But it dawned on me last year that I wasnt being conscious about my menstruation. While its only at high levels that these ingredients could harm the body (the amount found in tampons is so small its not a risk), critics of nonorganic tampons take issue with the fact that brands arent required to list their ingredients. Most of us grew up thinking that disposable pads and tampons were our only options. Alexandra Scranton, alexs@womensvoices.org, (406) 543-3747, office. Yes, some pads and tampons are made with cotton but it tends to be conventional cotton, which is grown with toxic pesticides, as opposed to organic cotton. I have not switched over as I need to change my super absorbent pad and super ++ tampon every hour or so when I start bleeding right up to my half way mark. Maybe youve wondered whats actually in there. Dash back home, stash some tampons in my cabinet and purses (which inevitably get lost in the abyss), and the ritual repeats itself two to three months later. This results in shoppers being in the dark in regards to harmful chemicals that are in period products. The FDA website reports that tampon manufacturers have provided the agency with results from studies conducted at independent laboratories, which concluded that the dioxin in the rayon raw materials range from undetectable 0.1 to 1 parts per trillion. Manufacturers started to distribute warnings and to recommend that tampons are changed every four to eight hours and never left in longer than eight. According to experts, organic feminine hygiene products don't have any effect on a woman's menstrual cycle. Carbon disulfide is a chemical that is predominantly used in the manufacture of rayon; it was not detected in the all-cotton tampons that were tested. Do menstrual cups cause any odors? Dr. Daniel M. Breitkopf, an Ob/Gyn at the Mayo Clinic, doesn't think organic pads can alter the flow of a period or shorten a cycle, but therecould be an explanation for organic tampons doing so. Millions use menstrual products on a monthly basis. Tampons are used by up to 85 percent of menstruating women in the U.S. Similar to choosing organic vegetables, its an alternative and not necessarily better or safer for women.". [3], The asbestos allegedin the Internet rumor has never been confirmed. We'll break down what your options are and how to make a choice. [3], A study by Michel DeVito and Arnold Schecter, published in Environmental Health Perspectives in 2002, concluded that exposure to dioxin in tampons (and diapers) is thousands of times less than the dioxin people typically consume in the food they eat. Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, These new results highlight the need for disclosure of ingredients in menstrual care products. My period is lighter and shorter now since Ive switched to the cup! U.S. women spend about $3 billion/year on sanitary protection. Why was I putting so little thought in the products I interact with intimately and which contribute to so much waste globally? But the FDA still allows a small amount of dioxins (a byproduct of bleaching rayon) and glyphosate (a pesticide used on nonorganic cotton crops) to be in them. "Stress affects menses and thats probably the biggest thing from a month-to-month or year-to-year basis, but menses also changes closer to menopause.". Rush to bathroom to see if I have anything left to use. So when it comes to choosing organic feminine hygiene products over regular products, it comes down to personal preference.
