If you bought a period underwear product made by Thinx, you may now. Be entitled to a refund thanks to a class-action lawsuit settlement announced in November.Plaintiffs in the lawsuit accuse Thinx of using potentially harmful chemicals known. As PFAS in the underwear — and not telling customers about it.
Thinx, which was launched in 2013 and is based in New York, agreed to pay $4 million. For claims submitted by customers and court-approved attorneys’ fees, costs. And service awards customers may owe. The Company has agreed to pay up to an more $1 million if necessary to cover valid claims.
“As part of the settlement, Thinx has agreed to take many measures. To ensure that PFAS is not intentionally added to products at any stage of production. Which directly speaks to the concerns of plaintiffs and class members,” said Erin Reuben, an attorney.
The plaintiffs said in a statement.
Thinks denied all the plaintiffs’ allegations as part of the settlement. Insisting that the settlement was not an admission of guilt.
n consumer products—including food packaging, cosmetics or textiles such as raincoats. Or workout clothes—because of their ability Thinx to repel stains, grease and water.
The presence of PFAS appears to have first appeared in the January 2020 Sierra Club. Magazine “Sierra” under the headline, “My Menstrual Underwear Contains Toxic Chemicals.” Reporter Jason Choi sent his thoughts to a nuclear scientist at the University of Notre Dame. Who found high levels of PFAS, “especially in the inner layers of the crotch.”
This ran counter to Thinox’s claim that its products were “certified” organic, Choe wrote.
PFAS are referred to as “permanent chemicals” because they can persist permanently in air, water and soil. Exposure to PFAS is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers such as low. Birth weight, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, and liver cancer.
“With the amount of PFAS we see in the environment and in our bodies, and the truly harmful effects that occur at low levels of exposure. We need to act more urgently to get PFAS out of all clothing,” said Erica Schrader, of Toxic-Free Futures. Science Director, an environmental health research and advocacy group.
He added, citing preliminary evidence that PFAS can cross the skin barrier and potentially enter the bloodstream.
Thinx customers can get $7 back for every purchase of up to three pairs of period underwear reflected in Thinx’s records. Or for which they provide valid proof of purchase.
