Organic pads and tampons have become an increasingly popular choice to reduce exposure to dangerous chemicals like dioxins created from bleaching conventional cotton, which have been shown to cause hormonal disruption and disruptions with immunity systems.
Organic tampons and pads are made from cotton grown without pesticides or insecticides and free from fragrances, making them fully compostable! Plus they make for convenient home compostable use too!
What is Organic Cotton?
Organic cotton used in tampons and pads is produced without pesticides and certified as organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which sets stringent environmental and social standards from seed to shopping cart. All organic cotton products must contain at least 75% certified fibers certified as organic by GOTS as well as non-toxic dyes to meet these regulations.
Many women who opt for organic tampons do so because they believe the all-natural fibres lower the risk of TSS, an increasingly rare yet potentially life-threatening condition caused by an overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the vagina or vulva. But research has proven otherwise; regardless of what kind of tampon one uses – organic or not – your risk remains the same.
Similar to non-organic products, organic tampons or pads do not contain less volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) than their non-organic counterparts. As vaginal tissue is highly permeable, any chemical that enters through absorption could have adverse effects on human health.
What is the Difference Between Organic and Non-Organic Cotton?
Organic tampons and pads often meet National Organic Program standards for cotton content; however, non-organic ingredients may still be present. This is particularly true of tampons; since medical devices, such as tampons are subject to FDA regulation to ensure specific absorbency levels that reduce risks related to TSS (toxic shock syndrome).
Traditional tampons generally comprised of either traditionally grown cotton, synthetic rayon, or a mix of both materials as their core. Traditional rayon bleaching processes used with chlorine gas produced dioxins – environmental pollutants linked with cancer and hormone disruption; but modern brands use elemental chlorine-free or totally chlorine-free bleaching processes that significantly decrease this emission of dioxins into the environment.
Non-organic tampons and pads typically contain dyes, fragrances and synthetic materials like polyethylene or polypropylene that could potentially enter your system and lead to long-term health concerns. While some have expressed fear that such chemicals might seep into their system through permeable membranes in your vagina, research has not established any correlation between such chemicals and TSS or any other women’s health concerns.
What is the Difference Between Organic Tampons and Non-Organic Tampons?
Organic tampons are typically constructed of cotton grown without pesticides and do not include dyes or fragrances. Some brands even utilize rayon instead, which is made of fibers from wood pulp cellulose fibers derived from wood pulp cellulose fibers derived by wood pulp production. Their applicator may be constructed of biodegradable materials or smooth plastic to facilitate easy insertion.
Before the late 1990s, cotton was bleached using chlorine gas, which released dioxins into its fabric and leached into tampons. Most brands today no longer rely on this toxic practice and instead prefer hydrogen peroxide as a more environmentally-friendly bleaching agent for cotton bleaching.
However, medical experts do not consider organic tampons any safer than traditional ones when it comes to Toxic Shock Syndrome risk. TSS is an extremely rare but potentially life-threatening condition which causes fever, vomiting and dizziness; to lower its risks women are advised to follow basic tampon safety rules: wear only the lowest absorbency that suits their flow pattern and change frequently.
What is the Difference Between Organic Pads and Non-Organic Pads?
Organic menstrual pads are an excellent option when shopping for menstrual products, as they’re more gentle on your skin, kinder to the planet, and contribute to fair pay for farmers.
Conventional pads often contain plastics, perfumes and synthetic materials that may irritate vaginal tissues. Organic cotton has no chemical toxins so is gentler on your skin and safer for use.
Organic cotton farming works in harmony with nature to avoid harmful chemicals leaking into waterways and the soil ecosystem. Furthermore, this form of cultivation uses less water and energy than its conventional counterparts.
As organic cotton pads and tampons still produce waste, consider switching to reusable period underwear like Bamboozy – they feel just like regular underwear while being home compostable – for zero waste each month!