All rights reserved. Find two light-day tampons and an empty box of liners. In this world, every point in the cycle of production and consumption from extraction, to processing, to use, to disposal contributes not just to a less toxic world, but to a thriving world. Toxic shock syndrome is a potentially fatal bacterial infection associated with tampon use. Like LOLA, you can set up a subscription with L., but theyre available at Target as well. Ingredients: 100 percent organic cotton (GOTS certified), BPA-free plastic applicator. These materials are often bleached with chlorine to give them that pristine white look. She believes that media and internet hype over organic products have influenced our perspective on traditionally manufactured tampons and pads. However, this isnt true, and the FDA has responded directly by saying that they have zero evidence of asbestos in tampons and no reports showing increased menstrual bleeding with tampon use. [3], Dioxin is the byproduct of the process from converting wood pulp into a synthetic fiber called Rayon, which is also used for fabric. It's best to change. The EPA also has determined that people exposed to high levels of dioxins may be at risk for a damaged immune system, increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and reduced fertility. If you own a business, consider joining 1% for the Planet, naming MADE SAFE as your beneficiary. Menstrual cups should be free from dyes and made of 100% medical grade silicone. These results underscore the need for more comprehensive testing to better understand the potential health risks that may arise from long-term product use.. Coupon Code: SAVE10MCR, Compare ALL menstrual cups The barriers standing in the way need to be broken. They also encourage women to speak with their doctor about TSS.[3]. So, it was time for me to look into organic and reusable alternatives to tampons and pads. In March, WVE commissioned STAT Analysis to analyze volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in a variety of different tampons purchased in New York stores, including organic, mainstream and dollar store brands. When administered vaginally the levels of the drug in the body can be 10-80 times higher than when administered orally. Tampons, pads and menstrual cups are considered medical devices by the FDA and are not subject to ingredient labeling. A new bill introduced by Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) requires disclosure of ingredients in menstrual products, including tampons, pads, menstrual cups and period underwear. In fact, they have a savings calculator so you can see for yourself. I found theyre much less likely to cause chafing than regular pads. Using menstrual cups will also keep you away from potentially dangerous dioxin exposure. You still need to change organic tampons every eight hours and use the appropriate size for your flow (i.e., dont use a super when a regular will do). are consistent across brands.3 Another possible reason for this reported decrease is because tampon manufacturers have removed three of the four synthetic ingredients (polyester, carboxymethylcellulose, and polyacrylate rayon), which were associated with the increase production of TSS toxin, and were previously used in tampons to enhance absorbency. You can get started with menstrual cups here. OB-GYNs agree that nonorganic tampons are just as safe as organic tampons, so its more a personal choice than a health-related one. The FDA says they review all industry-supplied data on the design and materials of all tampons before they are marketed in the U.S., and that asbestos is not an ingredient in any tampon brand. Dioxins have been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as causing cancer in humans. They use a button clasp to hold place in your underwear (though mine have been known to slide around a bit). These symptoms require prompt medical attention. Fact Checked by Jennifer Chesak, May 10 2019. What makes exposure to toxic substances through period care so serious is that pads and tampons come into contact with some of the most sensitive and absorptive skin on womens bodies. [5], Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterial toxin, has also been associated with tampon use. wrote the woman who goes by "young hilary banks" on Twitter. It is concerning that we dont have a clear picture of the chemicals used in tampons and other feminine hygiene products given that women are using these products regularly throughout their child-bearing years, said Dr. Ami Zota, Assistant Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health at The George Washington University Milken School of Public Health. New Tampon Testing Confirms Need for Ingredient Disclosure! I got my first period when I was 11 years old. Product disclosure is a first step in reducing possible harm. WVEs menstrual products work was launched in 2013 with the report, Chem Fatale, and has helped elevate the topic of period health into the public mainstream. The problem is that SAPS are commonly comprised of sodium polyacrylate, a synthetic material that is not biodegradable. If passed, A.521A will finally give New Yorkers vital information they need about their period products., Women and girls have every right to know what they put in and on their bodies. Here are eight myths about periods we need to stop spreading. Whether you want to avoid