Re: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products
-Caveat Lector- I'm thinkin' hoax Found an industry-sponsored site that denies allegations: http://bodymatters.com/questions/questions4.html mebbe guerrilla advertising for the health food store tampons or sponges or ? Dave Hartley http://www.Asheville-Computer.com http://www.ioa.com/~davehart -Original Message- From: Conspiracy Theory Research List [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of earthman Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 1999 2:33 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products -Caveat Lector- Can anyone confirm this before I pass it on? I wouldn't want to waste their time with a hoax. Peter We are about to go on a Journey. All Aboard http://sites.netscape.net/gsussnzl/homepage Bargain Books http://bn.bfast.com/bfast/click/mid1349732?siteid=10734186bfpage=b - Original Message - From: Tenorlove [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 1999 1:26 PM Subject: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products -Caveat Lector- Got this in my email. I knew about the dioxin in white coffee filters, but this is news to me Tenorlove -- Subject: WARNING for females... (O-Sh) Please pass on to as many women as possible . . . If you use pads, but especially if you use tampons read this and pass on to your friends (for the men receiving this email, please forward it to your friends, significant others, sisters, mothers, daughters, etc.) thanks! Have you heard that tampon makers include asbestos in tampons? Why would they do this? Because asbestos makes you bleed more . . . if you bleed more, you're going to need to use more. Why isn't this against the law since asbestos is so dangerous? Because the powers that be, in all their wisdom(not), did not consider tampons as being ingested, and therefore wasn't illegal or considered dangerous. This month's Essence magazine has a small article about this and they mention two manufacturers of a cotton tampon alternative. The companies are Organic Essentials @ (800) 765-6491 and Terra Femme @ (800)755-0212. A woman getting her Ph.D. at University of Colorado @ Boulder sent the following: "I am writing this because women are not being informed about the dangers of something most of us use - tampons. I am taking a class this month and I have been learning a lot about biology and woman, including much about feminine hygiene. Recently we have learned that tampons are actually dangerous (for other reasons than TSS). I'll tell you this, after learning about this in our class, most of the females wound up feeling angry and upset with the tampon industry, and I for one, am going to do something about it. To start, I want to inform everyone I can, and email is the fastest way that I know how. Here is the scoop: Tampons contain two things that are potentially harmful: Rayon (for absorbency), and dioxin (a chemical used in bleaching the products). The tampon industry is convinced that we, as women, need bleached white products - in order to view the product as pure and clean. The problem here is that the dioxin produced in this bleaching process can lead to very harmful problems for a woman. Dioxin is potentially carcinogenic (cancer-associated) and is toxic to the immune and reproductive systems. It has also been linked to endometriosis and lower sperm counts for men- for both, it breaks down the immune system. Last September the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that there really is no set "acceptable" level of exposure to dioxin given that it is cumulative and slow to disintegrate. The real danger comes from repeated contact (Karen Houppert "Pulling the Plug on the Tampon Industry"). I'd say using about 4-5 tampons a day, five days a month, for 38 menstruating years is "repeated contact", wouldn't you? Rayon contributes to the danger of tampons and dioxin because its a highly absorbent substance. Therefore, when fibers from the tampons are left behind in the vagina (as it usually occurs), it creates a breeding ground for the dioxin. It also stays in a lot longer than it would with just cotton tampons. This is also the reason why TSS (toxic shock syndrome) occurs. WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES? Using feminine hygiene products that aren't bleached and that are all cotton. Other feminine hygiene products (pads/napkins) contain dioxin as well, but they are not nearly as dangerous since they are not in direct contact with the vagina. The pads/napkins need to stop being bleached, but obviously tampons are the most dangerous. So, what can you do if you can't give up using tampons? Use tampons, that are made from 100% cotton, and that are UNBLEACHED. Unfortunately, there are very, very few companies that make these safe tampons. They are usually only found in health food stores. Countries all over the world (Sweden, Germany, British Columbia, etc.) have demanded a switch
Re: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products
