reproductive system. There are chemicals that can go straight to your uterus,” said Scranton.

This spring, Vermont outlawed fourteen toxic chemicals from period products and cosmetics, effective January 1, 2026.

Hierl advocated for the ban.

“Our goal is that nobody should have to be shopping around. You shouldn’t have to be checking labels at the store and trying to make sure you’re not buying a contaminated product,” said Hierl.

But shopping around is exactly what consumers will need to do until the ban goes into effect.

Scranton says one of the best ways to avoid chemicals is to choose a product with few ingredients, free of things like dyes or fragrances.

“Look for something really simple that has simple ingredients, you know listed on the label. That’s going to reduce exposure overall,” she said.

If you’re still unsure whether a product is safe, Scranton says contacting the manufacturer is another way to get answers and push for change.

“Calling companies, emailing companies, asking them questions about their ingredients…This is the most important tool that we have collectively to get safer products,” said Scranton.

As for what shopping will look like in two years, Hierl and Scranton believe Vermont’s ban will push many popular companies to phase out certain chemicals.

“It usually snowballs. Like, once one state passes it, it starts to spread,” said Hierl.

Experts say the next step is making sure that any chemicals replacing those banned in Vermont are safe swaps.

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