suspect ingredients, support sustainable farming, make environment-friendly choices, or simply like the idea of having tampons mailed directly to you, theres likely a brand and option thats the right fit for you. There was no meaningful difference in dioxin exposure from 100% cotton tampons (or diapers) compared to cotton/pulp products. You can keep up with her menstrual shenanigans, along with her co-hosts, on Instagram. Though there are things I like about the subscription tampons I received (like not having to buy them from a 17-year-old boy behind the register of a Walgreens), I think Ill end my subscription with LOLA since they dont seem to be the right fit for my flow. LOLA is a subscription service that lets you customize what products you want and how often you want them. Well tell you, A menstrual period is vaginal bleeding that occurs at the end of the monthly menstrual cycle. Without my legislation requiring package labeling, we leave millions of New Yorkers blindfolded in the aisles of drug stores and supermarkets as they consider what products to buy for themselves and their families.. Hey Ive got a bit of a question that needs debunking. It is unthinkable and unforgivable, there has to be a greater sense of responsibility for human life., Andrea Jurez The disease, which was first described among teenage girls in 1978, primarily strikes tampon users under the age of 30. These parties provide a relaxed and fun space to spark dialogue between friends about the products used on and in the vagina, said McConnell. All articles on our website have been approved by Dr. Diana Zuckerman and other senior staff. (2015). Internal Support Period panties should be made from cotton, preferably organic materials, but its important to know what is in the core. So, I decided to devote some thought to it. It is unacceptable that there are so many unknowns about the ingredients, safety, and health impacts of products that come into contact with one of the most sensitive and absorbent parts of the body.. "The fact is the tampon industry is regulated," she says. Get telltale cramps informing me my period is about to start. These new results add to the growing body of evidence reaffirming that we need to know more, not less, about the ingredients in period products, said Scranton. Examples of the plastic found in period products are polyester fibers interwoven into the body of pads, leak-proof polypropylene that lines the back of pads, plastic tampon applicators, polyester blends in the body or strings of tampons, and coatings used to help smoothen tampon removal. S. Food and Drug Administration: Tampons and Asbestos, Dioxin, & Toxic Shock Syndrome. That means Ive had (hold for minds to stop being blown) roughly 300 periods. The modern tampon with applicator came about in the 1930s, and then after undergoing testing and development in the 1970s, was nationally marketed in the United States in 1979. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. A widely circulated rumor on the Internet alleges that tampons are contaminated with asbestos and dioxin, and that the rayon in some tampons causes toxic shock syndrome. [6], Rana Hajjeh, M.D., a medical epidemiologist with CDCs division of bacterial and mycotic diseases, attributes the drop in TSS cases to the advances in the way FDA regulates tampon materials and absorbency. (A 2019 study shows that awareness can influence people to choose products that are better for the environment.) But a tweet claiming that organic pads and tampons shortened a young woman's periodby about three days and changed her flow ignited a debate over whether this was even possible. PO Box 8743 Vaginal douching and racial/ethnic disparities in phthalates exposures among reproductive-aged women: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 20012004. Although tampons along with other everyday products contain trace amounts of contaminants, Ross saysthe risk of developing cancer is minimal and there is no scientific evidence to prove that it poses a threat to a woman's health.
Kits also include information on A.521A, and simple ways they can contact their assemblymember, encouraging support for ingredient disclosure of period products. According to physician and author Dr. Joseph Mercola, chemicals in plastics, like BPA and BPS, have been connected to the development of heart disease and cancer. Flushing them can cause blockages that could. It has been estimated that over the lifetime of one menstruating person, somewhere between 5 and 15,000 pads and tampons ultimately end up as landfill waste. A Detox the Box Party Kit includes fact sheets on harmful chemicals found in some menstrual products, a discussion guide, spoof videos that call-out harmful body-shaming marketing, and actions to take to ensure menstrual products are universally safe and accessible. Executive Director Whether the chemicals we detected are a result of contamination from rayon manufacturing, from added fragrance ingredients, or other unknown additives, we need to know to be able to avoid these chemicals of concern.. