Dangerous Feminine Hygiene Products – Avoid Feminine Products That Contain Harmful Chemicals
There are many dangerous feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and pads, that don’t seem so harmful at first glance. However, these products often contain harmful chemicals that have negative effects on health. Let’s analyze the dangers of using feminine products that contain harmful chemicals and discuss safer alternatives.
What Chemicals Are In Dangerous Feminine Hygiene Products?
Many feminine hygiene products are made with synthetic materials that contain harmful chemicals such as dioxins, fragrances, hormone disruptors, PFAS chemicals, and pesticides. These chemicals can be absorbed into the body through the skin or mucous membranes.1
What Chemicals Are In Feminine Pads?
Feminine pads, also known as sanitary napkins or menstrual pads, have been used for centuries to manage menstruation. These products are made up of a variety of materials and chemicals to provide comfort, absorbency, and protection.
The main function of feminine pads is to absorb menstrual flow. To achieve this, most pads are made with absorbent materials such as wood pulp, cotton, or rayon. These materials hold a significant amount of liquid and help prevent leaks.2
Many feminine pads also contain superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), which are chemicals that can absorb and retain large amounts of liquid. SAPs are made of a combination of acrylic acid and sodium hydroxide and are commonly used in disposable diapers, feminine pads, and other absorbent products.3
To keep the pad in place, manufacturers use adhesives to attach the pad to the underwear. These adhesives contain chemicals such as acrylic polymers or polyurethane.4
Some feminine pads also contain fragrances to help mask menstrual odors and dyes to give the products their signature colors. These chemicals are typically added during the manufacturing process and may not be disclosed on product labels.
Many pads also have a plastic backing layer, which serves as a waterproof barrier to prevent leaks from seeping through. This layer is usually made of polyethylene, a type of plastic that helps keep the pad dry and comfortable.
In addition to the materials listed above, various chemicals are used during the production process of feminine pads. These may include bleaching agents, synthetic glues, and other additives to improve absorbency or add softness to the product.5
What Chemicals Are In Tampons?
Tampons are usually made of cotton or a blend of rayon and cotton, but they also contain other chemicals and materials. Rayon is a synthetic material made from wood pulp, which is chemically processed to form fibers.6
Dioxins are a group of highly toxic chemicals that are formed during the production of rayon. They can also be present in cotton, as they are sometimes used to bleach and disinfect it.7
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in the production of plastic and can be found in the plastic applicators of some tampons. Many tampons contain fragrances and dyes to make them more appealing to consumers.8
What Chemicals Are In Feminine Wipes?
One such product that has been gaining popularity in recent years is feminine wipes. Marketed as a convenient and easy way to freshen up on-the-go, these wipes are often touted as a must-have for women. Most conventional feminine wipes contain synthetic fibers, fragrance, and preservatives. These ingredients can cause a range of health issues for women.9
Is Douching A Healthy Practice?
While douching may seem like a quick and easy way to feel clean, it can actually do more harm than good. Douching disrupts the natural balance of bacteria and changes the pH in the vagina, leading to infections such as yeast or bacterial vaginosis.
Douching may also cause irritation, dryness, and discomfort in the vaginal area. Douching pushes bacteria from the outside of the vagina into the cervix, increasing the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Instead of douching, it is recommended to practice good hygiene habits such as washing the external genital area with warm water and mild soap.10
Dangerous Feminine Hygiene Products – Vaginal Sprays
Vaginal sprays are one of the most commonly used feminine hygiene products. Using these sprays disrupts the natural pH balance of the vagina. These products often contain harsh chemicals such as fragrances, parabens, and dyes that cause irritation and even allergic reactions in some women. This is especially concerning since these products are used in a sensitive area of the body and can be absorbed into the bloodstream.11
Dangerous Feminine Hygiene Products – Dioxins
Dioxins are produced during the bleaching process of feminine products. Dioxins are known to disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system leading to various health issues, including hormonal imbalances and reproductive problems. Some studies have suggested a link between dioxins and increased risk of endometriosis, a painful condition that affects the uterus lining.12 13
Dangerous Feminine Hygiene Products – Preservatives
To extend the shelf life of feminine hygiene products, preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone and benzyl alcohol are often used. These chemicals can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin.14 15
Dangerous Feminine Hygiene Products – Fragrances
The “fresh” scent of feminine hygiene products is often achieved through the use of synthetic fragrances. These fragrances contain a combination of chemicals, including phthalates and parabens.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used to make plastics more flexible and durable. They can be found in a wide range of products, including food packaging, toys, medical devices, and personal care products such as perfumes, lotions, and nail polish. Parabens are preservatives that are commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Studies have shown that exposure to these chemicals have harmful effects on our health. Phthalates have been linked to reproductive issues, including decreased sperm count, testicular development, and fertility in males. They have also been linked to hormone disruption, which can lead to early puberty in girls.16
Parabens, on the other hand, have been found to mimic estrogen in the body. This disrupts normal hormonal balance. Furthermore, both phthalates and parabens are considered endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body’s hormone production and regulation.17
Dangerous Feminine Hygiene Products – BPA
BPA has been linked to hormonal disruptions and has negative health effects on the reproductive system. BPA can leach out of plastic materials over time, especially when exposed to heat or acidic substances such as urine. This means that feminine hygiene products made with BPA, expose the body to this chemical.
