Are your tampons toxic?

11 years ago | Tampons

By pH health care professionals

The tampon was first patented in 1931 by Dr. Earle Haas, who sought to find an alternative form of period protection for his ballerina wife. At that time, tampons were purely made from cotton. However, the ever-increasing need for more absorbency in a smaller package has led companies to use harmful materials to meet the demand.

Today, most tampons are made from a harmful combination of chlorine-bleached cotton, rayon, viscose and plastic. These materials may have adverse and sometimes fatal effects. Gynecologists are recommending more and more that women make the switch to organic feminine care products.

The dangers of non-organic tampons

Today’s commercial tampons contain many harmful chemicals, including bleaches and chlorine. Using non-organic tampons greatly increases your risk of irritation and toxic shock syndrome.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), toxic shock syndrome occurs when certain bacteria and toxins grow inside the body around the tampon. Contributing factors include the kind of tampon used and how long it is left in for.

Many well-known brands of tampons bleach their tampons with chlorine. This leaves a byproduct in the tampon called dioxin. Women may be exposed to small doses of this toxin while using non-organic tampons. Dioxin can cause immune system depression, abnormal tissue and cell growth, and hormonal disruption. The FDA recommends that women read the labels of their tampons to ensure that they are informed about the dangers of toxic shock syndrome.

What are organic tampons?

100% organic tampons are made with completely natural products, including cotton that has not been treated with insecticides or any other chemicals. They are free from perfumes or dyes. Using organic tampons may decrease the risk of toxic shock syndrome and other adverse effects.

Gynecologists recommend using 100% organic tampons because they are safer and do not leave toxic fibers behind. At pH, we carry Organyc brand tampons that are made with 100% organic cotton.

What does this mean for you?

Educate yourself about the kinds of tampons you are using so that you can protect yourself from any potential negative effects. Make the switch to organic tampons because they do not contain harmful chemicals, such as bleach. And, talk to your gynecologist or health care provider about ways to reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome and other menstrual-related conditions.

Enjoy Your Healthy Life!

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.