Papan Legislation to Safeguard Women's Health Approved by the State Assembly

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Diane Papan’s legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 2515 -- the T.A.M.P.O.N. Act (Take All Menstrual Product PFAS Out Now), to mandate the removal of toxic chemical from menstrual products, was approved today by the State Assembly.

"The T.A.M.P.O.N. Act is a crucial step toward protecting the health of millions of women and girls who use menstrual products,” said Papan. “By setting a maximum contamination threshold and exploring safer alternatives, we are actively working to mitigate the long-term health risks associated with PFAS exposure."

This critical piece of legislation aims to address the adverse health impacts of PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) in menstrual products, prioritizing the well-being of women, girls, and individuals who use these essential products.

AB 2515 proposes a practical and urgently needed maximum contamination threshold of PFAS at 10 parts per million (ppm) for all menstrual products by 2027. Additionally, the bill mandates the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to collaborate with stakeholders in evaluating chemical alternatives to PFAS, ensuring that the regulation of one harmful chemical is not replaced with another equally hazardous alternative.

PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," have been prevalent in numerous everyday products due to their resistance to water, oil, and heat. Scientific research, however, has linked these chemicals to severe health problems, including breast and other cancers, hormone disruption, kidney and liver damage, thyroid disease, developmental harm, and immune system disruption.

”I am very grateful to my colleagues for recognizing the serious risks posed by PFAS and the urgency to protect the health of women,” said Papan.

Assembly Bill 2515 will now move to the State Senate.

###