-Caveat Lector- Why would tampons cause Toxic Shock syndrome if they were so pure? pied piper Dave wrote: -Caveat Lector- I'm thinkin' hoax Found an industry-sponsored site that denies allegations: http://bodymatters.com/questions/questions4.html mebbe guerrilla advertising for the health food store tampons or sponges or ? Dave Hartley http://www.Asheville-Computer.com http://www.ioa.com/~davehart -Original Message- From: Conspiracy Theory Research List [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of earthman Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 1999 2:33 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products -Caveat Lector- Can anyone confirm this before I pass it on? I wouldn't want to waste their time with a hoax. Peter We are about to go on a Journey. All Aboard http://sites.netscape.net/gsussnzl/homepage Bargain Books http://bn.bfast.com/bfast/click/mid1349732?siteid=10734186bfpage=b - Original Message - From: Tenorlove [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 1999 1:26 PM Subject: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products -Caveat Lector- Got this in my email. I knew about the dioxin in white coffee filters, but this is news to me Tenorlove -- Subject: WARNING for females... (O-Sh) Please pass on to as many women as possible . . . If you use pads, but especially if you use tampons read this and pass on to your friends (for the men receiving this email, please forward it to your friends, significant others, sisters, mothers, daughters, etc.) thanks! Have you heard that tampon makers include asbestos in tampons? Why would they do this? Because asbestos makes you bleed more . . . if you bleed more, you're going to need to use more. Why isn't this against the law since asbestos is so dangerous? Because the powers that be, in all their wisdom(not), did not consider tampons as being ingested, and therefore wasn't illegal or considered dangerous. This month's Essence magazine has a small article about this and they mention two manufacturers of a cotton tampon alternative. The companies are Organic Essentials @ (800) 765-6491 and Terra Femme @ (800)755-0212. A woman getting her Ph.D. at University of Colorado @ Boulder sent the following: "I am writing this because women are not being informed about the dangers of something most of us use - tampons. I am taking a class this month and I have been learning a lot about biology and woman, including much about feminine hygiene. Recently we have learned that tampons are actually dangerous (for other reasons than TSS). I'll tell you this, after learning about this in our class, most of the females wound up feeling angry and upset with the tampon industry, and I for one, am going to do something about it. To start, I want to inform everyone I can, and email is the fastest way that I know how. Here is the scoop: Tampons contain two things that are potentially harmful: Rayon (for absorbency), and dioxin (a chemical used in bleaching the products). The tampon industry is convinced that we, as women, need bleached white products - in order to view the product as pure and clean. The problem here is that the dioxin produced in this bleaching process can lead to very harmful problems for a woman. Dioxin is potentially carcinogenic (cancer-associated) and is toxic to the immune and reproductive systems. It has also been linked to endometriosis and lower sperm counts for men- for both, it breaks down the immune system. Last September the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that there really is no set "acceptable" level of exposure to dioxin given that it is cumulative and slow to disintegrate. The real danger comes from repeated contact (Karen Houppert "Pulling the Plug on the Tampon Industry"). I'd say using about 4-5 tampons a day, five days a month, for 38 menstruating years is "repeated contact", wouldn't you? Rayon contributes to the danger of tampons and dioxin because its a highly absorbent substance. Therefore, when fibers from the tampons are left behind in the vagina (as it usually occurs), it creates a breeding ground for the dioxin. It also stays in a lot longer than it would with just cotton tampons. This is also the reason why TSS (toxic shock syndrome) occurs. WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES? Using feminine hygiene products that aren't bleached and that are all cotton. Other feminine hygiene products (pads/napkins) contain dioxin as well, but they are not nearly as dangerous since they are not in direct contact with the vagina. The pads/napkins need to stop being bleached, but obviously tampons are the most dangerous. So, what can you do if you can't give up using tampons? Use tampons, that are made from 100% cotton, and that are UNBLEACHED. Unfortunately, there are very, very
Re: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products
-Caveat Lector- Hi Pete, That sounds about right below, but I have no proof. I have heard before about the addition of asbestos though. However I have heard that the cig companies put opium in the cigarette papers to get people addicted to smoking. Also that the tobacco is genetically enhanced to be really full of nicotine. Now for the killer, I have read that the plants get aluminium fertilizer to help with the depopulation program. Also that the 3rd world countries in exchange for aid from US have to take cigarette imports. But it is awhile since I saw anything about cigarettes so will see if anything new turns up. So this is from memory. But if anyone else could elaborate that would be great too. Nicky earthman wrote: -Caveat Lector- Can anyone confirm this before I pass it on? I wouldn't want to waste their time with a hoax. Peter -- Subject: WARNING for females... (O-Sh) Please pass on to as many women as possible . . . If you use pads, but especially if you use tampons read this and pass on to your friends (for the men receiving this email, please forward it to your friends, significant others, sisters, mothers, daughters, etc.) thanks! DECLARATION DISCLAIMER == CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substancenot soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
Re: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products
