I havent found any issue with odor. President, New York Chapter 2 It is the responsibility of manufacturers, and even more so our government, to protect the health of its citizens., Lubna Ahmed Internal Support Add that up with the estimated 45 billion menstrual products that end up in the trash every year, and it cant be good. 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. Big-brand tampons are safe to use, but if the thought of ingredients like dioxins (a known carcinogenic) make you think twice, go organic for your own peace of mind. 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. 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, (function(d, s, id) { Understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment. 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. MADE SAFE is proud to be a part of the 1% for the Planet network, which connects businesses and nonprofits to protect the planet. My period is lighter and shorter now since Ive switched to the cup! It is unthinkable and unforgivable, there has to be a greater sense of responsibility for human life., Andrea Jurez Not 6010! In reality, tampons come with a very real risk of Toxic Shock syndrome (TSS). Some of these approaches have been used for centuries. (Methylene chloride, commonly found in paint strippers, has made headlines recently for its link to over 50 deaths since 1980). Despite its success, almost immediately, the health risks became apparent. Tampon stuck? Period panties should be made from cotton, preferably organic materials, but its important to know what is in the core. LOLA has made great strides in educating menstruators about why we should care about what goes in our products and our bodies (not to mention, their social media game is on point). Theyre also not a joke, either. So, it was time for me to look into organic and reusable alternatives to tampons and pads. So if there's anything out there that can make them lighter, shorter, less painful or practically nonexistent, we're all for it. Ingredients: cotton, bamboo, and minky fabric options, Cost: $55 for sample kit (one of each size), $200 for All You Need kit. Media inquiries? "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route. 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. from ALL brands . 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. 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. 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. The tampons vs. pads debate is a hot one involving plenty of opinions. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Limited Offer! We are encouraged and inspired by women in New York and across the nation who are demanding their right to know, said Rosenthal. For instance, I have one box of tampons (seven light, seven regular, four super) delivered every eight weeks. Consider this fact: Doctors are increasingly administering hormone treatments vaginally because the drug can be transferred directly into the bloodstream without being metabolized the way it would if taken orally. 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. 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. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. While it may look like cotton, it turns out that most conventional pads and tampons arent actually made entirely with cotton. Hey Ive got a bit of a question that needs debunking. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers relatively little regulation of menstrual products. Campaign for Healthier Solutions, This is an issue of environmental justice. It's best to change. In fact, they have a savings calculator so you can see for yourself. Why was I putting so little thought in the products I interact with intimately and which contribute to so much waste globally? Women have a basic right to know whether products they insert directly into their bodies contain carcinogens. Retrieved from. The infection can result in shock and the failure of major organs. Using menstrual cups will also keep you away from potentially dangerous dioxin exposure. OB-GYNs agree that nonorganic tampons are just as safe as organic tampons, so its more a personal choice than a health-related one. 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. Clean and Healthy New York, There is no greater invasion and breach of trust than to think they could be allowing me to put such dangerous chemicals in my body just to save a few dollars. "Menstruationcan change naturally from month to month," he says. If you added up all the money youve spent on disposable pads, that cost far outweighs the initial cost of buying reusables. Ingredients: 100% organic cotton (GOTS certified), BPA-free plastic applicator, A friend of mine purchased this brand from Target and lent me a few in my time of bleed. I excitedly texted her after using my first L. tampon, saying, Umm, most absorbent tampon of my life?!. Heres our process. Disclosure of those chemicals, as would be required by A.521A, would provide New Yorkers with the information needed in choosing which products they would feel comfortable purchasing. One study found that 80% of monkeys exposed to dioxin developed endometriosis, a painful disease in which uterine tissue is found outside the uterus, frequently leading to infertility. Health First: A Cleaning Products Industry Roadmap for Selecting Safer Chemicals, Beyond the Label: Health Impacts of Harmful Ingredients in Cleaning Products, The Long-Term Game of Bettering Menstrual Pain, Introducing WVEs New Plan for a Thriving Future, Green certifiers can do a better job at protecting kids from toxic PFAS in everyday products, US NGO explores impacts of New York menstrual products disclosure law, California Could Soon Require Free Menstrual Products In Public Schools, Salon workers, environmental groups petition FDA to ban formaldehyde in hair products, treatments. The problem is that SAPS are commonly comprised of sodium polyacrylate, a synthetic material that is not biodegradable. If you own a business, consider joining 1% for the Planet, naming MADE SAFE as your beneficiary. Maybe youve wondered whats actually in there. 