Maloney and Meng Reintroduce Bill to Study Health Effects and Safety of Menstrual and Intimate Care Products

Press Release

Yesterday, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and Congresswoman Meng (D-NY) reintroduced legislation to study the health effects of menstrual products and intimate care products. The Robin Danielson Menstrual Product and Intimate Care Product Safety Act of 2022 directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research to determine to determine whether the presence of dioxins, phthalates, titanium dioxide, and other chemical additives like colorants and fragrances, pose any health risks to people who use menstrual product and intimate care products.

People who menstruate may be exposed to substances in menstrual and intimate care products for as long as 40 years over the course of their reproductive lives. Yet very little research on the safety of or potential chemical exposure of these products exists, which means there is no way of knowing whether the presence of chemicals in these products pose any health risks, including risks related to gynecologic, breast, and other cancers, endometriosis, and infertility.

"People deserve the ability to make informed decisions when buying menstrual products and intimate care products," said Congresswoman Maloney. "Given the sheer number of individuals who use these products, it's time that we have definitive answers on their potential risks. Although the FDA requires tampon manufacturers to monitor dioxin levels, we still don't know enough about the health risks of other chemical contaminants contained in these products. The Robin Danielson Menstrual Product and Intimate Care Product Safety Act of 2022 would enable research and a better understanding of additives in these products so individuals can live healthier and safer lives."

"Just as people deserve to know the ingredients in the food they consume, people who menstruate also deserve to know what is in the menstrual products they are putting in their bodies," said Congresswoman Meng. "Menstrual products and other intimate care products are used regularly by millions, and consumers cannot make informed choices unless they have the data and research available to fully understand the potential impact that chemical additives have on individuals' health and wellbeing. The Robin Danielson Menstrual Product and Intimate Care Product Safety Act of 2022 would direct the National Institutes of Health to undertake this research so that menstruators can have the most information to make the best choices for their health and safety. I am pleased to partner with Congresswoman Maloney on this bill, and look forward to working together."

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