Facts About Dioxin and Other Toxic Chemicals Found in Sanitary Napkins

The chemicals used in sanitary pads, tampons and diapers have raised concerns throughout the world. This is due to the questions about the safety of using many of the commercially available products that have been manufactured in a process that uses chemicals as well as the environmental issues of disposing of them. Because of potential risk factors, some women have opted for organic sanitary pads as an alternative and others have decided to use reusable sanitary pads.

DIOXIN

House Resolution (HR) 890, named the Tampon Safety and Research Act of 1999, reported that "Dioxin is a byproduct of chlorine-beaching processes used in the manufacture of paper products, including tampons, sanitary pads, panty liners and diapers." They further point out the effects of dioxin are cumulative and may stay in the body for 20 years after exposure. The World Health Organization lists dioxin as one of the "dirty dozen - a group of dangerous chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants." Dioxin is a known human carcinogen.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has studied dioxin and indicated that the largest problem with dioxin is from food, not tampons or sanitary pads. In a study published by the EPA in 2002, it states, "Although dioxins are found in trace amounts in both cotton and pulp sanitary products, exposure to dioxins through tampons and diapers does not significantly contribute to dioxin exposures in the United States."

OTHER CHEMICALS

A close relative of dioxin, furan is also found in bleached paper products, including sanitary pads, diapers and tampons. A study from Korea extracted the chemicals found in sanitary pads and tampons throughout the world. While results varied with the different products, octachlorinated dioxin (OCDD), hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF) and octa-chlorodibenzofuran (OCDF) were detected. These are all banned toxic substances.
According to HR 890, "An independent study in 1991 found that tampons commonly included one or more of the following additives: Chlorine compounds, absorbency enhancers (such as surfactants like polysorbate-20), natural and synthetic fibers (such as cotton, rayon, polyester, and polyacrylate), deodorant, and fragrance."

RECOMMENDATIONS

House Resolution 373, named the tampon safety legislation, was introduced in Congress in January 2003 by Congresswoman Maloney of the 14th District of New York. This legislation directs the Institute of Health "to research health risks to women---including endometriosis and cancers of the breast, ovaries, and cervix---from the presence of dioxin, synthetic fibers, and other additives in feminine products."
The Endometrioses Association in their report indicates, "Until research addresses the risks, health experts recommend unbleached, organic cotton sanitary pads and tampons (without plastic applicators)."