BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 9, 2024
Health professionals are raising the alarm about contaminants discovered in menstrual products used monthly by a majority of American women for about 40 years of their lives. Studies found forever chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in some tampons, pads and other products used to manage menstrual bleeding, along with other contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. Maine and other states are stepping up consumer protections with laws to limit sales of products with added forever chemicals, known as PFAS, and to require ingredients to be fully listed on labels. But many of those measures don’t take effect for a few years, leaving consumers to make a best guess at the safest products.