Are Tampons & Sanitary Pads Safe to Use?
Periods are a natural part of life that millions who menstruate experience 12 times each year. Yet during those moments, reaching for tampons and sanitary pads can be putting their lives at risk due to dangerous and toxic ingredients.
Companies like Achieve Beauty provide you with the ability to know exactly what is in the products you use every month – and help you find better alternatives without harmful ingredients, too. It’s all thanks to the Achieve Beauty Ingredient AnalysisTool.
Are Tampons Toxic?
Are tampons toxic? The short answer is yes.
It may depend on the brand of tampons you are using and the type, but it is not uncommon to find the following in them:
Dioxins and furans. These are both toxic chemicals that are left behind due to the chlorine bleaching process.
Carbon disulfide. A reproductive toxin.
Toluene and xylene. Two dangerous substances often found in household or industrial products. Can be dangerous just touching the skin.
Methylene chloride. A highly-known carcinogen often found in paint strippers.
Pesticide residues. This is thanks to the agricultural soils that contain everything from fertilizers to sewage sludge – as well as the direct use of pesticides.
Fragrance made of unknown chemicals. Because you don’t know what chemicals are used to create the fragrance – and they don’t have to disclose it – you never know what harmful substances you are putting in your body.
Each of these harmful toxins can leave you exposed to risks associated with cancer, reproductive harm, hormone disruption, and allergic rashes/reactions.
Not sure whether or not your tampons are made with any of these dangerous substances? Use the Ingredient Analysis Tool from Achieve Beauty to find out – and find alternatives.
What Are the Symptoms For Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Tampons with high absorbency are linked to a potentially fatal condition known as toxic shock syndrome. And although it is rare, certain strains of bacteria cause toxins to spread into and through the bloodstream impacting all the organs along the way.
Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome include:
High fever that comes on suddenly
Chills
Body aches
Flu-like symptoms
Diarrhea
Nausea/vomiting
Faint/dizzy and lightheaded
Rash
Low blood pressure
Conjunctivitis (redness of the eyes)
Redness of the throat
Peeling soles of feet and skin
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
How Safe Are Sanitary Pads?
Sanitary pads may not go inside your body as a tampon, but they do get up close and personal with one of the body’s most sensitive areas. If you thought that they would be safe – think again.
Sanitary pads contain main harmful chemicals that can be dangerous for those who use them, including:
Dioxin. A toxic chemical that is left behind due to the chlorine bleaching process.
Rayon. Rayon is often used in addition to or apart from cotton in these pads. But it, too, contains dioxin.
Pesticide residues. This is thanks to the agricultural soils that contain everything from fertilizers to sewage sludge – as well as the direct use of pesticides.
Fragrances. Sanitary pads that are scented often of a fragrance made of unknown chemicals and toxins. They can cause many different types of damage, depending on what is used. Since companies are not required to list what the fragrances are, it is impossible to know th