{"id":108,"date":"2008-07-14T14:36:14","date_gmt":"2008-07-14T14:36:14","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-29T23:00:00","slug":"should-women-wear-conventional-tampons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ethicalsuperstore.com\/blog\/uncategorized\/should-women-wear-conventional-tampons\/","title":{"rendered":"Should women wear conventional tampons?"},"content":{"rendered":"

We spoke to this year’s winner of the Ethical Women in Business award<\/a> and founder of Natracare<\/a>, Susie Hewson, to answer all those questions you’ve always wanted to know about tampons but were too afraid to ask. <\/p>\n

ES<\/b>: Should we be concerned about wearing ‘normal’ tampons?<\/b>
Susie Hewson<\/b><\/font>: Conventional tampons are made from a blend of ingredients including bleached materials and synthetics like rayon and polypropylene. Some brands use lubricants and fragrances, which may contain parabens – linked to health problems – to preserve them. <\/p>\n

ES<\/b>: So rayon may be used in conventional tampons – what’s the problem?<\/b>
SH<\/b><\/font>: Rayon is so effective at absorbing it can absorb protective mucous from the vagina in addition to menstrual blood. Its fibres can get left inside the body and although manufacturers have tried to reduce this problem it involves applying a polypropylene over wrap – a synthetic material derived from crude oil. Independent research has been conducted into the issues of rayon and Toxic Shock Syndrome and findings indicate that 100% cotton tampons are a better option*.<\/p>\n

ES<\/b>: Surely, Toxic Shock Syndrome is a thing of the 1980s?<\/b>
SH<\/b><\/font>: The incidence is the same today as the 1980s according to the USA Centre for Disease Control where such cases are recorded. The difference is that women and medics are more aware of the symptoms today and recognise them earlier. <\/p>\n

ES<\/b>: And what about the bleaching process, is this hazardous?<\/b>
SH<\/b><\/font>: The chlorine bleaching of wood pulp – which is the raw material for rayon production (as well as sanitary pads, nappies and toilet paper) – releases dioxin which can remain in the tampon. Dioxin is a carcinogen that may accumulate and stay in the body.<\/p>\n

ES<\/b>: And the cotton itself – if it isn't organic will it contain harmful chemicals? <\/b>
SH<\/b><\/font>: Conventional cotton is the most heavily sprayed crop in the world and many of the pesticides are linked with health problems, including cancer and reproductive problems. There is a potential for pesticide and chemical residual to remain in tampons which it is better to avoid. <\/p>\n

ES<\/b>: If we want to buy organic, how can we be sure they are?<\/b>
SH<\/b><\/font>: Look for the logo of an accredited organic certification body, such as the Soil Association, then you can be sure that they are from 100% organic cotton. <\/p>\n

ES<\/b>: And the applicators we so often see washed up on the beach – is it possible to find biodegradable ones?<\/b>
SH<\/b><\/font>: Natracare applicators are made from totally chlorine free card, so they biodegrade. Plastic applicators pollute during manufacture and will stay in the environment unchanged forever. Every pack of conventional sanitary pads uses the equivalent crude oil plastic of four carrier bags. Natracare pads and liners are plastic free because we use plant starch barriers – they cost us more, but the earth a lot less.<\/p>\n

* Dr. Phillip Tierno at New York University Medical School.<\/p>\n

All of Natracare's tampons are 100% organic (certified by the Soil Association), with no bleaches, chemicals, pesticides, or other additives. <\/p>\n

View the full range of Natracare Organic Tampons<\/a> »<\/p>\n


Are you concerned about conventional tampons? Want to share any experiences – good or bad – with fellow Ethical Superstore customers? <\/b><\/p>\n

Comment below to get involved in our ethical debates. <\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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