The information that is available on this topic is so extensive, that I found myself researching for weeks. Just keep in mind, I'm only touching the surface. This one topic, had me going in so many directions and in the end, I was lead back to the beginning.
Girl Time
If you knew that using a certain product was dangerous to your health and the health of your daughter, would you continue to use it? If you knew these products could increase the risk of certain cancers, endometriosis, UTI and yeast infections, cervicitis and reproductive problems, what would you do?
On average, we will use more than 15,000 tampons or pads in our lifetime. As with most products, we generally don't think much about the content. All that matters to us is comfort during an uncomfortable time. I'm here to encourage you to take time to choose your monthly companion wisely.
There are many feminine products on the market being created with cotton, rayon, wood pulp, polypropylene and scent enhancing chemicals. When one thinks of cotton, we think of fluffy clouds of softness. In reality, most manufacturers use a chlorine bleaching process that contains chlorine dioxide, elemental chlorine free (EGF) or hypochlorite or hypochlorite bleaches.
From what I have gathered from my research, the FDA requires this type of cleansing (bleaching) to help prevent bacteria that may cause disease. Chlorine free isn’t really free of chlorine, it just means that it’s not part of the chlorine gas process. In my research I found, "Chlorine gas, the main component of "Agent Orange," the organochlorine- turned-chemical weapon, was used by the United States military against Vietnam during the Vietnam War [1965-1975]." (link below)
Cotton and rayon are used to make tampons and processed wood pulp, is used to make sanitary pads. Both are bleached with chlorine. Chlorine bleaching is a source of a carcinogen and dioxin. The above treatments create a toxic environment for our bodies to "snuggle" up to. Cotton is no longer cotton, but a chemical cocktail.
Dioxin pollution has been documented in disrupting hormones within the body. By using tampons and sanitary pads women could be exposing themselves to additional dioxin exposure. Dioxin is a known carcinogenic, it is toxic to the immune and reproductive systems, and has been implicated in endometriosis. Hormone disruption! Hmmm, is it really PMS or another source??? Something to think about, isn't it!
There are no safe levels of dioxin exposure. Everyday we are bombarded by chemical dioxins. They are in our milk, meat, eggs, the water we drink and products we use on a daily basis. Our toilet paper, paper towels, coloring books, writing tablets...Dioxins linger in the body and accumulate in fatty tissues. Chemical pesticides and insecticides "assist" in the growing of conventional cotton crops. This is also a massive source of dioxin poisoning.
Odor maskers in feminine products do more harm then good. By using these products the body is placed more at risk for allergic reactions, sores, irritated skin, bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, UTI and they can disrupt the body's natural processes. By using pads that contain residues that are released upon direct contact with some the most absorbent tissue in a woman's body, we are placing our bodies in harms way.
If your among the population that uses tampons on a monthly basis be aware that TSS is not your only concern. Rayon is derived from wood pulp and consists of tiny strands of plastic (rayon) commonly used in the creation of certain tampons. These rayon fibres can cause lacerations to the "internal area" of the body in which they are placed. Due to rayon being super absorbent, many women may feel comfortable enough to leave them in longer. This is not advisable, your only subjecting your body to potential bacterial growth and toxic shock syndrome.
Recommended Alternatives
Use non-chlorine bleached, 100% organic cotton pads and tampons -amazon offers a case for under $50. Your health is worth that.
http://www.natracare.com/products/the_natural_choice.htm
Cloth Menstrual Pads
Sckoon Organic Cotton Menstrual Pads
GladRags
LunaPads
Sorella Luna Organic Pads
A Few Sites
All about Dioxins
Make your own organic pads
Toxic Tampons, Fibroid Tumors, Ovarian & Breast Cancer, Endo
My mom used to use old cloth baby diapers, with the thinner parts folded over onto the thicker part. Her reasons for using them were different from why you're talking about, but it is still an idea.
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