Jessian Choy had been a longtime wearer of Thinx menstrual underwear before discovering they contained “forever chemicals.”
Choy, who was working in San Francisco’s Department of the Environment at the time, knew of the potential presence of toxic PFAS chemicals in water-resistant materials due to her professional background. However, she had turned a blind eye to the possibility of PFAS in her Thinx underwear.
Forever chemicals, scientifically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are hazardous compounds linked to various health issues, including cancer.
These substances have permeated the environment through industrial discharge and are commonly found in everyday items such as cookware, dental floss, and stain-resistant furniture.
Thinx underwear (Credits: The Fitnessista)
Despite Thinx denying the presence of PFAS in their products, a class-action lawsuit was settled last year over allegations suggesting otherwise.
Choy, who writes for Sierra Magazine, goes into the issue after being asked by a reader to recommend eco-friendly period products. She felt compelled to investigate the safety of Thinx underwear before making any recommendations.
Choy enlisted the help of Graham Peaslee, a renowned professor at the University of Notre Dame known for his discoveries regarding PFAS.
Peaslee tested Thinx briefs and BTWN Shorty underwear, finding enough PFAS to suggest the intentional use of these substances. Thinx maintained the absence of PFAS in their products, citing tests conducted by a third party.
However, Peaslee’s findings contradicted Thinx’s claims. Despite being informed of the presence of PFAS, Thinx allegedly asked Peaslee to issue a statement asserting the safety of their products.
Thinx Period-Proof Underwear (Credits: Green Product Award)
The controversy surrounding PFAS in Thinx products led to a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of misrepresentation. The lawsuit was settled in 2023, with consumers receiving compensation and Thinx agreeing to measures to prevent the intentional addition of PFAS to their underwear.
Despite these developments, Thinx continues to assert the safety and quality of its products. PFAS have been found in other period underwear brands and various consumer products marketed primarily to women, raising concerns about their potential health effects.
Although research on the impact of PFAS absorption through the skin is limited, the presence of these chemicals in everyday items underscores the need for further investigation and regulation to protect public health.
