The reproductive and health dangers of feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons and safe, green alternatives to consider that are convenient and affordable.
Approximately 43 million women in the United States use tampons. Millions more use sanitary napkins.
These feminine hygiene products are usually made of cotton or a blend of cotton and rayon for absorbency. Rayon is a cellulose fiber made from wood pulp.
Until the late 1990s, manufacturers bleached the cotton and rayon in tampons with elemental chlorine gas resulting in dioxin residues.
Dioxin Dangers from Bleaching
Dioxin is a pervasive environmental contaminant and a known human carcinogen. It accumulates in body fat over time with repeated exposure.
The use of these dioxin-laced fibers in the manufacture of disposable feminine hygiene products caused millions of women and girls to unwittingly allow carcinogenic toxins to come into contact with the thin and delicate tissues of their female reproductive organs, month after month, year after year.
In response to fears of dioxin residues in feminine hygiene products, bleaching with elemental chlorine gas is no longer used.
According to the FDA, sanitary products are now bleached via one of the following methods. (source)
- Elemental chlorine-free bleaching: These methods include the use of chlorine dioxide gas as the bleaching agent as well as totally chlorine-free processes. Some elemental chlorine-free bleaching processes can still generate dioxins at extremely low levels. In practice, however, this method is considered to be dioxin free by the FDA.
- Totally chlorine-free bleaching. These methods are completely dioxin-free. Totally chlorine-free methods include, for example, the use of hydrogen peroxide as the bleaching agent.
Is the dioxin really and truly gone with these new bleaching methods? The FDA reports that dioxin can “theoretically” be created with chlorine-free bleaching. In practice, however, it appears dioxin is still very much present.
A study sponsored by the FDA Office of Women’s Health found “detectable levels of dioxin in seven brands of tampons”. This included at least one 100% cotton brand. (source)
Dioxin Exposure and Endometriosis
Endometriosis was found to be directly correlated with dioxin exposure in a colony of rhesus monkeys chronically exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD or dioxin) for a period of 4 years. (source)
Ten years after the termination of dioxin treatment, the presence of endometriosis was documented by surgical laparoscopy.
With endometriosis rates soaring in young women, one has to wonder if chronic exposure to low levels of dioxin residues from sanitary products could partly be to blame.
Chlorine Dioxide is a Pesticide
Even if dioxin is mostly gone using these newer bleaching methods, another problem emerges in the manufacturing process for tampons and sanitary napkins.
While totally chlorine-free bleaching with oxygen or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) appears safe, the use of chlorine dioxide is likely not.
While chlorine dioxide smells somewhat like chlorine bleach, it should not be confused with elemental chlorine gas. They are two distinct chemicals that react differently and produce by-products that have little in common.
Chlorine dioxide is an antimicrobial pesticide that has been used for its disinfectant properties since the early 1900s.
Microbes are killed by chlorine dioxide via the disruption of nutrients across the cell wall.
While dioxin residue may potentially no longer be a problem for sanitary products, pesticide residues are.
One problem is replaced with another as is frequently the case with industrially manufactured products!
Is exposure to chlorine dioxide residue dangerous?
No one knows for sure. While chlorine dioxide itself is toxic, the effects of long-term, low-level exposure such as would occur for women and girls using conventional sanitary products several days each month for decades on end is unknown.
According to a 2002 World Health Organization report on long-term exposure to chlorine dioxide:
There are no chronic inhalation or dermal studies available and no conventional carcinogenicity studies are available. (source)
Cotton is a High Spray Crop
Besides the concern for chlorine dioxide residue, commercial sanitary products made with cotton or a cotton/rayon blend would contain other pesticide residues from the cultivation of the cotton itself.
According to the Pesticide Action Network:
Conventionally grown cotton uses more insecticides than any other single crop. Nearly $2.6 billion worth of pesticides are sprayed on cotton fields each year – accounting for more than 10% of total pesticide use and nearly 25% of insecticides use worldwide. (source)
Unlike cotton clothing that you can (and should) wash before it comes into contact with your skin, consumers use feminine hygiene products right out of the package.
This puts the toxins in immediate contact with delicate and thin tissues of the female reproductive system.
Between the bleaching process and pesticide-laced cotton cultivation practices, disposable feminine hygiene products like sanitary pads and tampons are likely some of the most toxic personal care items women and girls use on a regular basis.
Asbestos in Tampons?
Some internet sources claim that there is carcinogenic asbestos in commercial tampons.
These claims suggest that manufacturers purposely add asbestos to tampons to promote excess bleeding. The reason? To sell more products and increase profits.
