Hey fellow parents and anyone looking out for their female loved ones, I wanted to chat about something that’s been on my mind lately: toxic tampons. As a father of daughters and a husband, I care about the health of the women in my life. So, let’s have a little talk about why conventional tampons can be dangerous and what alternatives we can consider to protect our loved ones’ health.
Conventional Tampons: Canceled
You might be wondering, what’s the deal with conventional tampons? Well, they’re made of cotton, rayon, or a mix of both. During manufacturing, chemicals like chlorine dioxide are used to whiten the cotton, which can create toxic dioxins. These dioxins accumulate in the body and can cause all sorts of health issues, from reproductive problems to immune system damage.
I was shocked to learn that even though the FDA has limits for dioxins in tampons, they don’t enforce them well, and manufacturers aren’t required to disclose dioxin levels in their products. Crazy, right?
Some of the worst offenders when it comes to toxins include:
- Tampax Pearl Tampons
- Equate Tampons
- CVS Health Tampons
- Kotex Quick Compact
- Playtex Sport
- U by Kotex
- O.b. Pro Comfort
Allergic Reactions
Now, let’s talk about allergic reactions. Some women can be allergic to the synthetic materials or chemicals used in conventional tampons. This can cause irritation, itching, and swelling. The severity can vary from mild itching to serious inflammation. So, it’s essential to check the packaging and ingredients list of any tampon product to understand what’s inside.
Another concern is hormonal disruption. The synthetic materials and chemicals in conventional tampons can mess with the body’s hormonal balance, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, and other health issues. So, what can we do to help our loved ones avoid these risks?
Safe Alternatives
Luckily, there are safer alternatives like organic cotton tampons, menstrual cups, or reusable cloth pads. Organic cotton tampons are chemical-free and biodegradable, while menstrual cups are made of medical-grade silicone or latex and are reusable. Reusable cloth pads are another eco-friendly option made of soft, absorbent fabric that can last for years.
I know it’s not always easy to switch to new products, but I wanted to share some safer alternatives that I found:
Safe Alternatives:
- Cora Organic Cotton Tampons
- Tampax Pure Organic Tampons
- Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons
- The Honest Company Organic Cotton Tampons
- Rael Organic Cotton Unscented Tampons
- Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons
- O.b. Organic Tampons
- Oi Organic Cotton Cardboard Applicator Tampons
In conclusion, we need to be aware of the potential dangers of conventional tampons and help our loved ones make informed choices about their health, especially for those of us raising daughters. Let’s protect the important women in our lives by considering safer alternatives like organic cotton tampons, menstrual cups, or reusable cloth pads.
References:
- Environmental Protection Agency. “Dioxins and Furans.” Environmental Protection Agency, 4 Mar. 2020, www.epa.gov/dioxin.
- Nicole, Wendee. “A question for women’s health: chemicals in feminine hygiene products and personal lubricants.” Environmental health perspectives vol. 122,3 (2014): A70-5. doi:10.1289/ehp.122-A70
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 Apr. 2019, www.cdc.gov/features/toxicshock/index.html.
- Anzalone, Mary. “Why Organic Tampons Are Better.” Consumer Reports, 12 Apr. 2019, www.consumerreports.org/feminine-hygiene/why-organic-tampons-are-better/.
- Tobias, Madeline. “Menstrual Cups Are Safe, Environmentally Friendly and Cheap. So Why Aren’t We All Using Them?” The Guardian, 20 Mar. 2019, www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2019/mar/20/menstrual-cups-environmentally-friendly-cheap-why-arent-we-all-using-them.
- Marzullo, Sarah. “How Reusable Cloth Pads Are More Eco-Friendly Than Traditional Pads.” Eco Warrior Princess, 18 Dec. 2020, ecowarriorprincess.net/2020/12/reusable-cloth-pads-eco-friendly/.