I wanted to bring attention to an issue I think is very concerning - particularly for women trying to conceive.
I'm talking about Toxins in Tampons. Cheifly- Dioxins.
Many people are unaware that cotton plants are one of the most heavily sprayed crops- sprayed with chemical herbicides and pesticides, that is. Both of these substances contain known carcinogens (cancer causing substances like dioxin) as well as hormone disruptors. The effect of pesticides on the unborn child and its link with miscarriage has also been well documented.
Tampons derived from these 'conventional' cotton fields are then bleached with chlorine gas to change the cotton from its natural cream colour to make them white - which we apparently find more 'aesthetically pleasing' as consumers. Some companies have also sneakily started using the sythetic fibres rayon and polyester in tampons as they are cheaper to manufacture than natural cotton.
When inserted into the most delicate part of our bodies- the birth canal, not only do these chemicals significantly increase our risk of cervical cancer, but they also change the natural Ph balance of our cervical mucous (a primary factor for natural conception) as well as effectively kill sperm. One only has to consider the size of the insects and plants that these herbicides and pesticides effectively kill to understand how easily microscopic sperm are killed off by the presence of these substances in the vagina.
The good news?
We now have (well, we have had for some years now) CERTIFIED ORGANIC COTTON TAMPONS!!! What does this mean?
Organic Tampons are free from;
? Toxic pesticides or herbicides
? Chlorine
? Dioxins
? Rayon or polyester
? Irritating additives or preservatives
Organic tampons are made from high quality, natural material that is environmentally friendly. The pollution impact on the environment is reduced by not using synthetic fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides, and the cotton is bleached with oxygen, NOT chlorine. By choosing an organic cotton tampon you are making a positive choice for your own health and the environment.
What brands? In Australia the brands are Jolie and Natracare available from health food stores and selected pharmacies. Natracare is also sold in the UK, Europe and Asia.
So ladies- do NOT accept toxic chemicals in your tampons!!!! As informed consumers we have to put our money where our hearts are and put these companies who are risking our health, fertility and the environment out of business!!! (Either that or they will have to jump on the organic bandwagon). Together we CAN make a difference.....
Yours in health and happiness,
Jellybean X
Changing the world - one healthy step at a time
Last edited by JellyBean; January 20th, 2009 at 09:00 PM.
I wish they were sold in supermarkets and not hugely expensive. Considering we need a box every month! I'd just stick with the odd few tampons and cloth pads.
Thanks so much for bring this to my attention!!!!!!
I have always/only used tampons and have not had any problems with fertility (to date) however, I am converted. You have made me realise, why use non-organic when you don't have to. I had no idea that there was a potential problem.
I actually have big suspicions about a lot of chemicals in products but don't know where to start to find out what I need to know, so keep the info coming in little bite sized pieces!!
Once I've had bub and can start to wear tampons again, I think I'll look into the organic ones at health food stores. I've always known those 'regular' tampons can't be very good for us but never bothered to look into it..... it's scary hey?? Thank you for posting this article and bringing it to my attention. I've got a huge stash of tampons in the cupboard that will have to be thrown out too!
I suppose paying extra money for the product once a month is worth our health & fertility that's for sure.
Where do I buy cloth pads from girls?? I'm interested....... Kitten?
How Tampons Affect Fertility- MUST READ!!
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Kitten?
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