Many tampon brands contain chemicals like perfumes, dyes, and adhesives which may be detrimental to women’s health; in particular, some can act as known endocrine disruptors.
Conventional tampons contain heavy metals such as lead and arsenic that have been linked to cancer, entering the bloodstream via vaginal secretions without first going through metabolism.
They’re made from organic cotton
Organic tampons are free from pesticides, fertilizers, and other environmental-polluting chemicals that pollute marine environments. Furthermore, they’re biodegradable and help decrease single-use plastic waste in marine ecosystems. Organic tampons also don’t contain GMOs or bleach-dye additives or fragrances found in synthetic absorbents – not to mention being often made out of recycled materials that come with third-party certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification.
Organic tampons often exclude herbicide glyphosate, an extremely potent toxic chemical linked to cancer and other serious health concerns, but nontoxic varieties may still contain trace amounts of this chemical.
Organic tampons sometimes feature cardboard applicators instead of plastic ones, which makes insertion difficult. If you choose an organic tampon with plastic applicator instead, remember to apply some lubricant before use to increase comfort and decrease the risk of TSS.
They’re biodegradable
Organic tampons are usually biodegradable and come packaged in recyclable or compostable packaging, without plastic applicators which could harm the environment. Plus, they don’t contain any harsh chemicals or additives which might cause hormone disruption or skin irritation – a great choice for women with sensitive skin!
Conventional tampons contain various toxic ingredients. For instance, they may include glyphosate – an industrial chemical linked to cancer, infertility and thyroid issues which is used as a herbicide on cotton crops sprayed with Glyphosate; furthermore conventional tampons could contain dioxins which have been shown to cause ovarian cysts and infertility among other health concerns.
Many women choose organic tampons in order to lower the risk of TSS; however, research on this subject remains inconclusive. As always, it’s essential that women follow directions on label and change tampons every four to eight hours for best results; additionally it is vital that they wash hands frequently throughout their period.
They’re non-scented
Commonly available tampons contain fragrances and dyes which may irritate vaginal tissues, cause allergic reactions, and disrupt hormonal balance. Furthermore, they may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as styrene, methyl chloride, and xylene which can be absorbed through vaginal tissues into your system, leading to disruptions in hormone regulation, kidney damage risks, or cancer risks.
While FDA regulates pads and tampons as class I medical devices, no law requires manufacturers to disclose ingredients or conduct safety tests on them. That changed in 2022 with New York state legislation dedicated specifically to menstrual products taking effect.
Organic cotton tampons that are dye and fragrance free and feature a leakproof layer certified as PFAS-free are the best non-toxic options, while absorbency levels that work for you should also be carefully considered; Dr. Erica Montes of pH-D Feminine Health Advisor recommends selecting one with low absorbency levels to allow changes every four hours or less.
They’re affordable
Tampons are disposable feminine hygiene products made of tightly compressed absorbent materials like cotton or rayon. When worn during periods, they absorb any menstrual blood as it leaves the body and provide discreet yet comfortable protection. With strings at both ends for easy removal, some even come equipped with an applicator that helps insert them.
Conventional tampons often contain harmful chemicals that could be detrimental to your health, such as phthalates, parabens, fragrance and dyes. Furthermore, toxic shock syndrome (TSS), caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that can lead to serious complications can also occur with conventional tampons.
To reduce this risk, look for organic or Made Safe tampons. Furthermore, change them every four to eight hours using the lowest absorbency possible based on your flow, and never leave a tampon in overnight. Doing this will lower the chances of TSS, which can cause fever, vomiting, dizziness and rashes among other side effects.
