Most supermarket tampons are composed of cotton, rayon or polypropylene materials; depending on the brand they may also include fragrances and dyes for enhanced aromatherapy effects.
Researchers identified trace amounts of 16 metals (arsenic, barium, calcium, copper, iron lead and cadmium) in tampons ranging from organic or nonorganic store brands or name brands; their concentration varied.
Organic Cotton
Many brands utilize organic cotton in their tampons, which makes them eco-friendly and healthier. Furthermore, these OEKO TEX certified tampons don’t use dyes and come with various sizes to meet all needs.
Studies conducted recently revealed that several brands of tampons used by millions of women each month contain toxic metals like arsenic and lead. These metals may leach out from tampons into vaginal tissues and be absorbed, potentially leading to hormonal issues and fertility concerns.
Natracare offers organic cotton tampons without plastic applicators that provide an effective means of avoiding harmful metals in menstrual products, making them more absorbent than their counterparts. Another alternative would be switching to reusable menstrual products like cups or pads which break down quickly in comparison with regular tampons which take centuries to decompose into pollution-causing by-products.
No Chemicals
Recently, several women’s hygiene products have been discovered containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which have been linked with various health concerns. According to researchers, tampons have not escaped this contamination either.
Metals found in tampons may have come from natural sources like cotton fields or soil, or been added during production as dyes, whiteners or antibacterial agents. Researchers recently conducted an in-depth analysis on tampons they tested, finding trace amounts of 16 metals such as arsenic and lead that may pose health risks; while such trace amounts are unlikely to cause adverse health consequences if present at higher concentrations – but it is still best to avoid them entirely!
Regular tampons may contain trace amounts of the herbicide glyphosate, used to kill weeds and suspected of possibly being carcinogenic. Glyphosate levels found in tampons, however, are far lower than what would otherwise be consumed through diet alone; so the risk is minimal; organic cotton-made tampons could help limit exposure to such chemicals.
No Fragrances
Fragrances (more commonly known as perfumes) contain an array of toxic chemicals, which may include skin-irritant phthalates, synthetic musks that interfere with hormones, dioxins and furans that have carcinogenic potential, among other chemicals. Since fragrance formulas are considered trade secrets by companies, their labels do not disclose these details.
But according to a July study, scented tampons contain many obscure ingredients as well as elevated levels of lead, cadmium, arsenic and other toxic metals that pose health hazards.
Of course, there are fragrance-free tampons out there if you look hard enough; organic or natural varieties should work perfectly fine. Plastic varieties should also be avoided along with those containing perfumes and dyes for best results.
No Toxins
Vaginal skin is more porous than other parts of the body, meaning chemicals that come into contact with it may absorb through and enter the bloodstream. That’s why choosing non-toxic period products–tampons, pads and menstrual cups–is so crucial.
Regular tampons are typically constructed of either cotton, rayon (made from wood pulp) or a combination of both materials, and often feature dyes, plastic components in their applicator and string, fragrances and possibly dioxin – an environmental pollutant linked to cancer and endocrine disruption.
Dioxin levels in modern tampons have decreased considerably compared to their predecessors made using various bleaching methods, but still pose a threat. Dioxins and other toxins released from tampons into the environment could contaminate water supplies contaminating kidney and liver damage as well as increasing developmental issues and cancer risks. If possible look for organic options free from fragrance, pesticides, and dioxins.