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. In addition, based on an average womans menstrual cycles, about 12,000 tampons per lifetime is possible. Tampons and diapers sold in health food stores or special ordered were not safer than brand name products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers relatively little regulation of menstrual products. American Academy of Pediatrics, Media Contacts: New Yorkers Gather to Support Their Right to Know, End Hidden and Retrieved from. 6.5.2018 NEW YORK National womens health nonprofit, Womens Voices for the Earth (WVE), has released independent product-testing results that reveal undisclosed toxic chemicals in tampons. I believe tampons increase the length of your flow, would anyone else agree? (2015). Menstrual products are essential purchases for women, and we cannot be health conscious consumers if we dont know the chemical content of these products and the effects they have on our health. Menstrual cycles arent new of course, and neither are tampons. There was a rumor going around that tampons contained trace amounts of asbestos, and that tampon manufacturers put it there for a very shady reason: to make users bleed more and need to buy more tampons. 100% Agree!! regular, super, etc.) "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route. In reality, tampons come with a very real risk of Toxic Shock syndrome (TSS). "The device is going into the body so that could change things, but there's no scientific evidence that's the case," Breitkopf tells USA TODAY. The use of any types of menstrual pads, however, can reduce the risk of TSS. Period.,"says that she doesn't think organic tampons pads are generally any "safer"or even necessary. The testing results gives manufacturers a strong incentive to make products without harmful chemicals and provides further emphasis that we need to know more about these products and their impact on health. The CDC noted that the number of menstrual-related TSS cases decreased significantly between 1980 and 1990, while the number of TSS from other causes has remained he same. On top of all that, the cotton or rayon is bleached to achieve its pure white color. Bleaching creates toxic compounds called dioxins. We have come to expect disclosure of ingredients in foods, cosmetics, and drugs because of the direct interaction of these products with our bodies. Thanks to the absorbent tampon, bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels and enter the bloodstream, creating the potentially fatal condition known as TSS. Ingredients: cotton, bamboo, and minky fabric options, Cost: $55 for sample kit (one of each size), $200 for All You Need kit. This is when the female body prepares itself for. You may not reproduce, distribute, publicly display, modify or otherwise use these materials for any commercial purpose without prior permission from Nontoxic Certified. 1031 33rd Street Toxic Chemicals in Pads and Tampons And yet, there is currently no requirement for ingredient labeling of menstrual hygiene products, which women use because of biological necessity, said Assemblymebmer Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF- Manhattan), sponsor of bill A.521A to require menstrual hygiene package labeling in New York State. WVE envisions a world free from the impacts of toxic chemicals, one where our planet and communities are thriving, one where our gender, race, sexuality, zip code, income level or job does not determine our health outcomes. It turns out that most conventional pads and tampons are made with synthetic materials and toxic substances.
The infection can result in shock and the failure of major organs. Synthetic materials also interfere with airflow, possibly contributing to the growth of yeast and bacteria in the vaginal area. More:Women get their periods every month and it's incredibly expensive. Women everywhere need these feminine care products and the last thing we would want is for them to be made with chemicals that have long been identified as extremely dangerous to our health. We applaud these efforts., Steven Goldstein, MD, FAAP They also contain potentially harmful chemicals that every woman should know about. One study found endocrine-active compounds in period care and concluded that, The estimated exposure doses of phthalates, parabens and bisphenols through the dermal absorption pathway from the use of pads, panty liners and tampons were significant. This is a serious route of exposure for women using pads and tampons for several days at a time on a monthly basis for decades. The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); Visit our press room or contact our communications director. We avoid using tertiary references. To help support A.521A, women across the state of New York are using WVEs Detox the Box Party Kits to raise awareness about the hazards of hidden and harmful chemicals in menstrual care products, and de-stigmatize periods and vaginal health. Despite its success, almost immediately, the health risks became apparent. DeVito and Schecter suggest that women who want to reduce their exposure to dioxin, and policy makers with similar concerns, should focus on reducing dioxin in the food we eat, rather than tampons. After publicity about TSS caused by tampons in 1980, the most absorbent tampons were taken off the market, and women and teenagers were warned about potential risks. The Period RevolutionPeople in search of more mindful menstrual products finally have more options for both disposable and reusable options. Dioxins have also been linked to hormonal imbalances, infertility and immunity problems. While it can take a lot of preparation, there are many alternatives to commercial toilet paper. This testing is just one snapshot that shows us that there is more to these products than is currently being disclosed, said Alexandra Scranton, WVEs Director of Science and Research. The most recent version of the bill, now called the Robin DanielsonFeminine Hygiene Product Safety Act of 2017 (H.R. