Toxic Chemicals Found In Tampons, Pads and Period Underwear

Many women are unaware of the potential health risks due to the toxic chemicals found in tampons, pads and even some brands of period underwear. For some unknown reason this topic does not gain as much exposure as it should. It is so important for all women to be aware of and something we can thankfully easily protect ourselves from.

Tampons are especially concerning, as they are worn inside our bodies and so it stands to reason that any toxic additives they may contain will have a much easier route into our blood stream.

So ladies, we need to protect ourselves and our daughters and this is why I highly recommend choosing to use certified organic cotton tampons and pads. Or alternatively, you can opt to use a medical grade, silicone menstrual cup which is a much more environmentally friendly and purse friendly option.

Personally, for over a decade I have used the Juju brand menstrual cup and been very happy with it.

Below is a short summary of what to look out for and avoid when we go shopping for sanitary products.

Synthetic Additives Found in Tampons and Pads

In this report by Science Direct you can see that there are many dangerous chemicals ending up in our feminine hygiene products and that very little attention has been given to this issue.

Some of these are…

Rayon which is a synthetic material – A recent NZ study found EDC’s which are major hormone disruptors and carcinogens in a leading brand of tampons
Plasticizers
Conventional cotton that is treated with a huge range of toxic chemicals and pesticides.
Synthetic fragrances often containing phthalates (plasticizers) and other very toxic ingredients. Have a read of my article Perfumes Making Us Sick.
Chlorine: May be used in bleaching or cleaning processes during manufacturing

Study of Phthalates Found in Tampons and Pads

This article in Women’s Voices For The Earth reports on a recent study that found not just one, but several toxic phthalates in over 90% of 43 samples of pad, tampons and panty liners tested. This is very alarming and all the more reason to steer clear of anything but certified organic sanitary options.

Do your research why buying Period Underwear

Some brands of period underwear tested were found to contain PFAS chemicals. Thankfully in this article by MammaMia there are at least a few ethical brands committed to safety checking their materials used to make their period underwear to ensure they are free of PFAS.

In closing… not only is choosing certified organic cotton pads and tampons better for us women, but it is better for our planet too, a win win all round.