WEN DELIVERS 78,000 VOICES FOR TOXIC-FREE PERIODS TO DOWNING STREET
On Wednesday 5 November, Wen delivered the #ToxicFreePeriods petition to 10 Downing Street and to DEFRA, representing more than 78,000 voices calling for safer, non-toxic period products.
This powerful moment, with our partners on the petition Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) and Ekō, reflected decades of campaigning and collaboration through the Environmenstrual Coalition and thousands of people who believe that period products should protect our health, not put it at risk.
A public health crisis hidden in plain sight
Every month, millions of women and girls and people use period products that come into direct contact with one of the most absorbent parts of the body. Yet, as Wen’s recent research revealed, many of these products can contain harmful chemicals, including glyphosate, PFAS (known as “forever chemicals”), and heavy metals.
Despite this, there is still no specific UK regulation to ensure period products are safe. Instead, they fall under general product safety laws designed for consumer goods like candles. This regulatory gap leaves consumers unprotected and manufacturers unaccountable – a situation that experts have described as a public health crisis.
As Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr Karen Joash said at Wen’s recent House of Lords event:
“This is not just an issue for every woman, girl or person who menstruates – it’s a public health crisis.”
A growing movement for change
The #ToxicFreePeriods movement, spearheaded by Wen, has grown from grassroots activism into a powerful coalition of scientists, NGOs, ethical producers, campaigners and thousands of supporters demanding action.
The petition hand-in followed a wave of momentum from Environmenstrual Week (20–26 October) and Wen’s House of Lords event, hosted with Baroness Natalie Bennett, which brought together experts, MPs and campaigners to call for specific regulation.
Wen Co-director Kate Metcalf said:
“Standing at Number 10 with 78,000 signatures felt like a tipping point. It’s proof that people across the UK want regulation that puts health before profit and accountability before inaction.”
We deserve better
Wen’s Senior Consultant and Environmenstrual Campaign Manager Helen Lynn added:
“This is a health crisis hiding in plain sight. For too long, the burden has fallen on consumers to figure out which products are safe.
“We need clear, enforceable regulation that puts the health of women, girls and people who menstruate first. Wen will continue to push for this with our partners and policymakers because we all deserve better – safe products and protection for current and future generations.”
What we’re calling for
The petition urges the UK Government to take immediate action to get toxic chemicals, pesticides and heavy metals out of period products and ensure all period products in the UK are safe to use. We’re calling for:
- Mandatory safety testing for all period products
- Full ingredient disclosure by manufacturers
- High safety standards for products in schools and public facilities
To the heart of government
This moment at Number 10 showed how far the movement has come, as a mainstream public health issue now being discussed at the highest levels of government.
Together, we’ve shown that when science, advocacy and public action come together, change is possible. Wen will continue to drive that change — pushing for the regulation, accountability and action that people deserve.
Join the movement
If you haven’t yet added your voice, it’s not too late.
✍️ Sign the petition here: https://www.wen.org.uk/toxicfreeperiodspetition/
#ToxicFreePeriodsPetition #MenstrualHealth #Environmenstrual
Sign and share the petition here
Wen team, Kate, Heidi, Marie, Nnenna and Kate outside Number 10 Downing Street
Marie handing in the petition to Downing Street
Photo call – Kate Metcalf outside Downing Street
Handing in the petition to Marc Casale Deputy Director, Chemicals, Pesticides and Hazardous Waste. (DEFRA)
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