New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF -Manhattan) announced today that her legislation that prohibits the inclusion of PFAS, or forever chemicals, and other toxins in menstrual products sold in New York State has been signed into law. The bill was sponsored by Nathalia Fernandez in the state Senate.

“Some of the same dangerous chemicals used in cigarettes and pesticides are also found in menstrual products,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF – Manhattan). “New Yorkers must be able to trust that menstrual products, including pads, tampons and period underwear, they use in and around the most sensitive areas of their bodies are free of toxins, but alarming studies have revealed that is not always the case. This new law will ensure that women do not have to put up with poisonous products."

Under the new law, menstrual products may no longer be distributed, sold or offered for sale if they contain dangerous substances such as PFAS, lead, mercury, formaldehyde, triclosan, toluene, talc or other chemicals as intentionally added ingredients. Years of research has linked these chemicals to reproductive problems, weakened immune systems and even certain types of cancer. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they accumulate in the human body and in the environment. These substances have been linked to cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, hormonal disruption, fertility problems and other health problems. 

Numerous studies have discovered PFAS contamination in menstrual products, with contamination being especially high in reusable and disposable products. A 2024 study tested disposable products from more than a dozen different brands and found several toxic metals, including lead, in many of the products.

Rosenthal has sponsored numerous menstrual equity laws over the years, including 2019’s first-in-the-nation law requiring ingredient listings on all menstrual products sold in New York State. This new law, which is set to take effect in December 2026, builds on that effort by banning the use of many potentially harmful ingredients.

 “Women’s health can no longer be an afterthought,” said Assemblymember Rosenthal. “Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe and do not contain harmful ingredients, but various studies and reports have shown that they do. I have passed laws over the years to expand access to period products and ensure consumers know what’s in them, and I am proud that this new law will make these products safer.”

"This new law to ban toxic chemicals in period products is nation-leading and critical for the half of the population that must use these products every month for decades. Thank you, Assemblymember Rosenthal, for your leadership on period equity and justice, for getting the ball rolling in 2019 with the law that requires on-pack labeling of ingredients, and for getting this law across the finish line," said Bobbi Wilding, Executive Director of Clean+Healthy and co-leader of the JustGreen Partnership. "New Yorkers will be safer because of it, and I am confident we will see the same ripple-effect benefits across the US as we did with the labeling law."

"New York leaders have stood up for public health and the millions of New Yorkers who have been unknowingly exposed to harmful carcinogens and endocrine disruptors in menstrual products. Without the leadership of Senator Fernandez and Assemblymember Rosenthal, we wouldn't be here today," said Kate Donovan, Director of Northeast Environmental Health at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). "New York has joined the growing list of states that have banned PFAS from menstrual products – protecting their citizens even as the Federal government continues to roll back safeguards."

"Toxic chemicals like PFAS, lead, mercury, and formaldehyde have no place in our air, water, communities, nor do they have any place in products used by more than half of the population, in the most intimate areas of their bodies," said Caitlin Ferrante, Conservation Program Manager, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. "Ridding our environment of these ubiquitous toxins will improve public health and help to reduce the costs of healthcare and expensive filtration of drinking water. The Sierra Club is grateful for the leadership shown by Assemblymember Rosenthal and Senator Fernandez in getting A.1502/S.1548 passed in both houses this year and signed into law. This policy will help limit yet another pathway of PFAS and other toxic chemicals exposure and again we are thankful to have an important policy like this to celebrate as the year draws to a close."

“Women and femmes of color are disproportionately exposed to toxic chemicals in their lived environment. One way to reduce this dangerous exposure is to ban toxic chemicals in period products, which pose a heightened risk given their use in absorptive areas of the body as well as their duration of use. This crucial legislation for menstruators’ health will prohibit the use of chemicals such as PFAS, talc, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances and so many more. All of these toxins are closely linked to resulting in cancer, contribute to fertility and reproductive challenges, reduce immune function, and interfere with hormones,” said Briana Carbajal, State Legislative Manager at WE ACT for Environmental Justice. "We sincerely thank Assemblymember Rosenthal and Senator Fernandez for their strong leadership to get this important win for women's health over the finish line."