No one should have to choose between managing their period and protecting their health. But right now, millions of New Yorkers do. Menstrual products sold in our state contain toxic chemicals — including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), lead, mercury, and formaldehyde — that have been linked to cancer, infertility and hormone disruption. Period products are essential health care, and yet they’re being sold with ingredients that would be banned in other medical supplies. And the people most at risk? Those who can’t afford to shop around for something safer.
Recent studies indicate that millions of people who use menstrual products have been unknowingly exposed to harmful substances. Testing has revealed that pads, tampons, period underwear and other period products can contain lead, synthetic fragrances, arsenic, phthalates and PFAS. PFAS are a class of chemicals that are extraordinarily persistent, some of which are believed to remain in the environment for thousands of years and in the human body for decades, which is why they are known as “forever chemicals.”
Research shows that dollar stores and discount retailers are more likely to carry period products containing higher levels of toxic chemicals and other harmful substances. Additionally, companies often market lower-quality products in low-income communities and communities of color; and thus these communities face the most risk of repeated exposure. People should never be exposed to dangerous chemicals in products meant to help manage their menstrual cycle. Yet, until now, corporate secrecy and regulatory failure have forced this exposure on unknowing consumers.
This year, New York made history. In an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote, both the State Senate and Assembly passed groundbreaking legislation (S1548/A1502). It was an honor to stand up for women’s health by sponsoring this bill along with Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. Bill S1548/A1502 aims to regulate the sale and distribution of menstrual products (pads, tampons, liners, etc.) in the state that contain restricted substances or unsafe chemicals, including PFAS, heavy metals like lead and mercury, hormone disrupting parabens and carcinogens like toluene and formaldehyde.
Now, all eyes are on Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the bill into law before the end of the year. Hochul is New York State’s first woman to serve as governor and, thus far, has been an advocate for women. However, if the governor does not sign the bill before the end of 2025, this inaction will signal a veto and bill S1548/A1502 will not become law. Time is ticking for a decision that will impact approximately 51% of New Yorkers (the percentage of women in the state) sometime in their lives.
It’s clear that Hochul is passionate about advancing women’s health and reproductive freedom. Her recent decision to increase state funding for Planned Parenthood to fill the gap left by a loss of federal funding shows that she prioritizes protecting women’s health. Part of that protection needs to include access to safe menstrual products. Hochul must sign S1548/A1502 as a continuation of standing up for New York State’s women.
If S1548/A1502 were to become law, it would not only be a victory for women’s health, but also a victory for the environmental justice communities across the state that are targeted by companies selling harmful products. The importance of disallowing the sale of period products with dangerous chemicals in them cannot be understated. The legislature has done its part to protect consumers by passing S1548/A1502, now Hochul needs to act. Hochul must sign the bill as a decisive step toward protecting New Yorkers for generations to come.
State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez, a Democrat, represents District 34, which includes parts of the Bronx and Westchester. Briana Carbajal is the state legislative manager at WE ACT for Environmental Justice, a community-based organization that has been working to reduce environmental health disparities.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Kathy Hochul must make period products in New York safer. This is why | Opinion
Reporting by Nathalia Fernandez and Briana Carbajal / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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