Testing of commercial tampons indicates that this is not true. According to an FDA report:
Asbestos is not an ingredient in any U.S. brand of tampon, nor is it associated with the fibers used in making tampons. Moreover, tampon manufacturing sites are subject to inspection by FDA to assure that good manufacturing practices are being followed. Therefore, these inspections would likely identify any procedures that would expose tampons products to asbestos. If any tampon product was contaminated with asbestos, it would be as a result of tampering, which is a crime. Thus far, FDA has received no reports of tampering. Anyone having knowledge of tampon tampering is urged to notify FDA or a law enforcement officer. (source)
Safe, Green, Affordable Alternatives
The data is ominous regarding the health and safety of repeated use and exposure to commercially produced feminine hygiene products.
Pesticide and dioxin residues are a clear and present danger to the health of anyone who uses them.
It is essential to avoid these products if at all possible.
For women and mothers of newly pubescent girls who wish to choose a safer route, fortunately, many options are available.
Organic Tampons and Pads?
First of all, choosing organic feminine hygiene products is critical due to cotton pesticide residues. This is the brand I recommend although there are other good ones.
While these products may avoid the pesticide residues from commercially grown cotton and the chlorine dioxide gas used in bleaching, there are other problems with sustainability.
The book Flow: The Cultural History of Menstruation, estimates that the average woman throws away up to 300 pounds of feminine hygiene-related products in a lifetime.
While this may not be huge (.5% of personal landfill waste), considering the astronomical amount of garbage produced, it all adds up, particularly when there are greener options available.
Cloth Pads
One option for safe and reusable sanitary items would be organic, cloth pads made with cotton, hemp, or even bamboo.
On heavier days or for water sports and other strenuous activities, however, pads just don’t cut it.
Reusable Menstrual Cup
A reusable menstrual cup (such as this brand) made with natural, non-toxic materials like gum rubber is an excellent choice.
While a good quality cup is more expensive upfront, you will likely never have to buy another one.
It will save hundreds in the coming years compared with purchasing disposable organic sanitary tampons.
Menstrual cups are easy to use and in most cases, you don’t even need a pad when wearing one.
The female scientists in Biosphere 2 used menstrual cups as their sole form of feminine protection. (source)
Just be sure to get the correct size.
Should You Make The Switch?
There is no doubt that ditching commercial feminine hygiene products is one of the smartest personal care changes a woman can make to assure her current and ongoing reproductive health.
Choosing organic disposable products or even better, a reusable, natural materials menstrual cup that is safe, convenient, effective, easy to use, and good for the planet is a wise practice not just for ourselves but for our developmentally vulnerable young daughters as well.
(1) World Health Organization, Chlorine Dioxide
(2) Chlorine Dioxide
(3) Dioxin Facts
(4) The Facts on Tampons
(5) Pesticide Action Network
(6) Endometriosis in rhesus monkeys following chronic exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
(7) Biosphere 2
Love it!! Especially if your a back packer!!! I have used one for over 15 years and already bought one for my daughter when her season comes. Incidentally I have never replaced my original rubber cup. My tricks are PRACTICE, you’ll be able to feel when you have just the right suction to seal and catch. Also always break the seal before removing, kind of like when your nurser falls asleep and you need to detach, don’t just pull it out, release the seal by pressing in on the side and then it will come out easily and comfortably. I also use some organic washable pads at night in case I over sleep. Give it a try I have never looked back.
Thanks Sarah! I switched to natural organic ones last year. I can’t believe I didn’t switch sooner!
I have a question for anyone with experience with theses cups. How would this work in an office setting or in a public bathroom? I can see this working at home in a private bathroom since you have to empty it several times a day. But in a public bathroom? How would you get around people seeing you washing it out?
I tried the Softcup a couple years ago when I still had heavy bleeding and it actually leaked a couple times! Also, it was painful to remove. Does anyone have experience with the rubber one Sarah shared? Thanks for the help!
I have a pretty average flow, so I only empty in the morning and evening. On my heaviest day, I might add another 1-2 empties. There is no risk of TSS, and the cup catches much more than you might think. If you find that you must empty it more often, try to find a handicap stall (with sink inside). I have heard of people taking a water bottle into the stall to rinse also, but I like to wash my hands before and after inserting the cup.
That is a good idea! And that is good to know you don’t have to empty it as often. I would love to give this a try!
I have the Diva cup and, generally, don’t have to empty mine but once in the morning and once at night (you can leave it in for 12 hours). I have emptied it in a public restroom. You just empty it in the toilet, wipe it out with toilet paper, and re-insert it. It’s recommended you wash it once a day not necessarily every time you take it out. I had a roommate that used the Softcup. To me those seemed a little more involved because of where you have to place them. I LOVE love love my Diva cup. I have been using it for a little over a year and wouldn’t go back to using tampons at all. =)
It has been a while since I have tried it. It seems like more people like the Diva cup, so it’s worth a shot. And the nice thing about the rubber one in the link is you only have to buy one!
Yeah, the wiping with toilet paper didn’t work so well with me. I love my Diva but have to be in a handicapped stall to empty mine.