Exposure to BPA has been linked to a variety of health issues including irregular menstrual cycles and fertility problems, endocrine disorders, developmental problems, and even neurological effects such as anxiety and depression.18
Dangerous Feminine Hygiene Products – PFAS Chemicals
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries for decades. These include the production of non-stick cookware, food packaging, and even firefighting foam. PFAS chemicals are also commonly found in feminine hygiene products such as sanitary pads, tampons, and pantyliners. They are used to make these products more absorbent and leak-proof.
Studies have shown that exposure to PFAS chemicals come with a wide range of health effects. These include hormonal disruption and immune system suppression. The most concerning aspect is that PFAS chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily and accumulate in our bodies over time. This means that even small amounts of exposure have long-term health consequences.19
Dangerous Feminine Hygiene Products – GMOs And Pesticides
The cotton used in feminine hygiene products is often genetically modified and treated with pesticides, which have negative health effects. Studies have linked GMOs to allergies, organ damage, and other health issues.20
When it comes to feminine hygiene products, the concern is not just about potential exposure to GMOs through consumption, but also the direct contact with GMO cotton in sensitive areas.
The cotton used in feminine hygiene products is often treated with pesticides, which leave residues on the product. These residues then come into direct contact with sensitive areas of the body during use.
Some pesticides have been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive issues. This raises concerns about the potential risks associated with using these products, especially for women who may be more susceptible to these health issues.21
Safe Feminine Hygiene Products
Fortunately, there are safer alternatives to conventional feminine products. These include organic cotton tampons and pads, menstrual cups, and cloth pads. Organic cotton tampons and pads are made from 100% natural materials without the use of harmful chemicals. They are also biodegradable, making them better for the environment.
Menstrual cups are a reusable alternative to tampons and pads. They are made from medical-grade silicone, making them safe for internal use. They can be washed and reused, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.
Cloth pads are another eco-friendly option for feminine hygiene. They are made from soft, absorbent fabrics such as organic cotton or bamboo and can be washed and reused.
Dangerous Feminine Hygiene Products – Avoid Feminine Products That Contain Harmful Chemicals
It is important to be mindful of the products we use on our bodies, especially when it comes to feminine hygiene. By avoiding feminine products that contain harmful chemicals and opting for safer alternatives, we prioritize our health and well-being while also being kinder to the environment. Consider making the switch to organic cotton tampons or pads, menstrual cups, or cloth pads.
Read more about the toxins hidden in our food.
References
1 Upson K, Shearston JA, Kioumourtzoglou MA. Menstrual Products as a Source of Environmental Chemical Exposure: A Review from the Epidemiologic Perspective. Curr Environ Health Rep. 2022 Mar;9(1):38-52. doi: 10.1007/s40572-022-00331-1. Epub 2022 Mar 17. PMID: 35302185; PMCID: PMC9876534.
2 Nicole W. A question for women’s health: chemicals in feminine hygiene products and personal lubricants. Environ Health Perspect. 2014 Mar;122(3):A70-5. doi: 10.1289/ehp.122-A70. PMID: 24583634; PMCID: PMC3948026.
3 Yang Y, Liang Z, Zhang R, Zhou S, Yang H, Chen Y, Zhang J, Yin H, Yu D. Research Advances in Superabsorbent Polymers. Polymers (Basel). 2024 Feb 12;16(4):501. doi: 10.3390/polym16040501. PMID: 38399879; PMCID: PMC10892691.
4 Abbey, K.J., Zalucha, D.J. (2017). The Chemistry of Structural Adhesives: Epoxy, Urethane, and Acrylic Adhesives. In: Kent, J., Bommaraju, T., Barnicki, S. (eds) Handbook of Industrial Chemistry and Biotechnology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52287-6_10
5 Marroquin J, Kiomourtzoglou M-A, Scranton A, Pollack AZ. Chemicals in menstrual products: A systematic review. BJOG. 2024; 131: 655–664. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-0528.17668
6 Hochwalt AE, Abbinante-Nissen JM, Bohman LC, Hattersley AM, Hu P, Streicher-Scott JL, Teufel AG, Woeller KE. The safety assessment of tampons: illustration of a comprehensive approach for four different products. Front Reprod Health. 2023 Jun 20;5:1167868. doi: 10.3389/frph.2023.1167868. PMID: 37408999; PMCID: PMC10319135.
