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If you experience a sudden fever or rash while wearing a tampon, remove it immediately and get to a doctor or hospital emergency room as soon as possible. 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. 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.

Ingredients: cotton, bamboo, and minky fabric options, Cost: $55 for sample kit (one of each size), $200 for All You Need kit. raised $24 million in funds and even has celebrities like Serena Williams and Lena Dunham investing.

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. Wrong. 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.

Otherwise, here is what to look for: Tags: bisphenol, menstrual cups, menstruation, period panties, period products, PFAS chemicals, plastic pollution, sanitary napkins, sanitary pads, SAPs, sodium polyacrylate, superabsorbent polymers, tampons. 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. 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. Menstrual cups should be free from dyes and made of 100% medical grade silicone. You can get started with menstrual cups here. al. Product disclosure is a first step in reducing possible harm.

(You can unsubscribe anytime), Susan Dudley, PhD, Salwa Nassar, Emily Hartman, and Sandy Wang, National Center for Health Research, Jobs, Fellowships, Internships & Volunteers, http://www.euromonitor.com/sanitary-protection-in-the-us/report, http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/PatientAlerts/ucm070003.htm, http://www.ehponline.org/members/2002/110p23-28devito/EHP110p23PDF.PDF, http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/13/health/whats-in-your-pad-or-tampon/, https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2379/text, Alzheimers, Dementia & Other Disabilities, Early Puberty & Problems in Sexual Development, Sanitary Protection in the US. He adds that it doesn't mean there aren't any, but it hasn't come up yet or been identified.

Flushing them can cause blockages that could.

But this brand seems to truly prevent any leakage for me.

(2011). 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. OB-GYNs agree that nonorganic tampons are just as safe as organic tampons, so its more a personal choice than a health-related one.

When women started showing up in hospitals in 1980 with cases of TSS, the link was made between tampon use and this dangerous syndrome.

You may note the cost of these pads is a bit high.

PO Box 8743 var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; Using menstrual cups will also keep you away from potentially dangerous dioxin exposure. Women have a basic right to know whether products they insert directly into their bodies contain carcinogens.

It is unthinkable and unforgivable, there has to be a greater sense of responsibility for human life., Andrea Jurez

The cotton in non-organic cotton most likely contains residue from pesticides and fungicides used on the cotton crop as its growing.

According to my pad usage, I could save $660 from now until menopause.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Limited Offer! If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.

Kits also include information on A.521A, and simple ways they can contact their assemblymember, encouraging support for ingredient disclosure of period products. Look for products with.

Tampons and diapers sold in health food stores or special ordered were not safer than brand name products. Thanks to the absorbent tampon, bacteria can multiply to dangerous levels and enter the bloodstream, creating the potentially fatal condition known as TSS. [1] Approximately 55% of white women of reproductive age, 31% of Black women, and 22% of Hispanic women report using tampons.

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.

Susie Slack is a freelance writer who loves crafting content for the Web. You can keep up with her menstrual shenanigans, along with her co-hosts, on Instagram.

Period panties should be made from cotton, preferably organic materials, but its important to know what is in the core.

"Women are protected from tampons containing excessive amounts of asbestos, dioxin and rayon fibers, which are chemicals that can potentially cause harm if contained in large amounts in tampons.". President, New York Chapter 2

Founded in 1995, Womens Voices for the Earth is a national environmental health organization that works to amplify womens voices to eliminate toxic chemicals that harm our health and communities.

The disease, which was first described among teenage girls in 1978, primarily strikes tampon users under the age of 30.

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.

cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity.

While it can take a lot of preparation, there are many alternatives to commercial toilet paper. At least, thats what the ads would like you to think. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious condition caused by a bacterial infection.

In the 23 years Ive been a bleeder, Ive tried and tested a lot of products and brands. 2022 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC.

My usual menstrual product purchase ritual is thus: Are you thinking, So? I got my first period when I was 11 years old. 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, Im hoping the cup could be a healthier alternative for me, thanks for reading, by. 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. 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. When administered vaginally the levels of the drug in the body can be 10-80 times higher than when administered orally. Tampon stuck?

(2015).

So when it comes to choosing organic feminine hygiene products over regular products, it comes down to personal preference.

[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.

Tampons are awesome they let you hang out on the beach wearing a tiny white swimsuit, happily playing volleyball with your friends.

They also encourage women to speak with their doctor about TSS.[3].

I havent found any issue with odor.

Im 34 now. These materials are owned by Nontoxic Certified and are subject to copyright protection. It turns out that most conventional pads and tampons are made with synthetic materials and toxic substances.

