Lucy here, checking in with some pretty alarming news that’s been all over lately, and I wanted to drop in, share what I’m learning, and just… talk to you! I hope this comes off as real, real talk, because it honestly feels like someone handed me a bomb of anxiety wrapped in a pad. I’m just going to lay it all out—what’s happening, what’s true, what we should absolutely know, and what’s still unclear.
What Exactly Is Going On?
PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Menstrual Products
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds that don’t break down easily and tend to build up in our bodies. They’ve been linked to a ton of scary health issues—infertility, hormone disruption, developmental problems, certain cancers, immune issues, and more.
Recently, a lawsuit was filed in California by a group called Ecological Alliance against Edgewell Personal Care—the parent company behind Carefree panty liners. The suit claims these liners contain PFOA, a major PFAS chemical, and that users were not warned, which would be a violation under California’s Proposition 65.
Tests showed PFOA leaching from Carefree products at levels similar to 756 parts per trillion per hour—while the EPA has warned there’s essentially no safe exposure level. California even aims for much stricter safety thresholds than the federal standard.
What About Always Pads?
While Always hasn’t been the headline suit target, past independent testing from a group called Women’s Voices for the Earth found that Always pads (ultra-thin, scented, unscented, Infinity) emit various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These include styrene, chloroform, and chloromethane—chemicals that are known carcinogens or linked to reproductive and developmental harm.
Additionally, broader testing of menstrual products (pads, tampons, period underwear) by watchdog groups found PFAS in a significant share, even in products labeled “natural,” “organic,” or “non-toxic.” Nearly half of pads, over one-fifth of tampons, and more than half of period underwear tested positive.
Why It Matters (and Why We’re Freaked Out)
- Direct and prolonged exposure: These products sit close to sensitive tissue for hours daily. That means any chemical leaches directly into areas with high absorption potential like the vaginal lining.
- Reproductive risks: Studies link PFAS and PFOA to lower fertility, hormone disruption, low birth weight, and immune and developmental issues in babies.
- Silent contamination: Many products don’t disclose all their ingredients, and testing reveals toxic chemicals even in items branded as safe.
- Regulation gaps: Federal oversight is minimal. California’s Prop 65 and a few state laws require some disclosure, but most of the US doesn’t demand transparency or testing.
What Customers Need to Know & Do
- Stay informed: Know that Carefree (Edgewell) is being sued in California over PFAS. Always has not been sued—but has concerning VOC test results.
- Check watchdog reports: Browse Mamavation, EHN, Women’s Voices for the Earth, and Sierra Club—they publish brand-specific testing data.
- Look for product transparency: Favor brands that list ingredients or have certifications like OEKO-TEX, though note these may not catch all PFAS types.
- Talk to your healthcare provider: Especially if you’re experiencing reproductive issues—fertility concerns, irregular cycles, weird symptoms—because proactive health monitoring matters.
- Consider alternative period care: If you’re able, try organic cotton pads/tampons with full disclosure, menstrual cups, or reusable cloth pads—just be sure those are tested and transparent.
- Know your rights: If you’ve used Carefree products in California and were harmed, you might be part of a class action in future—but that is not yet confirmed. For Always, there’s no active lawsuit; but the VOC findings could inspire future legal or regulatory actions.
About the Class Action – What’s Expected?
- Carefree lawsuit: Currently filed as a Prop 65 violation case—not a class action yet. But common legal paths often turn into class actions if many affected people come forward and legal teams push for certification. No class action has been officially announced as of now.
- Timeline? That’s unclear. Lawsuits take time—first there’s the complaint, then responses, discovery, possible settlement talks, or hearing dates. It could be anywhere from months to years before a class is certified or resolved. Keep an eye on legal news and court filings.
- Always products: No lawsuit is active right now, but the evidence of VOC emissions is alarming and could spark legal or regulatory action, especially if more research backs it up.
I get that this might feel all-over-the-place, but here’s the core:
- PFAS and VOCs are lurking in some menstrual products—even staples like Carefree and Always.
- Health risks are serious and real: reproductive harm, hormone disruption, cancer risk.
- A lawsuit is underway—Carefree is facing legal action in California; Always hasn’t been sued yet.
- No class action confirmed—but could develop depending on how the litigation unfolds.
- We need transparency, more testing, safer alternatives, and better consumer protection.
- Stay informed, read watchdog reports, prioritize safe products, and push for industry accountability.
This isn’t scare-mongering—this is us looking out for each other. I wanted to write something that feels like a chat between friends, but one with real facts that people can use. Take care of yourselves, okay? And let’s keep talking—demanding better from the brands that know our bodies better than anyone.
xo, Lucy