7 DeVito MJ, Schecter A. Exposure assessment to dioxins from the use of tampons and diapers. Environ Health Perspect. 2002 Jan;110(1):23-8. doi: 10.1289/ehp.0211023. PMID: 11781161; PMCID: PMC1240689.
8 Chong-Jing Gao, Kurunthachalam Kannan, Phthalates, bisphenols, parabens, and triclocarban in feminine hygiene products from the United States and their implications for human exposure, Environment International, Volume 136, 2020, 105465, ISSN 0160-4120, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.105465.
9 Newton J, Richardson S, van Oosbre AM, Yu J, Silence C. A cross-sectional study of contact allergens in feminine hygiene wipes: a possible cause of vulvar contact dermatitis. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2022 Nov 28;8(4):e060. doi: 10.1097/JW9.0000000000000060. PMID: 36448019; PMCID: PMC9699505.
10 Martino JL, Vermund SH. Vaginal douching: evidence for risks or benefits to women’s health. Epidemiol Rev. 2002;24(2):109-24. doi: 10.1093/epirev/mxf004. PMID: 12762087; PMCID: PMC2567125.
11 Fashemi B, Delaney ML, Onderdonk AB, Fichorova RN. Effects of feminine hygiene products on the vaginal mucosal biome. Microb Ecol Health Dis. 2013 Feb 25;24. doi: 10.3402/mehd.v24i0.19703. PMID: 24009546; PMCID: PMC3758931.
12 Nishijo M. Dioxin and Dioxin-like Compounds and Human Health. Toxics. 2023 Jun 6;11(6):512. doi: 10.3390/toxics11060512. PMID: 37368612; PMCID: PMC10304564.
13 Polak G, Banaszewska B, Filip M, Radwan M, Wdowiak A. Environmental Factors and Endometriosis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 20;18(21):11025. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182111025. PMID: 34769544; PMCID: PMC8582818.
14 Park J, Lee H, Park K. Mixture Toxicity of Methylisothiazolinone and Propylene Glycol at a Maximum Concentration for Personal Care Products. Toxicol Res. 2018 Oct;34(4):355-361. doi: 10.5487/TR.2018.34.4.355. Epub 2018 Oct 15. PMID: 30370010; PMCID: PMC6195885.
15 Nair B. Final report on the safety assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate. Int J Toxicol. 2001;20 Suppl 3:23-50. doi: 10.1080/10915810152630729. PMID: 11766131.
16 Wang Y, Qian H. Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health. Healthcare (Basel). 2021 May 18;9(5):603. doi: 10.3390/healthcare9050603. PMID: 34069956; PMCID: PMC8157593.
17 Nowak K, Ratajczak-Wrona W, Górska M, Jabłońska E. Parabens and their effects on the endocrine system. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2018 Oct 15;474:238-251. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.03.014. Epub 2018 Mar 27. PMID: 29596967.
18 Vom Saal FS, Vandenberg LN. Update on the Health Effects of Bisphenol A: Overwhelming Evidence of Harm. Endocrinology. 2021 Mar 1;162(3):bqaa171. doi: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa171. PMID: 33516155; PMCID: PMC7846099.
19 Fenton SE, Ducatman A, Boobis A, DeWitt JC, Lau C, Ng C, Smith JS, Roberts SM. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Toxicity and Human Health Review: Current State of Knowledge and Strategies for Informing Future Research. Environ Toxicol Chem. 2021 Mar;40(3):606-630. doi: 10.1002/etc.4890. Epub 2020 Dec 7. PMID: 33017053; PMCID: PMC7906952.
20 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Division on Earth and Life Studies; Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources; Committee on Genetically Engineered Crops: Past Experience and Future Prospects. Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2016 May 17. 5, Human Health Effects of Genetically Engineered Crops. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424534/
21 Pathak VM, Verma VK, Rawat BS, Kaur B, Babu N, Sharma A, Dewali S, Yadav M, Kumari R, Singh S, Mohapatra A, Pandey V, Rana N, Cunill JM. Current status of pesticide effects on environment, human health and it’s eco-friendly management as bioremediation: A comprehensive review. Front Microbiol. 2022 Aug 17;13:962619. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.962619. PMID: 36060785; PMCID: PMC9428564.
Disclaimer: All rights reserved. Information provided is for general purposes and not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare professional for medical concerns. About Dr. Pompa
