Umy works to bring menstrual equity conversations into her community to help end period stigma!
Umyeena Bashir is WVE's California Intimate Care Organizing Fellow at WVE and a graduate student at the University of San Francisco studying Organic Chemistry. Umy is passionate about researching period health and educating others on these issues.
Chemicals from household cleaners found in breast milk samples, what parents should know
While parents are exposed to quats (short for “quaternary ammonium compounds”) from numerous sources, the researchers found that the use of disinfecting products at home related to how much showed up in breast milk.
Persistent and Pervasive Podcast: Toxic Chemicals in Hair Straighteners
In this episode, the podcast explores the chemical and cultural issues around Black hair care and interview scientists and activists who are working to ensure that safer products are available.
New Bill Will Help Close Significant Gaps in Menstrual & Intimate Care Product Safety
Because of lack of government oversight, companies can even get away with not disclosing dangerous chemicals contained in these products. In fact, there is no federal law that requires manufacturers of menstrual care products to disclose any of the ingredients used in these products.
TAKE ACTION for Safer Menstrual and Intimate Care Products!
Recently, the Robin Danielson Menstrual Product and Intimate Care Product Safety Act of 2022 (HR 8724) was introduced in Congress. If passed, the bill requires a research program focused on studying the health risks of fragrance ingredients, pesticides, phthalates, titanium dioxide, and other ingredients used in these products.
Johnson & Johnson Announces They Will Stop the Global Sale of Talc-Based Baby Powder!
This victory is the result of a global-wide movement of people who took action to hold Johnson & Johnson accountable for the sale of asbestos-contaminated talcum powder and its links to ovarian cancer and mesothelioma.
Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons?
Menstrual product manufacturers have mostly stopped manufacturing scented tampons for the U.S. market – including the world’s leading manufacturer of tampons, Procter & Gamble.
Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads?
There are a number of folks online recently worried about finding titanium dioxide as an ingredient in their tampons and pads – and wondering if it is related to some health conditions they are experiencing like ovarian cysts, miscarriages, UTIs and more. Here's what we know about titanium dioxide in tampons right now.
The Long-Term Game of Bettering Menstrual Pain
Recent studies have investigated more long-term preventative treatment methods for period pain. One new concept is the application of taking vitamins.
Introducing WVE’s New Plan for a Thriving Future
We underwent a strategic planning process with the goal of sustainably broadening our vision and mission to hold more intersectional issues and campaigns, while maintaining the joy, hope, and rebellious spirit that is a common thread between so many members of our community.
