If you’ve purchased products from the menstrual underwear company Thinx in the past few years, listen up.
In June 2022, Thinx settled a class action lawsuit over claims that its underwear contained man-made “eternal chemicals,” despite denying those allegations. The transaction received preliminary approval in November. Thinx Cotton Brief, Cotton Bikini, Cotton Thong, Sport, Hipugger, Hi-Waist, Boyshort, French Cut, Cheeky between now and April 12, November 12, 2016 to November 28, 2022 , customers who have purchased Thong underwear will either claim a cash refund for 3 pairs or a single-use voucher for future purchases.
These chemicals are called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS are persistent chemicals found in water, soil, air, fish, as well as man-made products worldwide. Exposure to PFAS can be harmful to humans. Peer-reviewed studies show that exposure to PFAS can lead to increased cancer risk and decreased fertility, among other effects. Such exposures are a public health risk, the CDC says.
Since November 2020, Thinx has been hit with at least three lawsuits for misrepresenting its underwear as safe and free of harmful chemicals, according to the class action lawsuit. Third-party testing confirmed the presence of PFAS and Agion, antibacterial agents made of silver and copper nanochemicals to diffuse odors. Plaintiffs allege that Thinx’s use of Agion contradicts their claims that their underwear is free of harmful chemicals.
In addition to denying the allegations, Thinx has denied doing anything inappropriate or illegal. As stated on the settlement website, “Regarding PFAS, Thinx has never had PFAS been part of its product design and has taken steps to ensure that PFAS is not intentionally added to Thinx menstrual underwear. I affirm that I will continue to take action.The proposed settlement does not admit guilt or wrongdoing of any kind by Thinx.”
For more information on filing a claim and what you can gain by settling, please visit the Settlement website.