Heres our process. The Period RevolutionPeople in search of more mindful menstrual products finally have more options for both disposable and reusable options.

Yet despite all of this known information, it is still not customary for companies to disclose whats inside period products. LOLA is a subscription service that lets you customize what products you want and how often you want them.

'Menstrual equality': House passes measure allowing women to buy tampons, pads with health spending accounts, Women get their periods every month and it's incredibly expensive, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. What are the facts? "Organic tampons and pads shortened my periods from 7-8 days to 4 days!!!!!"

I used to go through 6 super tampons a day on my heavy day.

Let's be real, no one enjoys having periods. And above everything else, theyre effective and comfortable. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; 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.

It is manufactured from and likely contaminated with acrylic acid, which is associated with numerous adverse health endpoints.

regular, super, etc.) "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route. 2379 Robin Danielson Feminine Hygiene Product Safety Act of 2017.

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.

We'll break down what your options are and how to make a choice.

Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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.

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. 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.

Tampons are usually made of cotton and rayon. Similar to choosing organic vegetables, its an alternative and not necessarily better or safer for women.".

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.

If the bill passes, it would be the first such law to take effect in the nation.

It was an aha moment. Hey Ive got a bit of a question that needs debunking. The infection can result in shock and the failure of major organs. This is when the female body prepares itself for.

More:'Menstrual equality': House passes measure allowing women to buy tampons, pads with health spending accounts. Period.,"says that she doesn't think organic tampons pads are generally any "safer"or even necessary.

Menstrual Cup Dangers Are Menstrual Cups Safe to Use?

(function(d, s, id) {

That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray.We reject and actively push back against racist rhetoric, actions, policies and institutional oppression that leads to state-sanctioned brutality, gun violence, and harmthat again and again assaults communities, particularly communities of color.We are committed to working for justice and equity, and are in solidarity with social, racial, and environmental justice organizations to build community, understanding and honest dialogue to address the root causes of violence, harm and hate. There was no meaningful difference in dioxin exposure from 100% cotton tampons (or diapers) compared to cotton/pulp products. Want some help thinking through which nontoxic period solution is right for you?

(2015).

Exposure Assessment to Dioxins from the Use of Tampons and Diapers, Kounang, N. (2015).

Dioxins and their effects on human health. According to experts, organic feminine hygiene products don't have any effect on a woman's menstrual cycle.

While rare, it can happen. 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.

So, it was time for me to look into organic and reusable alternatives to tampons and pads.

Wearing a tampon for too long puts you at risk for toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal infection.

Thankfully, there are safer choices out there.

Fact Checked by Jennifer Chesak, May 10 2019.

According to them super tampons can hold 10-12mL of liquid, so why is it when I switched to my cup I didnt even have 10mL in it after 12hrs?!? 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. So if there's anything out there that can make them lighter, shorter, less painful or practically nonexistent, we're all for it. 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. (Methylene chloride, commonly found in paint strippers, has made headlines recently for its link to over 50 deaths since 1980). The cumulative effects would therefore be considerable and possibly measurable for many years.

Menstrual cycles arent new of course, and neither are tampons. 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.. (2019) A study into public awareness of the environmental impact of menstrual products and product choice.

Interviews available. The skin inside of the vagina is very absorbent and permeable, yet manufacturers arent required to reveal what the tampons theyre selling us actually contain. Collectively, its estimated that more than 20 billion period products (pads, tampons and applicators) are sent to landfill annually, contributing to the single-use plastic pollution problem. Im someone who needs to wear a liner with my tampons because my period doesnt play by the rules.

If you added up all the money youve spent on disposable pads, that cost far outweighs the initial cost of buying reusables. Read our Ultimate Guide to Period Products.

Responses ranged from women confirming they saw their cycles shortened by switching to organic feminine hygiene products to those who criticized her for spewing false information.

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.

So, I decided to devote some thought to it.

My period is lighter and shorter now since Ive switched to the cup! U.S. women spend about $3 billion/year on sanitary protection. Whats wrong with that?. 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. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. In addition, based on an average womans menstrual cycles, about 12,000 tampons per lifetime is possible.

Meg Trowbridge is a writer, comedian, and one of the hosts of Vicious Cycle, the podcast about periods and the people who get them. 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.

Manufacturers started to distribute warnings and to recommend that tampons are changed every four to eight hours and never left in longer than eight.

[4], The FDA says that the exposure to dioxin from tampons today is many times less than normally present in the body from other environmental sources.3 However, according to Dr. Philip Tierno, director of clinical microbiology and diagnostic immunology at the New York University Medical Center and a leading expert on the health risks of tampons, even trace amounts of dioxin are cause for concern because tampons come in contact with vaginal tissue, which is covered in permeable, mucous membranes leading directly to the reproductive organs.

