Things you should know about tampons...
Tampons are not required to have a complete listing of materials
they contain on the package, and the manufacturers are not required
to disclose what is in them. They may contain any/all of the following:
1) asbestos (a carcinogen) which of course makes you bleed more
so you use more of the product
2) rayon. The fibres that are left behind in the vagina create
a breeding ground for bacteria, and can give you toxic shock syndrome,
a potentially fatal infection.
3) dioxin, a carcinogen for which there are no safe levels. It
is found in tampons made from chlorine-bleached materials, and
since the tampon is in contact with your internal tissues the
dioxin is being absorbed into your body.
4) fragrance. This may cause irritation and a tendency towards
yeast and bacterial infections.
5) Resin-based adhesives are used to hold the fibres together.
6) An FDA study found that the following materials leach out of
tampons: acids, alcohols, amines, hydrocarbons, magnesium, boron,
aluminum, titanium. Waxes and surfactant-like compounds were present
in all brands tested. Surfactants are chemicals such as polysorbate
that enhance wetting properties and thus absorbency.
7) Phenols, mercuric chloride, sulfurous acid, bactericides, fungicides
to prevent odor.
8) Pesticides. If the cotton used is not organic, it will contain
pesticide residue.
Plastic applicators have sharp cusps that can cut the vaginal
wall during insertion. All brands have been found to cause temporary
dryness, cell peeling, and tiny ulcers. Examination of ulcer lesions
have shown tampon fibres imbedded in the vaginal wall.
Because tampons allow air into the vagina, which is normally oxygen-free,
they alter the vaginal flora, increasing tendency of vaginitis
and vaginal ulcers.
Sources: Essence Magazine (March/2001), Whitewash book (Armstrong/Scott),
Safe Shopper's Bible (Steinman/Epstein).