Thinx period panties contain ‘harmful chemicals,’ lawsuit says. What are PFAS?

Thinx offered the promise of “organic, sustainable, and non-toxic” protection during that time of the month, but consumers say they were exposed to “forever chemicals” instead.

Now, people who bought a pair of the popular period underwear in the last six years could be eligible for payment, according to the terms of a class-action settlement.

The lawsuit, filed in May 2022, accused the menstrual underwear company of selling period panties with harmful chemicals including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

In the 87-page complaint, plaintiffs challenged Thinx’s branding as a safe, effective alternative to traditional feminine care products such as pads and tampons.

They said the company knowingly billed its underwear as “free of toxic metals and/or nanoparticles” and its cotton underwear as “organic.”

The lawsuit also pointed to independent testing confirming the presence of harmful chemicals — proof plaintiffs said “contradicts ... Thinx’s unvarying representations that the product is non-toxic, harmless, sustainable, organic, environmentally friendly, and otherwise safe for women and the environment.”

Thinx denied all allegations made in the lawsuit and said the settlement is not an admission of guilt.

“We take customer health and product safety seriously,” a Thinx spokesperson told McClatchy News in a statement. “We can confirm that PFAS has never been part of our product design. We will continue to take measures to ensure that PFAS are not added to our products.”

“We will continue to focus on bringing innovative, safe, and comfortable leak protection underwear to consumers,” the statement continued.

What are PFAs?

People have long held concerns about the risks of PFAS on the human body and the environment, though research is still limited.

The manufactured chemicals are found in a variety of consumer products including shampoos, food packaging, household cleaners, cookware and cosmetics, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They may also seep into drinking water and soil, especially in areas where waste is disposed.

While common, PFAS have been linked to adverse health effects due to their tendency to build up rather than break down over time, the agency said.

Experts warn certain levels of exposure can cause decreased fertility and high blood pressure in pregnant women, along with hormonal imbalance, an increased risk of certain cancers and other impacts.

“There’s really just a wide range of risks, whether it’s cancer risk or lower birth weight for babies, and the research on absorption of chemicals through the vagina remains limited,” Dr. Catherine Bulka, molecular epidemiologist and assistant professor at the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health, told Jezebel.

News of the Thinx settlement has garnered strong reactions online and concerns over a lack of safe, effective feminine care products.

“The Thinx reusable period products lawsuit is terrifying, reproductive and menstrual health MUST be taken more seriously,” one woman wrote on Twitter.

Thinx class-action settlement

Under the terms of the settlement, consumers who purchased select Thinx period underwear between Nov. 12, 2016, and Nov. 28, 2022, may be entitled to up to $21 in compensation, according to the official settlement website.

“Settlement Class Members who submit a valid claim have the option to choose either cash reimbursement for past purchases (up to 3 pairs total) or a single-use voucher towards a future purchase of eligible Thinx underwear,” the website states.

The voucher is good on purchases of up to $150 but can only be used on select Thinx products. Consumers have until April 12 to file a claim.

Proof of purchase is required, the website states.

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