On every box of tampons, we see a warning about Toxic Shock Syndrome, but no mention of the harmful bleaching aids, dioxins or the pesticides used in the production of cotton (the most highly sprayed crop in the world).   Most tampons manufactured today contain rayon and synthetics despite medical advice that these are not safe.   In the UK, there is no requirement to state a full list of ingredients on sanitary packaging.

Dioxins can disrupt hormones and even low levels may be linked to breast cancer, cancer, endometriosis, and immune system suppression.  Rayon causes allergic reactions and is likely to amplify production of the toxin TSS-T1 which causes Toxic Shock Syndrome (there are around 20 cases a year of Toxic Shock Syndrome in the UK).  Surfactants and fragrances pose further health risks and most tampons will also contain at least some genetically modified cotton, we do not yet know the health risks that this may pose.

There is no question that for some women, tampons and towels cause minor irritations and allergic reactions,  for others very serious health conditions can be caused, but for most, well we just don’t know what we may be doing to our bodies. There are also environmental issues; in the U.S. alone, 11.3 billion "disposable" menstrual products per year are disposed of in landfill sites. It takes approximately 500 years for one "disposable" menstrual pad to partially biodegrade.

More and more women are turning to natural feminine hygiene protection and there is quite a range available.  Listed below are suppliers of natural feminine hygiene products, simply click the links to visit their websites.

We have restructured the directory, for suppliers of natural feminine hygiene  products, visit the dedicated Women's Health and Beauty Section