Dangers of Disposables

Did you know that disposable tampons and pads can cause infertility as well as other complications? Read these articles for more information:

• http://infertilitybook.blogspot.com/2010/01/tampons-do-you-know-dangers.html
• http://natural-fertility-info.com/tampons-infertility.html
• http://www.undergroundhealth.com/the-dangers-of-tampons-and-pads/
• http://www.thegreenmama.com/healthy-green-menstrual-products
• http://www.theartofunity.com/dangers-of-tampons-and-pads/
• http://naturallysavvy.com/care/conventional-feminine-hygiene-products-a-womens-issue-with-toxic-implications
• http://www.intimina.com/blog/healthy-period-tampons-safe-use/ 
• http://www.realfarmacy.com/still-using-tampons-or-pads-you-should-read-this/ 

Video:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqF2J3NIPs0&feature=youtu.be

 Excerpts:

• Dioxin

Dioxin is grouped in a class of endocrine disruptors called Persistent organohalogens. Dioxins disrupt estrogen. Dioxin works as an anti-estrogen, by binding with Ah receptors*. This inhibits estrogen receptor binding, inhibiting estrogen action. Dioxin accumulates in our bodies and is stored in fat cells over time. Dioxin may also be present in breast milk, which then passes onto our babies. This is very concerning as this chemical has the potential to be passed to the baby in utero and then once again while breastfeeding.  
Dioxin is a group of highly toxic chemicals that are a by-product of industrial processing using chlorine to manufacture herbicides and pesticides, process pulp and bleach paper products (including the raw materials for feminine care products) as well as incinerate waste. Dioxin is considered a Persistent Organic Pollutant, POP for short, that slowly over time accumulates in our bodies. This pollutant is carried in the air and in our water systems as well, which affects the entire food chain and planet. Dioxin is not only present in feminine care products, but most paper products we use including napkins, paper towels, tissues, make-up removal pads, toilet paper, diapers, ect. Many of these products we use near delicate tissues and openings on our bodies.
The EPA’s Report On Carcinogen’s notes Dioxin as a “known human carcinogen”. Studies have shown Dioxin to trigger biological responses within the body that are carcinogenic processes, these include gene expression, altered metabolism, altered cell growth and differentiation, as well as steroid-hormone and growth-factor transduction pathways. This is a serious problem when we consider this chemical may be altering our DNA. Our DNA is what make our offspring unique, damaged DNA may lead to genetic problems within our bodies which can be passed on to our children.
In a study using monkeys it was shown that Dioxin increased the severity and growth of endometrial tissues as well as promoted survival of endometrial tissue. Scientists are not clear on the exact connection of mechanism that causes this to happen, but does it really matter exactly why at this point? If you suffer from endometriosis you are going to want to avoid anything that may potentially contribute to endometrial tissue growth and survival! Growth of endometrial tissue has the potential to increase your chances of infertility, extreme pain and may spread to vital organs, the urinary system or bowels which may lead to life threatening conditions.

• A Note about the Vagina

The vagina is made up of fatty tissues and glands, these tissues are highly absorbent and fat is known to store chemicals. It is one of the most delicate places on the female body and toxic chemicals, synthetic fibers and fragrances were never intended to be placed near, on or in this area of our bodies. We need to take care of her, respect her and treat her with the healthiest choices in feminine care products!
Consider this, the average woman in developed countries will use disposable feminine care products for 5 days of every month, for about 40 years. Based on this average, each woman will use 9600 tampons or disposable pads over the course of those 40 years.

• Menstrual Cup 

This is a small cup that is inserted vaginally to catch the menstrual blood. They capture twice as much blood as a tampon. There have been no reports of Toxic Shock Syndrome as opposed to tampon risk. They are also very cost effective! One cup on average will last up to 10 years! Moon cups come in 2 different sizes, one pre-pregnancy and post-pregnancy. The cannot be felt when inserted correctly. The companies that make these use the most eco-friendly materials possible with no harmful by-products or residue. Once inserted one cup will catch blood for 12 hours with a regular menstrual flow, this means you may only have to change it twice a day.
The average pack of tampons costs about $9.00 for 36 tampons. On average, if you are using 4 tampons a day, that will cost you $0.25 per tampon; which is $5.00 per month; that equals $60.00 a year; which equals $600.00 in 10 years. The menstrual cup on average costs about $35.00 up front and is reusable for 10 years. This would only cost you $0.29 per month for 10 years. This saves you $565.00 over 10 years.

• Cloth Menstrual Pads

There are some great modern companies out there making cloth menstrual pads with care and commitment to the environment and women worldwide. These pads are made of cotton cloth, usually organic cotton and come in a variety of styles, absorbency, sizes and cute colored cloth patterns. These pads can be reused for 3 years or more when proper care is taken. If you have ever worn disposable pads you know how uncomfortable they can be, cloth pads are a lot more comfortable to wear! It can take a bit of money to switch over to cloth pads, but over the coarse of a year your average savings by switching to reusable pads will be $150.00 a year.
You can also make your own reusable pads! If you are into sewing or are on a budget this is a great option.

• Disposable Industry

The Tampon and Pad industry is a $718 Million dollar market, and tampons and pads are necessities. This got me questioning the production and ethical value behind these products.
They are mass-produced, and heavily marketed and cheaply made, out of bleached rayon and plastics. Why is it that we never see ads for the much safer alternatives such as cotton products, reusable washable pads and menstruation cups? Any of these alternatives are much more economical and are about a gillion times safer for the environment. Up until a few months ago, I didn’t even know that there were alternative products, or even think that there was any potential risk from using generic menstruation products.


T.S.S.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2770595/A-tampon-nearly-killed-Teenager-ends-life-support-toxic-shock-syndrome-set-TWO-hours.html