Did you know that feminine hygiene products are classified as medical devices? (1)
Why does this matter?
Manufacturers of medical devices do not have to disclose all of the ingredients in their products.
This means that we don’t know what is in the products that we have in and against one of the most sensitive and permeable area of our body. In fact, the walls of the vagina are filled with numerous blood vessels and lymphatic vessels, which allows for direct transfer of chemicals in to the circulatory system. (2) No bueno!
Girls are starting their cycles as young as 7 years old (which is another alarming topic for another day) and are using these products monthly for another 35-45 years.
The average woman endures 456 total periods or roughly 2,280 days of periods. This is approximately 6.25 years of her LIFE!!!
The average woman uses approximately 9,120 tampons or 2,280 pads in her lifetime.
As you can see, it’s important to know the safety of these products as we use thousands of them.
Our vaginal wall is highly permeable which means that it absorbs almost every chemical it comes in contact with. This means this area of the body is potentially more vulnerable to exposure of toxic chemicals and irritants (3) Do you really want to use a product in or on this area that has little to no data assuring its safety? Me neither!
And I’m not alone here. Last year, a bill called the Menstrual Products Right to Know Act of 2017 (4). There are also other bills aimed at improving the transparency and safety of feminine products; however, no changes have been made.
Chemicals in Feminine Hygiene Products
According to a report done by Women’s Voices for the Earth, the following chemicals may be in feminine products i.e tampons, pads, and wipes (5):
1. Dioxins- these chemicals are left behind after the bleaching process with chlorine takes place. They are organic pollutants that are highly toxic, damage your immune system and may interfere with your hormone system. (6)
2. Furans- similar to dioxins with similar risks.
3. Pesticide residue- There is not a lot of data on the amount of pesticides in feminine products; however, one study of o.b brand done in 2013 found 8 different kinds of pesticides in their tampons. (7) The FDA recommends that feminine products be “free of pesticide residue”; however, this study alone shows that their recommendation is not being followed. More research is absolutely needed.
4. Fragrance chemicals- Many feminine products are heavily fragranced, yet the companies only list the generic term “fragrance” as an ingredient, even though many chemicals make up a fragrance such as:
• Carcinogens such as
p-dichlorobenzene and styrene
oxide;
• Endocrine disruptors like
galaxolide and tonalide (synthetic
musks);
• Reproductive toxicants such as
diethyl phthalate (DEP) and
di-isononyl phthalate (DINP);
• Problematic disinfectants like
Triclosan and ammonium
quaternary compounds; and
• Numerous allergens (8)
5. Parabens- used as a preservative have been shown to have estrogenic properties. (9)
6. Formaldehyde- meant to disinfect but causes allergy problems for those who are sensitized to formaldehyde. The potential cancer causing impact of formaldehyde is virtually unstudied, which makes it even more concerning.
There are definitely more concerning chemicals in most feminine products but these are the heavy hitters.
So, what can you do to limit your exposure?
1. Know the worst offenders. Check out this awesome table for the brands containing the most worrisome chemicals and avoid them! (10 link in comments)
2. Choose safer feminine products: I am providing a link to my favorite, safe products in the comment section.
3. Avoid feminine sprays, creams, douches, and washes as these contain toxic chemicals as well!
What are your favorite safe feminine products?
Questions? Just ask!
Want to work with me 1:1 to create the perfect diet for you and/or your family? Contact me today at dana@thrivekin.com.
Sources:
1. Https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/ucm071781.htm
2. Husain, A and Ahsan, F. (2005) The vagina as a route for systemic drug delivery. Journal of Controlled Release. Vol. 103, pp: 301-313. 2005.
3. Fragage, M and Maibach, HI. (2004) The vulvar epithelium differs from the skin: implications for cutaneous testing to address topical vulvar exposures. Contact Dermatitis. Vol. 51, pp: 201-209, 2004.
4. Https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/2416
5. ://www.womensvoices.org/…/2013/11/Chem-Fatale-Report.pdf
6. https://www.epa.gov/dioxin/learn-about-dioxin
7. Naturally Savvy (2013). www.naturallysavvy.com
8. International Fragrance Association (IFRA) (2013) IFRA Survey: Transparency List. Available at: www.ifra.org/en-us/ingredients
9. Calafat, AM, Ye, X, Wong, LY, Bishop, AM and Needham, LL. (2010) Urinary concentrations of four parabens in the US population: NHANES 2005-2006. Environmental Health Perspectives. Vol. 118, No.5, pp: 679-685. May 2010.
10. https://www.womensvoices.org/feminine-care…/hall-of-shame/
Safe products:
1. Menstrual Cups: https://amzn.to/2yBbyC6 or https://amzn.to/2CF9Dz0
2. Tampons: https://amzn.to/2D6tSH2
3. Pads: https://amzn.to/2Rk8VLY