So it leaves you to wonder, would an organic tampon be a better solution? You might think so, but it really just depends. Unfortunately the FDA doesn’t regulate the “organic-ness” of a tampon because it is considered a medical device. They also don’t require companies to list everything a tampon is made of. In general, an organic tampon is made from natural cotton fibers that typically were left unbleached or was bleached without toxic chemicals. This is unlike standard tampons that are typically made with cotton and rayon blends, which tend to have the dangerous chemical dioxin.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, they have been “working to promote dioxin-free methods of producing wood pulp.” The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that they believe dioxin within feminine products can be linked to:
- Abnormal tissue growth in the abdomen and reproductive organs
- Abnormal cell growth throughout the body
- Immune system suppression
- Hormonal and endocrine system disruption
The lesson in all of this is to do your research. Organic tampons are a great option, if they are in fact “organic”. The primary risk of tampons is more around usage versus how they are made, but there are some clear concerns with the long-term use of tampons made with particular toxic chemicals.
With no true regulation over the make-up of these products, it is up to the consumer to find a healthy product for themselves. It is important to know the risks involved and continue to educate ourselves on how to avoid them.
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