-Caveat Lector- In a message dated 9/28/99 4:58:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: However I have heard that the cig companies put opium in the cigarette papers to get people addicted to smoking. Also that the tobacco is genetically enhanced to be really full of nicotine. Now for the killer, I have read that the plants get aluminium fertilizer to help with the depopulation program. Also that the 3rd world countries in exchange for aid from US have to take cigarette imports. But it is awhile since I saw anything about cigarettes so will see if anything new turns up. So this is from memory. But if anyone else could elaborate that would be great too. Nicky Let's not forget radioactive waste, which is sold as fertilizer for tobacco companies. DECLARATION DISCLAIMER == CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substancenot soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
Re: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products
-Caveat Lector- I once posted a similar warning to my list and several days later the customer service department of the company emailed me to state that it was a rumor. I found it interesting that "they" knew about the posting. Was it forwarded it them or do they do searches to find where this information is being posted? Hilary -- From: Tenorlove [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products Date: Monday, September 27, 1999 7:26 PM -Caveat Lector- Got this in my email. I knew about the dioxin in white coffee filters, but this is news to me Tenorlove -- Subject: WARNING for females... (O-Sh) Please pass on to as many women as possible . . . If you use pads, but especially if you use tampons read this and pass on to your friends (for the men receiving this email, please forward it to your friends, significant others, sisters, mothers, daughters, etc.) thanks! Have you heard that tampon makers include asbestos in tampons? Why would they do this? Because asbestos makes you bleed more . . . if you bleed more, you're going to need to use more. Why isn't this against the law since asbestos is so dangerous? Because the powers that be, in all their wisdom(not), did not consider tampons as being ingested, and therefore wasn't illegal or considered dangerous. This month's Essence magazine has a small article about this and they mention two manufacturers of a cotton tampon alternative. The companies are Organic Essentials @ (800) 765-6491 and Terra Femme @ (800)755-0212. A woman getting her Ph.D. at University of Colorado @ Boulder sent the following: "I am writing this because women are not being informed about the dangers of something most of us use - tampons. I am taking a class this month and I have been learning a lot about biology and woman, including much about feminine hygiene. Recently we have learned that tampons are actually dangerous (for other reasons than TSS). I'll tell you this, after learning about this in our class, most of the females wound up feeling angry and upset with the tampon industry, and I for one, am going to do something about it. To start, I want to inform everyone I can, and email is the fastest way that I know how. Here is the scoop: Tampons contain two things that are potentially harmful: Rayon (for absorbency), and dioxin (a chemical used in bleaching the products). The tampon industry is convinced that we, as women, need bleached white products - in order to view the product as pure and clean. The problem here is that the dioxin produced in this bleaching process can lead to very harmful problems for a woman. Dioxin is potentially carcinogenic (cancer-associated) and is toxic to the immune and reproductive systems. It has also been linked to endometriosis and lower sperm counts for men- for both, it breaks down the immune system. Last September the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that there really is no set "acceptable" level of exposure to dioxin given that it is cumulative and slow to disintegrate. The real danger comes from repeated contact (Karen Houppert "Pulling the Plug on the Tampon Industry"). I'd say using about 4-5 tampons a day, five days a month, for 38 menstruating years is "repeated contact", wouldn't you? Rayon contributes to the danger of tampons and dioxin because its a highly absorbent substance. Therefore, when fibers from the tampons are left behind in the vagina (as it usually occurs), it creates a breeding ground for the dioxin. It also stays in a lot longer than it would with just cotton tampons. This is also the reason why TSS (toxic shock syndrome) occurs. WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES? Using feminine hygiene products that aren't bleached and that are all cotton. Other feminine hygiene products (pads/napkins) contain dioxin as well, but they are not nearly as dangerous since they are not in direct contact with the vagina. The pads/napkins need to stop being bleached, but obviously tampons are the most dangerous. So, what can you do if you can't give up using tampons? Use tampons, that are made from 100% cotton, and that are UNBLEACHED. Unfortunately, there are very, very few companies that make these safe tampons. They are usually only found in health food stores. Countries all over the world (Sweden, Germany, British Columbia, etc.) have demanded a switch to this safer tampon, while the US. has decided to keep us in the dark about it. In 1989, activists in England mounted a campaign against chlorine bleaching. Six weeks and 50,000 letters later, the makers of sanitary products switched to oxygen bleaching (one of the green methods available). (MS magazine, May/June 1995). WHAT TO DO NOW: Tell people. Everyone. Inform them. We are being manipulated by this industry and the government, let's do something about it! Please write to the companies: Tampax (Tambrands), Playtex, O.B., Kotex.
