Organic tampons may be more eco-friendly, but they don’t provide greater safety when it comes to risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS occurs due to tampon abrasion and increases with higher absorbency.
Look for third-party certifications like GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Made Safe to make sure that the organic cotton in your product comes from responsible manufacturing practices and has plant based applicators to reduce plastic waste.
Why Choose Hormone-Free Tampons?
Organic and all-natural tampons have become increasingly popular due to being made of organic cotton without bleach, dye, deodorant, fragrance or synthetic absorbents as well as any plasticizers such as phthalates (plasticizers). Many even come equipped with cardboard or paper applicators rather than plastic.
However, it’s essential to remember that, contrary to claims by organic tampon manufacturers, there is no scientific proof that organic ones are any safer when it comes to toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS is a rare yet potentially life-threatening complication associated with certain superabsorbent tampons.
Organic tampons can also help the environment by decreasing our reliance on harmful pesticides and chemicals used in traditional cotton production. Look for brands certified by Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) or another sustainable organization, that prioritize sustainability in their manufacturing practices.
Tampons Contain Asbestos
There has been much talk about toxic chemicals found in period products, particularly dioxins, endocrine disruptors and carcinogens which can enter your bloodstream and have potentially serious health consequences.
Tampons typically comprise either cotton or rayon, a semi-synthetic fiber made of wood pulp. When these raw materials are bleached, dioxins may be released; to mitigate this issue, manufacturers now utilize elemental chlorine-free processes that lower dioxin emissions down to trace levels in their finished products.
Arsenic and lead are also found in tampons, sometimes through soil contamination, water contamination or as additives for odor control, pigment or antibacterial properties.
The FDA regulates tampons as medical devices and reports no evidence of asbestos in them or reports of TSS caused by them. They note, however, that high absorbency tampons increase women’s risk for TSS; though its chemical makeup could possibly play a part.
Tampons Have Added Fragrances
Many tampons on the market contain fragrances which may lead to vulvitis. If this happens to you, symptoms include itching and burning in your vulva as well as feeling of having dry vagina. If this occurs to you, try switching to perfume-free or unscented tampons instead.
Most nonorganic tampons feature rayon as their core material, which is a semi-synthetic fibre commonly bleached using chlorine gas or elemental chlorine bleaching methods. Furthermore, most use either polyester, cotton or polypropylene strings as string material.
If you’re shopping for organic tampons, make sure they’re certified as OEKO TEX and free from elemental chlorine bleaching. Many brands also provide options with or without an applicator and in various absorbencies to suit your flow. In addition, look out for brands who support ethical and sustainable practices like sourcing cotton from responsible farmers or providing period products to women in need – some may even opt for biodegradable cardboard applicators instead of plastic.
Tampons Are Linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome
TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria producing toxins in the body that are produced as toxins by these bacteria, producing fever, rash and vomiting as symptoms; low blood pressure; shock with multi-organ failure as a possible outcome and even death may follow. While TSS cases are extremely rare it has caused serious illness in some individuals and in rare instances even death. Symptoms may include fever, rash and vomiting with low blood pressure; low blood pressure shock with multi organ failure as well as shock with multi organ failure and ultimately death.
In the 1980s, it was discovered that certain superabsorbent tampons caused cases of TSS. Numerous women died as a result, which created a public health scandal of immense proportions.
Modern tampons are now typically manufactured without elemental chlorine that produces dioxin, and many organic varieties. Most also don’t include fragrances or artificial colors. Unfortunately, not all organic tampons are safe; certain brands were found to contain arsenic and lead, both hazardous chemicals that disrupt the body’s endocrine system, including sexual development, metabolism, blood sugar regulation, mood stability and mood changes; they’ve even been linked with cancer, heart disease obesity and other diseases. Because these chemicals can be absorbed through skin absorption it’s best practice to wear protective pads while using tampons.