For public bathroom use, you can just wipe it off with toilet paper and reinsert.
I LOVE the sea sponge above every other product I have ever used, I am forty years old.
You can buy the sponges online. They are called Sea Pearls and cost about $25 for three. They last for month and all you have to do is rinse them with water during and soak them in tee tree oil, colloidal silver or hydrogen peroxide when you are done. I started buying the whole sponge from a reputable source so I can cut it to my size. I love using the sponges, because they are natural and rumor has it that they were even used by Cleopatra.
I must say that I have never gone swimming with them, therefore I can not comment on that. Reviewers say though that the sponges can be used for watersport too.
Where do you buy the whole sponge from? I could save even more money going that route. Thanks so much.
Please take note-these sponges being sold for this purpose are a racket!!! Go to the local Hobby Lobby or Michaels and buy *exactly* the same thing, for about $3. You can even buy a larger pack for less!
Jennifer, another question 🙂 How does one know when the sponges need replaced?
I bought the Lunette cup just a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, I can’t get it to work. I am a 44 yr old virgin and it seems too wide to insert as directed. It seems a waste not to be able to use it. I am chemical sensitive and working to green up my entire life, including making my own toxin free products. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?
I had a similar problem with mine when I first started. But I was just not putting it in right. I was not giving up though. I kept trying, give up, try again, give up. My cycles are only 3-4 days so I didn’t have a lot of time to really focus on making it work. Finally one cycle I was determined for it to work. Spent a lot of time changing angles and distance in and finally found the sweet spot. I would never go back!
Thanks Sarah!
I personally have used sea sponges for the last two years and I prefer them above all other options. I made myself cloth pads for a night, but during the day…I rely on my “sea pearls”. They are super soft and easy to clean. You can also get different size sponges for different flow days. You can use them up to 6 months if you clean and store them properly. I love them. I included a link for the started kit.
http://www.amazon.com/Pearls-Sponge-Tampons-Pearl-Deluxe/dp/B000WS16MQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1372084911&sr=8-5&keywords=sea+pearls+sea+sponge+tampons
I’ve bought sea sponges way back for makeup application &/or art work and they were really scratchy. I see you wrote “super soft” as in squishy ? Are they scratchy though? I would like to try these just incase I don’t like the Diva cup I bought or for lighter days perhaps. I love all these suggested alternatives…I’ve always hated peeing on that tampon string, lol another benefit of loosing the tampons 🙂
This info is so important these days!
I made the switch over to 100% organic cotton tampons and re-usable pads and period panties several years ago. It’s saved us so much money and spared me so many more nasty chemicals. It’s absolutely APPALLING to think about how many nasties have been absorbed through my vaginal walls. And I shutter to think about the women I know who continue to allow this to happen in their own bodies.
SHARING ARTICLE IN LOVE!!! <3
Thanks for the info! Is this better or safer than the moon cup or diva cup?
I know an organic sanitary napkin which doesn’t cause a disposal problem,it has a lot of benefits for the body not only for girls but for others who are experiencing u.t.i.,dysmenorrhea,insomnia and prevents cervical and prostate cancer by detoxifying and regulating your blood flow. If you guys wanna get help,Contact me: 09066353244
I was given the Diva Cup by someone who loves me, and even at my “advanced” stage (in menopause now”, I will not be without it until I am done, and have recommended it to my daughters and anyone with whom I can (tactfully) have the conversation. It is soooo comfortable and easy!!! It does not leak, does not cause discomfort, and is relatively un-messy to use. I love that I can have my period without being totally messy every time, and this is more important than ever when at this point in time a period can last for 10 days or more!
Ladies, don’t just think about getting one, buy the cup and give it a try!
One silly, embarrassing warning, don’t insert the cup too far inside or you will find yourself lying on your back with your husband helping you to retrieve it !-))
One thing I might add: the cup which Sarah links to has a longer pull tab, which would be a plus over the Diva.
I got the Diva cup too and find it uncomfortable. It seems to press on my bladder. Anyone else have this problem? I got the one for use after giving birth but maybe I need a smaller size? Anyone use a sponge, if so how do you like it?
There are lots of different brands and options. The Diva cup is one of the longer cups on the market, so if you have a lower cervix, it will not fit comfortably. I purchased a Fleurcup and love it. It does take some practice and there are definitely some tips that can be helpful. http://menstrual-cups.livejournal.com is the best place for more information. Hope that helps.
I would try the next smaller size. Or perhaps you are inserting it too low?
I used the diva cup for some time until I developed Endometriosis from using it. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/27320.php
I bought my Diva 2 months ago- the bigger size as I gave birth twice. Both times I tried it, it leaked. I thought it might be full, but it was less than a half empty!
Could it be due to my weakened pelvic muscles? I suffer from incontinence since I gave births.
Thank you.