Like LOLA, you can set up a subscription with L., but theyre available at Target as well. Menstrual cups should be free from dyes and made of 100% medical grade silicone. And above everything else, theyre effective and comfortable. Run to the drugstore and buy whatever is on sale or whichever boxs color scheme speaks to me. 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. Online and in Person. Whats wrong with that?. 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. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers relatively little regulation of menstrual products. document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Limited Offer! Look for a company that has tested their products and is willing to disclose all materials used. 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. Maybe youve wondered whats actually in there. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. They also contain potentially harmful chemicals that every woman should know about. 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. There is something deeply amiss when chemicals are deemed too unsafe for paint stripper, but just fine for women to use in their tampons. 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. Similar to choosing organic vegetables, its an alternative and not necessarily better or safer for women.". Yes, theyre pricey, but you have to think of it as an investment. Menstrual Cup Dangers Are Menstrual Cups Safe to Use? 2005-2022 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; [1] Approximately 55% of white women of reproductive age, 31% of Black women, and 22% of Hispanic women report using tampons. On top of all that, the cotton or rayon is bleached to achieve its pure white color. Bleaching creates toxic compounds called dioxins. So if there's anything out there that can make them lighter, shorter, less painful or practically nonexistent, we're all for it. [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. 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. 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. It is the responsibility of manufacturers, and even more so our government, to protect the health of its citizens., Lubna Ahmed What are the facts? 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. Vaginal douching and racial/ethnic disparities in phthalates exposures among reproductive-aged women: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 20012004. Using menstrual cups will also keep you away from potentially dangerous dioxin exposure. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; What It Is and How It Works, Enter Our Forums (Questions & Answers) . When women started showing up in hospitals in 1980 with cases of TSS, the link was made between tampon use and this dangerous syndrome. Other ancient cultures also used wood, paper, vegetable fiber, sponges, grass and eventually cotton. In fact, tampons ordered from a specialty company had much more dioxin than the other tampons. Tampons and diapers sold in health food stores or special ordered were not safer than brand name products. 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?!? (Methylene chloride, commonly found in paint strippers, has made headlines recently for its link to over 50 deaths since 1980). 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. De Vito, MJ and Schecter A. Menstrual Cups and Internal Birth Control, Truth About Tampons? We'll break down what your options are and how to make a choice. New Yorkers Gather to Support Their Right to Know, End Hidden and Whats in your pad or tampon? Want some help thinking through which nontoxic period solution is right for you? Read our Ultimate Guide to Period Products. The FDA recommends women use tampons only during active menstruation and use ones with the minimum absorbency necessary to control their menstrual flow. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 10 Reasons to Celebrate This Menstrual Hygiene Week! Some of these approaches have been used for centuries. These symptoms require prompt medical attention. Im 34 now. 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. Although the exact connection remains unclear, use of high-absorbency tampons produced with rayon and leaving tampons in for an extended period of time seem to increase the risk of TSS. You can keep up with her menstrual shenanigans, along with her co-hosts, on Instagram. 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. Internal Support [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. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. (2018). Well tell you, A menstrual period is vaginal bleeding that occurs at the end of the monthly menstrual cycle. On top of trying organic tampons, I was interested in reusable pads. 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. 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. He adds that it doesn't mean there aren't any, but it hasn't come up yet or been identified. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. 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. S. Food and Drug Administration: Tampons and Asbestos, Dioxin, & Toxic Shock Syndrome. Get 10% OFF your order. The barriers standing in the way need to be broken. 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. 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. 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. 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. 1031 33rd Street 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. It was an aha moment. According to my pad usage, I could save $660 from now until menopause. "'Is organic better when it comes to using tampons?' When to Use a Menstrual Cup After Giving Birth, 7 Reasons Menstrual Cups Make Periods Easier, 21 Concerns You May Have Before Getting a Menstrual Cup, Where To Buy Menstrual Cups? We avoid using tertiary references. American Academy of Pediatrics, Media Contacts: 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. When I dont need more, LOLA makes it easy to skip my next shipment without canceling my subscription. js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; The use of any types of menstrual pads, however, can reduce the risk of TSS. Jamie McConnell, jamiem@womensvoices.org, (406) 543-3747, office 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. 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. Beth Conway, bethc@womensvoices.org, (406) 543-3747, office Along with this disclosure bill, Rosenthal has championed other menstrual equity bills including no cost period products for menstruating individuals in New Yorks schools, homeless shelters and correctional facilities, and led the way to eliminate the states tampon tax in 2016. For instance, I have one box of tampons (seven light, seven regular, four super) delivered every eight weeks. One of my pads has unicorns on it and says, Fluffy pillows for your vagina. When has a pad ever made you smile? The problem is that SAPS are commonly comprised of sodium polyacrylate, a synthetic material that is not biodegradable. We should expect, and deserve, no less from menstrual products, said Jamie McConnell, Director of Programs and Policy at WVE. 