What is the lawsuit against Knix period underwear?
Knix Period Underwear Lawsuit: Allegations Over Harmful Chemicals
Knix, a popular Canadian brand known for its period and incontinence underwear, has faced legal scrutiny over allegations that its products contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals." These substances are persistent in the environment and have been linked to various health concerns, including hormonal disruption and cancer.(Top Class Actions, Teen Vogue)
Background of the Lawsuit
In April 2022, two California residents, Gemma Rivera and Marisa Franz, filed a class-action lawsuit against Knix in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The plaintiffs claimed that Knix's marketing of its period underwear as "PFAS-free" was misleading, as independent testing had detected high levels of fluorine in the products—an indicator of PFAS presence .(Top Class Actions, Top Class Actions)
Further investigations by independent groups, such as Mamavation, found that a significant percentage of period underwear products, including those from Knix, contained detectable levels of fluorine, suggesting the presence of PFAS .(Top Class Actions)
Knix's Response
Knix has consistently denied that its products contain harmful levels of PFAS. The company asserts that it has conducted third-party testing and has made its results available to consumers. Knix claims that its representations about the absence of PFAS were based on multiple rounds of independent testing that did not detect PFAS in the samples tested .(All About Lawyer, Knix Market Settlement)
Settlement and Compensation
In December 2023, Knix agreed to a $1.4 million settlement to resolve the class-action lawsuit. The settlement was reached without any admission of wrongdoing. Consumers who purchased Knix period underwear products between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, and can provide proof of purchase, were eligible for compensation. Eligible claimants could receive up to $15.90, depending on the number of qualifying products purchased .(Top Class Actions, Wikipedia, The Sun)
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Knix highlights the growing concerns over the presence of PFAS in consumer products, especially those in direct contact with sensitive areas of the body. While Knix maintains that its products are safe and free from harmful chemicals, the settlement underscores the importance of transparency and consumer trust in the marketing of such products.