Urging Governor Hochul to Sign the Ban on PFAS in Menstrual Products

Menstrual products are often in direct contact with some of the most sensitive and absorbent parts of our body. And, on average, a woman spends as much as seven years menstruating over the course of their lifetime. Yet millions of people who menstruate are unknowingly exposed to toxic chemicals in their menstrual products.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – also known as “forever chemicals” – have been found in tampons, pads, and other menstrual care items. These chemicals have been linked to serious health risks, including hormonal disruption that affects reproductive health, increased risk of cancer, immune system suppression, and birth defects and pregnancy complications.

That is why, as part of the JustGreen Partnership, we have been advocating for legislation (S.1548 Fernandez/A.1502 Rosenthal) that would ban PFAS and other harmful chemicals from menstrual products sold in New York State. This legislation will prohibit the use of PFAS and other toxic chemicals in menstrual products, ensure clear ingredient labeling, protect public health – particularly in communities of color, which are already burdened with disproportionate exposure to toxic chemicals – and hold manufacturers accountable for product safety.

Earlier this year, this legislation passed both houses – unanimously! But we are still waiting on New York State Governor Kathy Hochul signs it into law.

On October 31, 2025, we held a press conference in from of the Adam Clayton Powell Jr State Office Building to urge the Governor to sign this legislation. The speakers included Sophia Longsworth, Toxics Policy Director at Clean+Healthy; New York State Senator Nathalia Fernandez (D) of the 34th Senate District; New York State Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D) of the 67th Assembly District; New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías (D) of the 18th Council District; and Elizabeth Reyes, Toxics Policy Campaigns Coordinator at WE ACT for Environmental Justice.