EBRA, CODEX, and the Compendium
Exposure-Based Risk Assessment (EBRA) Principles for Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHPs)
To address rising public concern about trace chemicals in everyday products, the absorbent hygiene industry in Europe developed a voluntary, science-driven framework called Exposure-Based Risk Assessment (EBRA).
The EBRA principles provide a transparent and consistent way to evaluate trace substances that may be detected in products like diapers, tampons, sanitary pads, and incontinence products. Even though these substances are not intentionally added and are typically found at levels far below safety thresholds, EBRA ensures that:
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Realistic exposure scenarios are considered—reflecting how consumers actually use products.
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Science-based methods are applied to distinguish between genuine risks and theoretical concerns.
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Consumer trust is strengthened through transparency about what is in products and how safety is assured.
For U.S. manufacturers, adopting EBRA demonstrates leadership in responsible stewardship. It provides a credible way to defend products against negative media claims or potential regulatory scrutiny, by showing that trace levels are well understood, assessed, and managed with robust science.
The CODEX™ List & Guidance Values
At the core of the Stewardship Program is the CODEX™: an evolving list of substances of concern that have been highlighted by media, regulators, and consumer groups as potential issues for the AHP industry. These include classes of chemicals such as PAHs, PCBs, dioxins, phthalates, formaldehyde, and metals.
The CODEX provides:
Guidance values—science-based thresholds for acceptable trace levels.
Testing standards—harmonized methods to evaluate products consistently.
A transparent benchmark—evidence that the industry is taking voluntary action before external regulations are imposed.
By aligning with the CODEX, U.S. manufacturers can show that they are:
Not exceeding established guidance values,
Using standardized test methods to validate product safety, and
Proactively engaging in consumer protection and transparency.
đź“„ See the current CODEX List & Guidance Values (May 2025)
Compendium of Key Facts on AHPs
The Compendium on Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHPs) The Compendium is a comprehensive, science-based resource that brings together the best available facts, data, and risk assessments concerning trace chemicals in AHPs. Its primary purpose is to ensure that questions about product safety are answered with clear, transparent, and evidence-based information—helping protect public health and supporting informed decision-making.
Why this matters in the U.S. context:
Protecting consumers from misinformation: As media stories about tampons, PFAS, and heavy metals become more frequent, there is a growing risk of confusion or alarm among consumers. The Compendium provides a reliable source of science to help people understand what is known, what is being studied, and how products remain safe.
Supporting proactive public policy: In the absence of federal standards, individual states such as California, New York, or Maine may advance their own rules. A consistent, validated knowledge base helps ensure that any policy action is rooted in sound science, avoiding inconsistent or premature measures that could undermine public confidence.
Learning from international experience: In Europe, strong consumer campaigns quickly shaped both industry practices and policy decisions. The U.S. may see similar momentum, making it important to have transparent, evidence-based resources already in place.
The Compendium’s roleÂ
By providing accessible, harmonized information, the Compendium helps reassure families, caregivers, and healthcare providers that AHPs are safe and essential to everyday wellbeing. It demonstrates a commitment to accountability and transparency—prioritizing the health and trust of the public—while also ensuring that discussions about chemical safety remain grounded in evidence rather than speculation.
Together, EBRA, the CODEX, and the Compendium
These resources work in concert to safeguard public confidence in absorbent hygiene products by ensuring that safety questions are addressed with transparency and rigor. They:
- Protect families from confusion or alarm by ensuring concerns raised in media or advocacy campaigns can be met with clear, fact-based explanations.
- Equip regulators, health professionals, and consumers with trusted science, helping all stakeholders make informed decisions about product safety.
- Reinforce public confidence through voluntary, transparent standards that go beyond compliance, showing a shared commitment to health, safety, and accountability.
