Are Feminine Hygiene Products Still Rubbing You the Wrong Way?
Are Feminine Hygiene Products Still Rubbing You the Wrong Way?
Are we any better since the tampon scare settled down?
The big tampon scare of 1980 put new fear in the hearts of women and their families: what they were inserting into the vagina could be toxic. The culprit was a Rely brand of tampon that caused Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). TSS has a fatality rate of 6%.
What Causes TSS? What are the Symptoms?
Toxins from Staph aureus or Streptococci, which are generally part of the normal flora, cause TSS. When the diagnosis is made, IV antibiotics are administered, if the disease is caught in time. Once a woman gets TSS, she is susceptible to getting it again.
TSS Survey Facts: In the Terra Femme Tampon Health Survey, more than 1000 women were interviewed about tampon use. An average of 25% reported 4 or more symptoms of TSS. Three percent had been diagnosed with TSS. (6 major symptoms=TSS)
Symptoms of TSS include: flu-like symptoms, fever, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, sunburn-like red and flat rash, shedding of the skin in large sheets (especially on the palms and soles) seen two weeks after symptoms start, anxiety, dangerously low blood pressure, bloodshot eyes, bruising, confusion, and thirst.
The complications of the disease include shock, toxemia, renal failure and death. Risk factors to develop the disease include the use of super absorbent tampons, diaphragm, and contraceptive sponge usage, recent childbirth, and abortion. The tampons, diaphragm and sponge have this in common: the ability to collect the bacteria and allow it to reproduce.
What Was Done About TSS? The History of the Battle
You may recall that Proctor & Gamble recalled the Rely tampon from the shelves. But did you know that their public letter stated:
“This is being done despite the fact that we know of no defect in the Rely Tampon and despite evidence that the withdrawal of Rely will not eliminate the occurrence of TSS even if Rely’s use is discontinued. The disease has been identified in Canada where Rely has never been marketed and was found in several areas of the U.S. before Rely was introduced into those areas.”
The disease has continued, and although the last active surveillance was run in 1987, 113 cases were reported in 1999 according to the MMWR. Not monitoring the disease is a good way to suppress the fear and concern, isn’t it?
Furthermore, Proctor & Gamble commented, “Much additional research of the habits and practices of women who have had TSS is needed to understand the reasons for the association of this disease with tampons.” Yes, we can all use additional studies that postpone any blame or responsibility.
Maybe Tampons Weren’t to Blame, You Think? Consider This
Tampons were originally made of pure cotton never had any risk of TSS associated with them. Women were safe back then. However, once companies started adding synthetic fibers, chlorine compounds such as dioxin and “secret” additives into the tampons that are in direct contact with the delicate female reproductive tissues, the disease mysteriously popped up. Is it any wonder that rates of female cancers and reproductive tract disorders have continued to rise throughout the years? Once the cells are damaged, they continue to reproduce with the defects caused by exposure to chemicals.
The Saga Continues
In 1995 California Assembly Member Liz Figueroa (D) introduced Bill A.B. 1963 that required the CA State Department of Health Services to “require that a warning be placed in a prominent location on the outside of the package of sanitary pads or tampons with a printed box surrounding it that provides as follows: WARNING: Use of this product will expose you to dioxin, known to cause cancer and birth defects.”
The bill wanted women to be given the opportunity to understand that feminine hygiene products that contain dioxin are an unnecessary health hazard and the opportunity to avoid unnecessary health hazards whenever possible.
Proctor & Gamble countered and the American Forest and Paper Association opposed the bill stating that a definitive scientific study showing dioxin residue in sanitary products or the health consequences of the amount of dioxin residue had not been done. Furthermore, “There is nothing in science technology to indicate that totally chlorine-free processes are better processes.”
A class action suit against Playtex and Tampax tampons did not result in positive action for women who had suffered from TSS.
Black or White: Do Feminine Products Contain Dioxin or Not?
An FDA scientist report on the health risks of dioxin brought up at a 1992 hearing of the Human and Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee suggested that there was a high risk of dioxin exposure from tampons and stated that for risk management purposes, tampons and menstrual pads should contain no dioxin.
And although manufacturers said there was no dioxin in the rayon, FDA officials concluded that there was. They also said that if they did have a problem with medical devices, “menstrual products would be the greatest simply because of the mass of the material and the duration of exposure.”
In 1989, International Playtex stated they measured some dioxin in their own pulp mills. Proctor & Gamble (P&G) reported to FDA officials that tampons, pads and panty liners all contained dioxin. P&G asked FDA to obtain statements from other manufacturers. No follow-up on the FDA’s part was done by 1996 and probably ever since.
What Does Dioxin Do to The Body?
Studies show that dioxins are linked to or cause:
• metabolic syndrome
• periodontal disease
• uterine tumors like leiomyomas
• endometriosis
• sarcomas
• thyroid hormone disruptions
• acne
• disruption of implantation process
What’s the Real Problem?
The real problem is the composition of the menstrual products. Rayon and chlorine compounds can cause health problems, if not death once these are absorbed by the body.
The Alternative Has Arrived
In February of 2009, Corporation of China introduced the Anion Love Moon, a new sanitary pad to the ladies in the United States. The product had already been introduced to 22 other countries and women have accepted these healthier & more comfortable pads with open arms. The pad is very unique because it is safe, it contains no chemicals of any kind, and contains a super absorbent food grade polymer making it 50% more absorbent than pads on the market right now. In addition, it contains a special patented strip of negative ions that emit to the surrounding tissues after activation from friction or moisture.
Negative Ion Studies Show:
• they speed healing
• reduce bacteria counts in the air in burn units
• kills Salmonella, E. coli, Pseudomonas, and other pathogenic organisms
• Prevents tuberculosis transmission
• that when negative ions are increased in the air, respiratory diseases and asthma symptoms decreased
•Play a role in decreasing symptoms in manic
Although there are no official scientific studies on the product’s effect on the female reproductive tract, women think the product is a “no-brainer”. “No chemicals, no dioxins, and no super absorbency rayon means no cramps and less flow. Learn more today about the .
Duane Faitel is a Natural Health Advocate with a passion for Fitness, Health and Wellness. He loves God’s playground and spends many hours in the foothills and on the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern CA. Learn more about the Anion Love Moon Sanitary Napkins from Winalite at Article Source:
