By now, every one of you reading this post knows that Always Pads is a big brand out there for their sanitary pads for women, but when you see their name entangled in some lawsuit like this, Always Pads Lawsuit, it should very well ring a bell for you. Or more like an alarm or alert. But what really is the matter? What are they being sued for? So, if you don’t know much about the details of this case yet, we’ll advise you to just stick with us for a moment because it is a heavy matter.
First, What Are Always Pads?
Just so you know, it is always one of the most instantly identifiable brands in the sphere of feminine sanitary necessities. These pads are the handiwork of Procter & Gamble, i.e., the very same corporation that is the mother of several household aka super familiar names. Most probably, you must have come across Always products in the stores of every grocery or drugstore. They market different varieties of pads, such as Ultra Thin, Infinity, and Radiant, some being scented while others are not. A million people count on them every day.
However, this popular product of the utmost use has been involved in a recent scandal, which, in fact, deserves a thorough investigation, no two ways about that!
When Did the Issue Start?
It wasn’t a one-time thing that just came out of the blue. The issues with Always pads have been simmering for a long time, in fact several years. It all began in 2014 when a group called Women’s Voices for the Earth decided to send Always pads to an independent lab for testing. What were the results? The lab identified quite a few toxic chemicals in four different types of pads, and also that these chemicals were not disclosed on the packaging.
After that, in the years 2023 and 2024, people started sharing videos on TikTok of what seemed to be mold inside unopened Always pads. Always answered that those stains were not mold but only shadows resulting from the materials used.
Approximately at the same time, a large number of lawsuits were filed, not only in the United States but also in Kenya and California. What was the principal accusation? These pads might be the source of dangerous substances, and the companies have not been honest with the consumers.
What Toxic Chemicals Were Found?
Let’s rewind a bit and talk about the test that was done in 2014. The lab tested Always pads for the presence of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). And if you don’t know much about it, well, just know that these are chemicals that can very easily change into gases and may have a negative impact on your health. This is what was uncovered:
- Styrene: linked to cancer
- Chloromethane: may affect reproductive health
- Chloroform: known for its harmful effects on the brain and liver
- Acetone: skin and eye irritant
- Chloroethane: another compound tied to cancer risks
Not a single one of these chemicals was mentioned on the package. That is actually what is worrying the most here. These pads have been taken into use on a daily basis by people who were ignorant of what they might be putting themselves in contact with.
What About PFAS Then? That’s a Bigger Problem!
California in 2024 saw the filing of a suit that was primarily about Carefree pads, but Always got involved indirectly. Ecological Alliance, the group that tested Carefree pads, detected PFOA, a kind of PFAS, in the product.
How serious is this? Here’s some context:
- PFOA levels found: 756 parts per trillion per hour
- EPA’s limit for drinking water: just 4 parts per trillion
That is a very big difference. And just in case you didn’t know it yet, well, these substances have been identified as the cause of cancer, reproductive problems, low birth weight, and immune system impairment.
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