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. Product disclosure is a first step in reducing possible harm. 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. (2015). You can get started with menstrual cups here. Alexandra Scranton, alexs@womensvoices.org, (406) 543-3747, office. If you added up all the money youve spent on disposable pads, that cost far outweighs the initial cost of buying reusables. 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. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. President, New York Chapter 2 Heres Why, 2021s Best Period and Leak Proof Swimwear, CBD Oil for Menstrual Cramps (PMS)? She believes that media and internet hype over organic products have influenced our perspective on traditionally manufactured tampons and pads. 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. In fact, they have a savings calculator so you can see for yourself. "Menstruationcan change naturally from month to month," he says. 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. Dioxins have also been linked to hormonal imbalances, infertility and immunity problems. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route. More:Women get their periods every month and it's incredibly expensive. 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. We applaud these efforts., Steven Goldstein, MD, FAAP 2022 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. from ALL brands . My usual menstrual product purchase ritual is thus: Are you thinking, So? Not only do they help avoid suspect ingredients and chemicals, theyre also eco-friendly. Thankfully, there are safer choices out there. Coupon Code: SAVE10MCR, Compare ALL menstrual cups You may not reproduce, distribute, publicly display, modify or otherwise use these materials for any commercial purpose without prior permission from Nontoxic Certified. 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. (2016). Retrieved from. 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. Tampons are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a class II medical device, on par with condoms and contact lenses. 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. (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 |. Ingredients: cotton, bamboo, and minky fabric options, Cost: $55 for sample kit (one of each size), $200 for All You Need kit. 2379 Robin Danielson Feminine Hygiene Product Safety Act of 2017. Rely and toxic shock syndrome: A technological health crisis. New Tampon Testing Confirms Need for Ingredient Disclosure! (A 2019 study shows that awareness can influence people to choose products that are better for the environment.) Period panties should be made from cotton, preferably organic materials, but its important to know what is in the core. Hey Ive got a bit of a question that needs debunking. Moreover, because tampon manufacturers are subject to FDA inspection, the agency assures women that these inspections would likely identify any procedures that would expose tampon products to asbestos.[3], Starting in 2008, U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney of New York introduced legislation to require studies of tampon safety. Im hoping the cup could be a healthier alternative for me, thanks for reading, by. I believe tampons increase the length of your flow, would anyone else agree? Let's be real, no one enjoys having periods. Has anyone noticed a shorter bleeding time since using the cup? Tampons are usually made of cotton and rayon. 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. You can avoid dioxins by using organic tampons that are bleached with hydrogen. So, it was time for me to look into organic and reusable alternatives to tampons and pads. Why was I putting so little thought in the products I interact with intimately and which contribute to so much waste globally? Tampons also arent independently tested. We have come to expect disclosure of ingredients in foods, cosmetics, and drugs because of the direct interaction of these products with our bodies. They also offer sex products, and I can highly recommend their lube. Although organic feminine hygiene products have only recently appeared on the market, the interest in them is high. [4], While the dioxin hazard has been reduced becauseof new bleaching methods, dioxin is still detected in tampons even those made of 100% cotton. WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Many young people will be using these products for decades and will therefore be exposed to potential risks over their reproductive lifetime. regular, super, etc.) U.S. women spend about $3 billion/year on sanitary protection. Most of the tampons that we find in stores today are made from non-organic cotton and rayon. They also encourage women to speak with their doctor about TSS.[3]. More:'Menstrual equality': House passes measure allowing women to buy tampons, pads with health spending accounts. These results underscore the need for more comprehensive testing to better understand the potential health risks that may arise from long-term product use.. It is manufactured from and likely contaminated with acrylic acid, which is associated with numerous adverse health endpoints. 100% Agree!! Retrieved from. 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. Previous testing of tampons and menstrual pads have found pesticide residue, parabens and phthalates linked to hormone disruption, antibacterial chemicals like triclosan, and various carcinogens including styrene and chloroform. I dont believe for one second theyre not intentionally putting chemicals in tampons to make us bleed more. 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 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. Wrong. Think Twice About Using Tampons. However, highly absorbent viscose rayon, the fourth synthetic ingredient, is still used. Tampons, pads and menstrual cups are considered medical devices by the FDA and are not subject to ingredient labeling. Fact Checked by Jennifer Chesak, May 10 2019. cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity. According to a researcher for the Womens Environmental Network, dioxins build up in our bodies over the years. Branch, F., Woodruff, T. J., Mitro, S. D., & Zota, A. R. (2015). (2019) A study into public awareness of the environmental impact of menstrual products and product choice. Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from National Center for Health Research. Instead, where disclosure exists, only basic components of tampons are listed, often using vague language such as may contain:.. and rayon and/or cotton. Well go over why this isnt as serious as it sounds and tell you how to safely remove it yourself at home. Detox the Box Parties are currently being held in the following New York communities: [3], Dioxin is the byproduct of the process from converting wood pulp into a synthetic fiber called Rayon, which is also used for fabric. Toxic Chemicals in Pads and Tampons LOLA is a subscription service that lets you customize what products you want and how often you want them. The most recent version of the bill, now called the Robin DanielsonFeminine Hygiene Product Safety Act of 2017 (H.R.