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. 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. 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. In New York, this means passing important right to know laws like A.521A that require feminine care product ingredient disclosure., Kathleen A. Curtis, LPN 100% Agree!! While it can take a lot of preparation, there are many alternatives to commercial toilet paper. 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. There was no meaningful difference in dioxin exposure from 100% cotton tampons (or diapers) compared to cotton/pulp products. When administered vaginally the levels of the drug in the body can be 10-80 times higher than when administered orally. The Problem Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from National Center for Health Research. Rely and toxic shock syndrome: A technological health crisis. js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; (2016). Well tell you, A menstrual period is vaginal bleeding that occurs at the end of the monthly menstrual cycle. You may not reproduce, distribute, publicly display, modify or otherwise use these materials for any commercial purpose without prior permission from Nontoxic Certified. Run to the drugstore and buy whatever is on sale or whichever boxs color scheme speaks to me. Wearing a tampon for too long puts you at risk for toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal infection. American Academy of Pediatrics, Media Contacts: Im someone who needs to wear a liner with my tampons because my period doesnt play by the rules. Get telltale cramps informing me my period is about to start. More chemicals of concern that commonly show up in pads and tampons: Period Products and Plastic PollutionSadly, plastic has increasingly become a mainstay material in many tampons and pads over the last 50 years. Conventional pads also commonly use SAPs (superabsorbent polymers), which are designed to hold enormous amounts of liquid. The fabrics they use are soft and adorable. It does not adequately address womens questions and concerns, and relied on data that were submitted by tampon manufacturers that are not publicly available. 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.. Im hoping the cup could be a healthier alternative for me, thanks for reading, by. [3], In 1994, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a report stating that dioxins are known to cause cancer in animals, and probably cause cancer in people. [3], The asbestos allegedin the Internet rumor has never been confirmed. Manufacturers started to distribute warnings and to recommend that tampons are changed every four to eight hours and never left in longer than eight. You can get started with menstrual cups here. 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. If you wear a tampon for too long, it can provide the perfect breeding ground for this bacteria. 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. So, I decided to devote some thought to it. wrote the woman who goes by "young hilary banks" on Twitter. Menstrual Cup Dangers Are Menstrual Cups Safe to Use? 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. Interviews available. Tampons, pads and menstrual cups are considered medical devices by the FDA and are not subject to ingredient labeling. DOI: Vostral SL. These results underscore the need for more comprehensive testing to better understand the potential health risks that may arise from long-term product use.. How do you insert a menstrual cup? If you own a business, consider joining, directly into the bloodstream without being metabolized, 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. None of these chemicals are disclosed by the manufacturers. The agency also standardized absorbency labeling in 1990 so that absorbency terms (e.g. Look for products with. regular, super, etc.) Youll also learn about the, Knowing the stages of the menstrual cycle can help put you in control of your body and empower you to know when to speak with a doctor. I believe tampons increase the length of your flow, would anyone else agree? Most of us grew up thinking that disposable pads and tampons were our only options. (2018). Like LOLA, you can set up a subscription with L., but theyre available at Target as well. You can avoid dioxins by using organic tampons that are bleached with hydrogen. Yet despite all of this known information, it is still not customary for companies to disclose whats inside period products. Period.,"says that she doesn't think organic tampons pads are generally any "safer"or even necessary. 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. De Vito, MJ and Schecter A. Its possible that there are plastics, nanomaterials or PFAS chemicals in the mix which should be avoided. Well go over why this isnt as serious as it sounds and tell you how to safely remove it yourself at home. al. Thanks to the absorbent tampon, bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels and enter the bloodstream, creating the potentially fatal condition known as TSS. Most are made of synthetic materials like rayon, which is sourced from trees, but highly processed so that the final product is far from being natural. Many period care products also use polyester, a plastic by another name. 