Table 1.
Overview of menstrual and intimate care products: product type, category, indicated reasons of for use, and chemicals of concern reported in product types.
| Category | Product description | Chemicals of concern | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampons | Menstrual | Inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluids | Parabens (7) |
| Triclosan (7) | |||
| Dioxins & Furans (8–11) | |||
| Pesticides (12) | |||
| PAHsa (11) | |||
| Phthalates (7, 13, 14) | |||
| Metals (15) | |||
| VOCsb (16, 17) | |||
| Fragrances (14, 18) | |||
| Pads | Menstrual | Placed on underwear to collect menstrual fluids and other vaginal secretions | Parabens (8, 14) |
| Chlorine (19) | |||
| Triclosan (7) | |||
| Dioxins & Furans (10, 20, 21) | |||
| Biocides (11, 20) | |||
| PAHs (11, 20) | |||
| Phthalates (1, 5, 7, 11, 13, 14, 17, 22–27) | |||
| Fragrances (11, 14, 18) | |||
| VOCs (16, 28, 29) | |||
| Menstrual cups | Menstrual | Inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluids | VOCs (30) |
| Phthalates (30) | |||
| PAHs (30) | |||
| PFASc (31) | |||
| Douches | Intimate care | Inserted into the vagina or anus to cleanse and prevent odor | Phthalates (32) |
| VOCs (22) | |||
| Fragrances (32) | |||
| Sprays | Intimate care | Sprayed onto genitals or underwear to reduce odor | VOCs (16) |
| Phthalates (13) | |||
| Parabens (13) | |||
| Fragrances (18) | |||
| Powders | Intimate care | Sprinkled onto genitals, underwear, or menstrual products to absorb moisture and reduce odor | Talc (33) |
| VOCs (13) | |||
| Phthalates (27) | |||
| Parabens (13) 11/2/23 2:20:00 PM | |||
| Fragrances (18) | |||
| Asbestos (33) | |||
| Wipes | Intimate care | Wiped on genitals or anus freshen up or removes odor | VOCs (14) |
| Phthalates (13) | |||
| Parabens (13) | |||
| Ethanolamines (14) | |||
| Fragrances (14, 18) |
a
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
b
Volatile Organic Compounds.
c
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.