No one should have to choose between managing their period and protecting their health. But right now, millions of New Yorkers do. Menstrual products sold in our state contain toxic chemicals — including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), lead, mercury, and formaldehyde — that have been linked to cancer, infertility and hormone disruption. Period products are essential health care, and yet they're being sold with ingredients that would be banned in other medical supplies. And the people most at risk? Those who can’t afford to shop around for something safer.

Recent studies indicate that millions of people who use menstrual products have been unknowingly exposed to harmful substances. Testing has revealed that pads, tampons, period underwear and other period products can contain lead, synthetic fragrances, arsenic, phthalates and PFAS. PFAS are a class of chemicals that are extraordinarily persistent, some of which are believed to remain in the environment for thousands of years and........

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