A recent meeting of the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee highlighted a significant legislative effort aimed at enhancing the safety of menstrual products used by millions of Californians. The proposed bill, SB 754, seeks to improve transparency by requiring manufacturers of disposable menstrual products to disclose the concentrations of potentially harmful contaminants, including lead, arsenic, cadmium, and zinc.

Currently, California law mandates the disclosure of intentionally added ingredients in these products, but it does not address unintentional contaminants that may arise during manufacturing. This gap poses a serious health risk, as recent studies have detected toxic metals in tampons, with lead levels exceeding federal drinking water limits by eight times. Given that many individuals begin using these products as early as age 10 and continue for decades, the potential for harmful exposure is significant.

The bill aims to empower the Department of Toxic Substances Control to conduct independent testing of menstrual products and publish the results, thereby ensuring that consumers are informed about the safety of the products they use. Justine Chu Griffith, representing the California Association of Student Councils, expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of safe menstrual care in schools. She noted that while previous legislation has improved access to menstrual products in public schools, further action is necessary to ensure these products are non-toxic.

Experts in environmental health also voiced their support, highlighting the long-term use of menstrual products and the potential for harmful chemicals to enter the bloodstream directly. They stressed the need for systematic data collection on chemical concentrations in these products to facilitate public health evaluations and enhance consumer transparency.

The committee meeting underscored a growing recognition of the need for safer menstrual products and the importance of legislative action to protect public health. As discussions continue, advocates are hopeful that SB 754 will pave the way for improved safety standards and greater accountability in the menstrual product industry, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of Californians.