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. Although organic feminine hygiene products have only recently appeared on the market, the interest in them is high. However, highly absorbent viscose rayon, the fourth synthetic ingredient, is still used. Susie Slack is a freelance writer who loves crafting content for the Web. 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. Consumers need to demand transparency because pads and tampons are regulated as medical devices, meaning theres no government requirement that ingredients and materials be disclosed. Tampons are used by up to 85 percent of menstruating women in the U.S. [5], Toxic Shock Syndrome is a rare but potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterial toxin, has also been associated with tampon use. U.S. women spend about $3 billion/year on sanitary protection. The most recent version of the bill, now called the Robin DanielsonFeminine Hygiene Product Safety Act of 2017 (H.R. Find two light-day tampons and an empty box of liners. S. Food and Drug Administration: Tampons and Asbestos, Dioxin, & Toxic Shock Syndrome. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. 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. LOLA: light, regular, super, and super+ tampons, Tree Hugger Cloth Pads: liners, light, heavy, and postpartum pads, who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dioxins-and-their-effects-on-human-health, global-standard.org/the-standard/general-description.html, fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/facts-tampons-and-how-use-them-safely, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3238331/, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, complete transparency with product ingredients, requires commitment; not easy to try just a couple tampons to see if you like them first, personally found them to be not as absorbent as other brands, easy to customize and edit subscription service, though Targets are everywhere, having this brand in drug and corner stores would be a game changer, widely available since Targets are everywhere, initial cost can be prohibitive (one heavy flow pad is $16.50), come in many types of fabrics and patterns. "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.". Other ancient cultures also used wood, paper, vegetable fiber, sponges, grass and eventually cotton. Most of the tampons that we find in stores today are made from non-organic cotton and rayon. In addition, based on an average womans menstrual cycles, about 12,000 tampons per lifetime is possible. 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. But I do recommend exploring your options for alternatives. Not only do they help avoid suspect ingredients and chemicals, theyre also eco-friendly. 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. 2379), was also introduced by Rep. Carolyn Maloney and requires NIH to study thecontaminants and substances used, such as dioxin, synthetic fibers, fragrances, dyes, and preservatives in feminine hygiene products pose health risks to women who use the products or to the children of women who use the products during or before pregnancy.[6], Several alternatives are available to women, including all-cotton tampons and pads that are unbleached or are whitened with hydrogen peroxide and reusable menstrual cups. When I dont need more, LOLA makes it easy to skip my next shipment without canceling my subscription. 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. If the bill passes, it would be the first such law to take effect in the nation. Dioxins have been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as causing cancer in humans. Millions use menstrual products on a monthly basis. 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. 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. Rush to bathroom to see if I have anything left to use. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. (2015). Whats in your pad or tampon? Online and in Person. ABOUT Womens Voices for the Earth (WVE) }(document, 'script', 'advocacy-actionwidget-code')); Womens Voices for the Earth When it comes to the safety of traditional feminine hygiene products, there doesn't seem to be any "epidemics of diseases that are associated with tampons at this point," according to Breitkopf. (2019) A study into public awareness of the environmental impact of menstrual products and product choice. Wrong. Typically, used tampons are wrapped in either toilet paper or facial tissue and tossed into the garbage. [3], Dioxin is the byproduct of the process from converting wood pulp into a synthetic fiber called Rayon, which is also used for fabric. PO Box 8743 Jamie McConnell, jamiem@womensvoices.org, (406) 543-3747, office 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. cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity. [2] Women deserve to know if tampons have unnecessary risks, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates the safety and effectiveness of tampons as a medical device, merely issued a statement claiming that the available scientific evidence does not support the rumors. Chapter Coordinator 2379 Robin Danielson Feminine Hygiene Product Safety Act of 2017. 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. Has anyone noticed a shorter bleeding time since using the cup? I used to go through 6 super tampons a day on my heavy day. Branch, F., Woodruff, T. J., Mitro, S. D., & Zota, A. R. (2015). All of these things are contributing factors to the plastic pollution problem. Alexandra Scranton, alexs@womensvoices.org, (406) 543-3747, office. Tampons are awesome they let you hang out on the beach wearing a tiny white swimsuit, happily playing volleyball with your friends.
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