I will soon be introducing legislation that will require the disclosure of ingredients on each package or box containing menstrual products manufactured for sale or distribution in the Commonwealth.

Though our state budget has made funding for period products available for many educational facilities in the Commonwealth, it is not enough that these products just be made available, they must also be safe and contribute to the overall health of the consumer. The FDA has limited legal authority to require ingredient safety testing and does not subject menstrual products to the same approval processes used in foods and drugs. As a result, this $6 billion under-regulated industry is not required to disclose any dangerous chemicals contained in menstrual products.

Menstrual products containing dangerous chemicals can pose significant health risks including cervical cancer, endometriosis, infertility, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, immune system deficiencies, pelvic inflammatory disease, toxic shock syndrome, and bacterial and yeast infections. With significant health risks, it is especially egregious that the potential chemical exposure from these products is so woefully underreported.

This legislation will require manufacturers or distributors of these products to have a printed label with a plain and conspicuous list of all ingredients, listed in order of predominance and displayed on the outside of the package. Furthermore, the manufacturer of the menstrual product that is manufactured for sale or distribution in the Commonwealth shall post on an internet website, in an electronically readable format, the ingredient information that is required to be disclosed on the package or box.

Please join me in ensuring that menstrual products manufactured or distributed in our Commonwealth are safe for all who use them.