Everything You Need to Know About PFAS and Period Underwear

Have you been hearing a lot about PFAS lately? You might be wondering: "What exactly are these chemicals, and why should I care?" And in particular: “Are these chemicals in my period underwear?!” We're here to clear up the confusion so you can make an informed decision about your health and hygiene.

Is Saalt Period Underwear Safe?

Absolutely! As a certified B Corporation, we prioritize your health, wellbeing, and the environment. We do not use PFAS in any of our fabrics or finishes. Additionally, we rigorously test all materials for a wide range of hazardous substances, including PFAS.

Our commitment to transparency extends to our materials and production process. Being a team of individuals who experience periods, we wouldn’t put anything in our garments that we wouldn’t want in our own underwear. We're dedicated to doing the right thing for our customers and the planet.

Addressing PFAS in Our Fabrics

In early 2020, during our pre-launch testing for Saalt Wear, we discovered that one of our fabrics contained a PFAS chemical. We immediately contacted the supplier and began redeveloping the material with a new finish, free of PFAS and other harmful substances. We also reached out to all our suppliers to ensure no other materials contained PFAS. Once the fabric was redeveloped, we had it tested by a third-party lab to confirm the absence of PFAS. This thorough process delayed our product launch by almost five months, but it was worth it to ensure the safety of our period underwear. The final version of our Saalt Wear was first introduced on November 30, 2020, and we're proud to say that our products have never been treated with PFAS.

Understanding PFAS

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often called “forever chemicals” because they take a long time to break down. They can accumulate in the human body and interfere with various systems. According to the EPA, the most studied PFAS chemicals can cause reproductive, developmental, liver, kidney, and immune system issues.

These chemicals are found in many common household products, including non-stick cookware, rain jackets, shampoo, dental floss, some food packaging, and even tap water. As more studies reveal their adverse health effects, the conversation around PFAS continues to evolve. For more information, check out resources from the CDC, EPA, and NIH.

PFAS and Period Underwear

PFAS are used in many consumer products for their ability to repel liquids like water and oil. Some period underwear brands have used PFAS as a stain- and water-resistant coating. However, repeated exposure to high levels of PFAS can be harmful.

The Science Behind PFAS Testing

Because PFAS do not degrade, they are becoming more prevalent. This means products can be inadvertently exposed to PFAS during shipping or manufacturing. At Saalt, we do not use PFAS in any of our fabrics or finishes. Third-party testing of our leakproof underwear has shown PFAS levels between 0 and 10 parts per million (ppm), well below the 100 ppm threshold generally considered intentional use. Levels under 10 ppm are considered “undetectable” by most testing facilities and suggest accidental exposure rather than intentional use.

You can find all the data on our testings here.

Making a Difference, One Period at a Time

Your choices and decisions about period care impact both your body and the planet. As a B Corp, we are committed to providing safe, effective, and responsibly produced period panties. We source materials from factories known for their commitment to safe, green textiles and continuous environmental improvements. The facility where Saalt period underwear and leakproof panties are made was the first in the world to be rated Platinum by the US Green Building Council. Some of our fabrics are OEKO-TEX or bluesign approved, recognized standards for environmentally friendly textiles.

At Saalt, we aim to provide you with trustworthy, accurate information so you can make informed choices about your period care. Our goal is to create products that make you feel comfortable and confident. If you have any questions, our Saalt Coaches are always here to help. Feel free to reach out at sayhey@saalt.com anytime.

Original Source: https://bit.ly/4egBhSy

Saalt is a sustainable period care brand working to support everyone who menstruates. They dedicate themselves to creating clean, high-performance products that are better for you and the planet. Their ethically made period cups and period underwear are for professional athletes, office workers, adventurers, and those new to their cycle. For a process that is natural and essential, Saalt offers something just as natural and straightforward.