Re: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products
-Caveat Lector- From http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/weekly/aa111898.htm?pid=2733cob=home, Urban Legends and Folklore: snip Tampons do not contain asbestos The claims about residual dioxin in tampons may be debatable, but the claims about asbestos are pure hogwash. Tampons do not contain asbestos and never have. Nothing has been published anywhere to even suggest it. I spoke with an editor of Essence magazine - which according to the email ran a story recently about asbestos in tampons - and she informed me that the magazine had never printed any such claims. Dr. Philip Tierno Jr., chief of clinical microbiology/immunology at NYU Medical Center and an expert on tampon safety issues, calls the asbestos allegations "absurd." In a statement for the Menstrual Product Safety http://www.mum.org/tamsafty.htm page of the Museum of Menstruation's Website, Tierno said he knows from examining manufacturer's documents during past toxic shock syndrome litigations that asbestos is not a component of tampons. As for those two "manufacturers of a cotton tampon alternative" mentioned in the email - Organic Essentials http://www.organicessentials.com and Terra Femme http://www.biobiz.com/terrafemme/ - they do exist and do offer products competing with name-brand tampons, but they don't mention asbestos anywhere in their promotional literature. The misinformation did not come from them. We have no way of knowing where it did come from. snip -Original Message- From: earthman [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 1999 2:33 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products -Caveat Lector- Can anyone confirm this before I pass it on? I wouldn't want to waste their time with a hoax. Peter We are about to go on a Journey. All Aboard http://sites.netscape.net/gsussnzl/homepage Bargain Books http://bn.bfast.com/bfast/click/mid1349732?siteid=10734186bfpage=b DECLARATION DISCLAIMER == CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substancenot soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
Re: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products
-Caveat Lector- Thanks Robert, I'll pass this to the person who sent it to me. I knew you people on the CTRL list would come through! __ Do You Yahoo!? Bid and sell for free at http://auctions.yahoo.com DECLARATION DISCLAIMER == CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substancenot soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
Re: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products
-Caveat Lector- Have you heard that tampon makers include asbestos in tampons? I can not comfirm the asbestos but the dioxion is true, check your local heath food store for alturnative tampons. I do not like tampons or antibacterial soap. And any male that makes himself a biohazard by using antibacterial soap before the horizontal festivities is NOT getting festive with me the Orientals outlawed tampons - late last year / early this year none to be found - They have also won several law suits with Novartis. Wonder why it is hard to find these in the American news? Pied Piper earthman wrote: -Caveat Lector- Can anyone confirm this before I pass it on? I wouldn't want to waste their time with a hoax. Peter We are about to go on a Journey. All Aboard http://sites.netscape.net/gsussnzl/homepage Bargain Books http://bn.bfast.com/bfast/click/mid1349732?siteid=10734186bfpage=b - Original Message - From: Tenorlove [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 1999 1:26 PM Subject: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products -Caveat Lector- Got this in my email. I knew about the dioxin in white coffee filters, but this is news to me Tenorlove -- Subject: WARNING for females... (O-Sh) Please pass on to as many women as possible . . . If you use pads, but especially if you use tampons read this and pass on to your friends (for the men receiving this email, please forward it to your friends, significant others, sisters, mothers, daughters, etc.) thanks! Have you heard that tampon makers include asbestos in tampons? Why would they do this? Because asbestos makes you bleed more . . . if you bleed more, you're going to need to use more. Why isn't this against the law since asbestos is so dangerous? Because the powers that be, in all their wisdom(not), did not consider tampons as being ingested, and therefore wasn't illegal or considered dangerous. This month's Essence magazine has a small article about this and they mention two manufacturers of a cotton tampon alternative. The companies are Organic Essentials @ (800) 765-6491 and Terra Femme @ (800)755-0212. A woman getting her Ph.D. at University of Colorado @ Boulder sent the following: "I am writing this because women are not being informed about the dangers of something most of us use - tampons. I am taking a class this month and I have been learning a lot about biology and woman, including much about feminine hygiene. Recently we have learned that tampons are actually dangerous (for other reasons than TSS). I'll tell you this, after learning about this in our class, most of the females wound up feeling angry and upset with the tampon industry, and I for one, am going to do something about it. To start, I want to inform everyone I can, and email is the