After hearing of an outbreak of TSS in 1980, many women rushed out and bought all-cotton tampons. Unfortunately, those products contain rayon, which encourages bacteria growth that could potentially cause TSS.
Researchers discovered measurable oestrogen in one brand of organic cotton tampons, but the University of Adelaide molecular pharmacologist Ian Musgrave and gynaecologist Alex Polyakov do not regard that as cause for alarm.
Pesticides
Many women express concerns over the chemicals and synthetic additives contained in tampons they insert for long periods. Organic tampons do not contain these synthetics or chemicals and tend to be fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
Recent research demonstrated that regular tampons that included both cotton and rayon (derived from wood pulp) had significant oestrogenic activity, meaning they mimic, block or interfere with hormones that cause endometriosis or infertility issues.
The study was widely covered in the media and caused alarm among tampon-users, however University of Adelaide molecular pharmacologist Ian Musgrave counters its claims by asserting they have created unnecessary fear and concern among tampon users. Gynaecologist Alex Polyakov also believes any amount of oestrogenic material detected was too minimal to have any biological ramifications and notes that the brand used could contain various materials beyond just organic cotton for testing purposes.
Dioxin
In the late 1980s, several cases of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) were linked to superabsorbent tampons made with synthetic materials during an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Because synthetic materials amplified bacteria that cause TSS, they no longer use synthetic fibers for making these tampons (now only natural fibers are allowed) and FDA reviews their designs and materials to ensure they comply with safety standards.
The FDA notes that most tampons crafted of cotton, rayon or blends thereof use elemental chlorine-free bleaching processes to eliminate contaminants. Although dioxins may be produced during this process, the levels are not a health threat to women’s wellbeing. If you want to minimize dioxin exposure try opting for organic options from brands like Seventh Generation or Natracare as well as cloth menstrual products or the DivaCup that display the Made Safe label – companies earning this certification undergo stringent reviews of every chemical that goes into their products’ production and packaging practices before being awarded this badge of approval by reviewing all chemical ingredients used.
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide has recently come under scrutiny after a TikTok video claimed it could cause period cramps, ovarian cysts and irreparable uterine damage – but more research needs to be conducted in order to ascertain its true risks.
Titanium dioxide doesn’t penetrate vaginally or become released into the environment when tampons are worn or washed, though inhalation could pose health concerns; consequently, many countries place limits on exposure in workers.
However, an increasing number of period-care companies are using titanium dioxide-free ingredients. If you opt to purchase tampons containing it, rest easy knowing most brands use a safe amount and consume food sources such as beans to reap any additional health benefits.
Phthalates
Although FDA regulates tampons, pads, and menstrual cups as medical devices, they’re not required to disclose full lists of ingredients. Research on their use has identified pesticide residue, hormone-disrupting phthalates linked with hormone disruption, antibacterial chemicals such as triclosan as well as carcinogens such as dioxins.
Even organic cotton tampons may contain unlisted chemicals; their “fragrance” ingredient usually conceals an assortment of synthetic scents and chemicals known to trigger allergies and asthma attacks. Since tampons and pad adhesives can be absorbed directly through vaginal tissues into bloodstream, they could deliver these potentially dangerous toxins directly.
Studies of women’s urine metabolite levels found increased concentrations of mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), both commonly used as plasticizers and fragrance fixatives in personal care products, following use of pads, tampons and panty liners. Phthalates may play a part in contributing to TSS which was first linked with tampon use back in 1980.