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. Wearing a tampon for too long puts you at risk for toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal infection. As a result, a full list of ingredients used in these products are rarely disclosed publicly. According to my pad usage, I could save $660 from now until menopause. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Most of the tampons that we find in stores today are made from non-organic cotton and rayon. While there hasnt been research done into the effects of pesticide residue on tampon users, its common sense that we probably dont want these harsh chemicals inside our bodies. The manufacturers of feminine hygiene products say that their products are safe and that dioxins are everywhere in the environment, including water, air, food, and clothing. (If you reside outside of the U.S., please simply enter 00000 for zip code), ph:(406) 543-3747 | womensvoices@womensvoices.org | 2022 All rights reserved |. Online and in Person. Until there's more quantifiable research on the use of organic pads and tampons, Breitkopf says we just don't know how it affects menstrual cycles. We include products we think are useful for our readers. In 1982, the FDA required that all tampon labels advise women to use the lowest absorbency needed to control their flow and include TSS warning signs. at the Posner Center Retrieved from. ABOUT Womens Voices for the Earth (WVE)
[3] The TSS epidemic reached a peak in 1980 with a total of 814 cases, including 38 deaths, reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). I tried Tree Hugger, but GladRags are another popular, comparable brand. (2018). More importantly, phasing out harmful and unnecessary chemicals in consumer products will have a lasting effect on both the health of New Yorkers and the environment., Caitlin Ferrante, The FDA recommends women use tampons only during active menstruation and use ones with the minimum absorbency necessary to control their menstrual flow. TSS causes a sudden drop in blood pressure that can lead to death. The tampons vs. pads debate is a hot one involving plenty of opinions. To request permission, please, MADE SAFE is proud to be a part of the 1% for the Planet network, which connects businesses and nonprofits to protect the planet.
Well go over why this isnt as serious as it sounds and tell you how to safely remove it yourself at home. Branch, F., Woodruff, T. J., Mitro, S. D., & Zota, A. R. (2015).
The cumulative effects would therefore be considerable and possibly measurable for many years. (Methylene chloride, commonly found in paint strippers, has made headlines recently for its link to over 50 deaths since 1980). Understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment. In New York, women are using these parties to support their right to know, their right to safe products, and to ultimately put an end to practices and policies that put their health at risk.. You can reduce your consumption of these single-use plastics by selecting products that do not contain plastic in the product and packaging, or by opting for a reusable option. Periods arent gross or shameful. Look for products with. The super-slim period products that swell to hold enormous amounts of menstrual fluid are appealing on the surface, but may contain plasticizing chemicals like BPA and/or other bisphenols. Lola, an organic subscription-based tampon and pad company, raised $24 million in funds and even has celebrities like Serena Williams and Lena Dunham investing. Retrieved from, H.R. Think Twice About Using Tampons. We should expect, and deserve, no less from menstrual products, said Jamie McConnell, Director of Programs and Policy at WVE. js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; If you added up all the money youve spent on disposable pads, that cost far outweighs the initial cost of buying reusables. Interviews available. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 Want some help thinking through which nontoxic period solution is right for you? Period panties and reusable pads and menstrual cups are an important step forward in period care, offering reusable solutions for years without the need for a monthly purchase. When she's not writing, you can find her taking care of her 12 pets (all in one fishtank). I used to go through 6 super tampons a day on my heavy day. Detox the Box Parties are currently being held in the following New York communities: Add that up with the estimated 45 billion menstrual products that end up in the trash every year, and it cant be good. Wrong. Chapter Coordinator Heres Why, 2021s Best Period and Leak Proof Swimwear, CBD Oil for Menstrual Cramps (PMS)? But this brand seems to truly prevent any leakage for me.
But hey, its just cotton, right? You may note the cost of these pads is a bit high. While rare, it can happen.
Additionally, some brands of tampons contained other volatile organic compounds including reproductive toxins, toluene and xylene, as well as carcinogen, methylene chloride.
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