Find two light-day tampons and an empty box of liners. (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 |. Visit our press room or contact our communications director.

js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; 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. When she's not writing, you can find her taking care of her 12 pets (all in one fishtank).

Most of the tampons that we find in stores today are made from non-organic cotton and rayon.

She adds that the most important thing to remember with tampons, whether organic or traditional, is to change them every four to eight hours so you don't increase your risk for toxic shock syndrome.

Vaginal douching and racial/ethnic disparities in phthalates exposures among reproductive-aged women: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 20012004.

TSS is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that occurs naturally in the body. We are encouraged and inspired by women in New York and across the nation who are demanding their right to know, said Rosenthal. These symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Do menstrual cups cause any odors? 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. Procter & Gamble, whichowns Always and Tampax,just acquired This is L, another organic feminine hygiene brand, in February.

As noted above, there is no scientific evidence that these products are safer. Maybe youve wondered whats actually in there. 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.

We have come to expect disclosure of ingredients in foods, cosmetics, and drugs because of the direct interaction of these products with our bodies.

But hey, its just cotton, right?

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.

Online and in Person.

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. Media inquiries? I found theyre much less likely to cause chafing than regular pads. 1031 33rd Street Think Twice About Using Tampons.

They also contain potentially harmful chemicals that every woman should know about.

The EPA states that, due to decades of pollution, dioxin can be found in the air, water, and ground; thus, small amounts of dioxin may be present in the cotton or wood pulp raw materials used to make tampons.

Internal Support

How do you insert a menstrual cup?

We should expect, and deserve, no less from menstrual products, said Jamie McConnell, Director of Programs and Policy at WVE. Other ancient cultures also used wood, paper, vegetable fiber, sponges, grass and eventually cotton.

I wish Oprah were there. 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.

The problem is that SAPS are commonly comprised of sodium polyacrylate, a synthetic material that is not biodegradable.

That means Ive had (hold for minds to stop being blown) roughly 300 periods. 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. [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). Up until the late 1990s, bleaching the wood pulp resulted in traces of dioxin in tampons, but that method has been replaced with a chlorine-free bleaching process.

Peberdy E. et.

Understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment. You can avoid dioxins by using organic tampons that are bleached with hydrogen. 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.

Tips for Choosing Better Period ProductsShop for MADE SAFE certified Period Care to ensure the product has been fully vetted for substances known or suspected to cause human and ecosystem harm.

Heres Why, 2021s Best Period and Leak Proof Swimwear, CBD Oil for Menstrual Cramps (PMS)? www.womensvoices.org, Though the overwhelming majority of women in the United States use feminine care products, we are still left in the dark on what ingredients these products contain.

More:Women get their periods every month and it's incredibly expensive. 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. (2018).

Well tell you, A menstrual period is vaginal bleeding that occurs at the end of the monthly menstrual cycle. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. In reality, tampons come with a very real risk of Toxic Shock syndrome (TSS).

The Mayo Clinic doctor also cited recall bias to explain why some women seemed to think organic products made their cycles shorter.

If you wear a tampon for too long, it can provide the perfect breeding ground for this bacteria. New Yorkers Gather to Support Their Right to Know, End Hidden and Run to the drugstore and buy whatever is on sale or whichever boxs color scheme speaks to me. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);

Why was I putting so little thought in the products I interact with intimately and which contribute to so much waste globally?

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. Tampons, pads and menstrual cups are considered medical devices by the FDA and are not subject to ingredient labeling.

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). "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.". None of these chemicals are disclosed by the manufacturers.

"Ladies please switch to organic and stop putting dangerous products full of cancer causing chemicals in your body!!!!!". The FDA recommends women use tampons only during active menstruation and use ones with the minimum absorbency necessary to control their menstrual flow. So even though there may only be tiny amounts present in tampons, they collect in our fatty tissues and can build up to dangerous levels.

The email message claims that manufacturers add asbestos to tampons to promote excessive bleeding in order to sell more of their product. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

My period flow is all over the place, so sometimes that number of tampons can cover me for three cycles.

New technology may eliminate SAPs by utilizing materials manufactured in nanoscale, which some scientists have concerns about.

Here are eight myths about periods we need to stop spreading.

This results in shoppers being in the dark in regards to harmful chemicals that are in period products. Well go over why this isnt as serious as it sounds and tell you how to safely remove it yourself at home. 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. When I dont need more, LOLA makes it easy to skip my next shipment without canceling my subscription.

In fact, tampons ordered from a specialty company had much more dioxin than the other tampons.



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