Tampon Act: Bill would ban forever chemicals in menstrual products.

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In a significant move to prioritize women’s health, Assemblymember Diane Papan introduced the T.A.M.P.O.N. Act (Take All Menstrual Product PFAs Out Now) on Monday, reigniting efforts to ban potentially toxic chemicals in tampons and menstrual products. The bill proposes a strict maximum contamination threshold of forever chemicals, specifically perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), set at 10 parts per million for all menstrual products by 2027.

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This legislative initiative in California mirrors a similar push by women’s rights groups and environmentalists last year, which faced a veto from Governor Gavin Newsom. The proposed bill not only calls for a clear standard but also mandates the state to identify and assess the hazards of PFAS in menstrual products, making this crucial information accessible to the public.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their indestructible nature, have been linked to serious health issues such as kidney cancer, elevated cholesterol, liver dysfunction, and preeclampsia, a complication during pregnancy. Recent research has detected these chemicals in some popular tampon and pad brands.

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Assemblymember Diane Papan emphasized the significance of protecting women from PFAS exposure, describing it as a crucial step in safeguarding one of the most intimate aspects of their lives.

Despite bipartisan support for a similar bill last year, Governor Newsom’s veto highlighted challenges in implementing chemical bans, citing potential confusion. With the reintroduction of the T.A.M.P.O.N. Act, the conversation around menstrual product safety and women’s health is once again at the forefront, urging a comprehensive approach to address potential risks associated with these everyday essentials.

Sources:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/after-newsom-veto-california-lawmakers-try-again-to-ban-tampons-with-forever-chemicals/ar-BB1jKv0k
https://www.safecosmetics.org/resources/health-science/menstrual-care-products/