Thinx Period underwear lawsuit due to PFAS settled for $4 million

Thinx, the first and arguably most famous menstrual underwear brand on the market, has been sued for the alleged presence of PFAS in its product.

The class-action lawsuit alleges that toxic “timeless chemicals” have been found in underwear that Thinx labels and advertises as safe, organic and chemical-free. Studies have shown that PFAS are associated with a number of adverse health effects.

Thinx denied the allegations in the lawsuit and settled for $4 million, including a payout to those who bought the often expensive underwear. A pair of Thinx averages around $35, depending on the style.

Here are the details of the lawsuit and how to get a refund:

What is menstrual underwear?

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Period absorbent underwear is the latest menstruation product to hit the market. Thinx launched its product in 2013, touting it as “the first period innovation in 76 years.” (The menstrual cup as we know it today was invented in 1937.)

Since then, several other companies have released their own versions.

The underwear is worn and looks like regular underwear, but has an absorbent and sealed lining.

Underwear is washable and reusable, a more sustainable option than disposable pads and tampons.

Styles come in varying degrees of absorbency and cuts, such as bikinis and even thongs.

What is PFAS?

PFAS is short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and you can also find them under the name “timeless chemicals”.

PFAS have been widely used since the 1940s in consumer products ranging from non-stick frying pans, water-repellent sports equipment, dirt-repellent mats, to cosmetics.

The chemical bonds are so strong that they do not decompose or decompose very slowly in the environment and remain in the human bloodstream indefinitely – hence the name “eternal chemicals”.

PFAS is commonly ingested, most commonly through drinking water, but studies have shown that exposure to PFAS through the skin, such as through clothing, can pose the same health hazard.

Countless studies have identified various ways in which PFAS can adversely affect health, most commonly through cancer risk.

In addition, the NIH has found that exposure to food packaging can lead to preterm labor. This study found an association with the risk of high blood pressure in middle-aged women. And the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says they can affect a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.

The Environmental Protection Agency has decided to classify them as hazardous substances.

READ MORE ABOUT PFAS:

PFAS and Thinx underwear

Sip 'n' Shop at THINX pop-up store with Jill Zarin

Thinx underwear first came under scrutiny in 2020, when a Sierra Club journalist sent a pair of pairs to a scientist who discovered PFAS chemicals in fast food wrappers. She reported that high levels of PFAS were found, “especially in the inner layers of the perineum.”

In May 2022, a class action lawsuit was filed after independent testing by a Florida resident “confirmed the existence of these harmful chemicals.” In the summer of that year, several other women joined the complaint.

Thinx advertises its underwear as a safe and effective alternative to menstrual products. At the time the lawsuit was filed, Thinx’s FAQ section on its website reportedly included the question, “Does Thinx contain harmful chemicals?” with a short answer: “Absolutely!”

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The lawsuit also alleged that Thinx product labels indicated they were made from several different fabrics, such as cotton and elastane, but did not list additional ingredients.

“Based on information and belief, Thinx uses PFAS chemicals to enhance the performance of underwear, including but not limited to its ‘moisture-wicking’ and ‘sealing’ qualities,” the lawsuit alleges, which specifically focuses on the chemical Agion. the lawsuit says it is an antimicrobial treatment that uses silver and copper nanoparticles to reduce textile odor.

Thinx denies all allegations made in the lawsuit and denies that she “did anything illegal or improper.”

“Thinx confirms that PFAS has never been included in its products and that it will continue to take steps to ensure that PFAS is not intentionally added to Thinx Period underwear at any stage of production,” the settlement’s website reads.

Television station FOX reached out to Thinx for additional comment.

Meanwhile, the lawsuit has been settled for $4 million, and in addition to paying partial refunds to customers, Thinx must take additional steps to never knowingly add PFAS to underwear and disclose antimicrobial use on its website, including Agion.

If you purchased Thinx, you can apply to participate in a class action settlement.

Thinx refunds $7 per pair, up to three pairs, with valid proof of purchase; $3.50 per pair, up to three pairs, no confirmation of purchase; or by providing a voucher for a 35% discount on a future purchase.

Claims must be submitted by April 12, 2023.

You can learn more about the lawsuit and file a claim at thinxunderwearsettlement.com.

This story was reported from Detroit.

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texasstandard.news contributed to this report.

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