fastest way that I know how. Here is the scoop: Tampons contain two things that are potentially harmful: Rayon (for absorbency), and dioxin (a chemical used in bleaching the products). The tampon industry is convinced that we, as women, need bleached white products - in order to view the product as pure and clean. The problem here is that the dioxin produced in this bleaching process can lead to very harmful problems for a woman. Dioxin is potentially carcinogenic (cancer-associated) and is toxic to the immune and reproductive systems. It has also been linked to endometriosis and lower sperm counts for men- for both, it breaks down the immune system. Last September the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that there really is no set "acceptable" level of exposure to dioxin given that it is cumulative and slow to disintegrate. The real danger comes from repeated contact (Karen Houppert "Pulling the Plug on the Tampon Industry"). I'd say using about 4-5 tampons a day, five days a month, for 38 menstruating years is "repeated contact", wouldn't you? Rayon contributes to the danger of tampons and dioxin because its a highly absorbent substance. Therefore, when fibers from the tampons are left behind in the vagina (as it usually occurs), it creates a breeding ground for the dioxin. It also stays in a lot longer than it would with just cotton tampons. This is also the reason why TSS (toxic shock syndrome) occurs. WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES? Using feminine hygiene products that aren't bleached and that are all cotton. Other feminine hygiene products (pads/napkins) contain dioxin as well, but they are not nearly as dangerous since they are not in direct contact with the vagina. The pads/napkins need to stop being bleached, but obviously tampons are the most dangerous. So, what can you do if you can't give up using tampons? Use tampons, that are made from 100% cotton, and that are UNBLEACHED. Unfortunately, there are very, very few companies that make these safe tampons. They are usually only found in health
Re: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products
-Caveat Lector- Can anyone confirm this before I pass it on? I wouldn't want to waste their time with a hoax. Peter We are about to go on a Journey. All Aboard http://sites.netscape.net/gsussnzl/homepage Bargain Books http://bn.bfast.com/bfast/click/mid1349732?siteid=10734186bfpage=b - Original Message - From: Tenorlove [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 1999 1:26 PM Subject: [CTRL] For women--danger in feminine products -Caveat Lector- Got this in my email. I knew about the dioxin in white coffee filters, but this is news to me Tenorlove -- Subject: WARNING for females... (O-Sh) Please pass on to as many women as possible . . . If you use pads, but especially if you use tampons read this and pass on to your friends (for the men receiving this email, please forward it to your friends, significant others, sisters, mothers, daughters, etc.) thanks! Have you heard that tampon makers include asbestos in tampons? Why would they do this? Because asbestos makes you bleed more . . . if you bleed more, you're going to need to use more. Why isn't this against the law since asbestos is so dangerous? Because the powers that be, in all their wisdom(not), did not consider tampons as being ingested, and therefore wasn't illegal or considered dangerous. This month's Essence magazine has a small article about this and they mention two manufacturers of a cotton tampon alternative. The companies are Organic Essentials @ (800) 765-6491 and Terra Femme @ (800)755-0212. A woman getting her Ph.D. at University of Colorado @ Boulder sent the following: "I am writing this because women are not being informed about the dangers of something most of us use - tampons. I am taking a class this month and I have been learning a lot about biology and woman, including much about feminine hygiene. Recently we have learned that tampons are actually dangerous (for other reasons than TSS). I'll tell you this, after learning about this in our class, most of the females wound up feeling angry and upset with the tampon industry, and I for one, am going to do something about it. To start, I want to inform everyone I can, and email is the fastest way that I know how. Here is the scoop: Tampons contain two things that are potentially harmful: Rayon (for absorbency), and dioxin (a chemical used in bleaching the products). The tampon industry is convinced that we, as women, need bleached white products - in order to view the product as pure and clean. The problem here is that the dioxin produced in this bleaching process can lead to very harmful problems for a woman. Dioxin is potentially carcinogenic (cancer-associated) and is toxic to the immune and reproductive systems. It has also been linked to endometriosis and lower sperm counts for men- for both, it breaks down the immune system. Last September the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that there really is no set "acceptable" level of exposure to dioxin given that it is cumulative and slow to disintegrate. The real danger comes from repeated contact (Karen Houppert "Pulling the Plug on the Tampon Industry"). I'd say using about 4-5 tampons a day, five days a month, for 38 menstruating years is "repeated contact", wouldn't you? Rayon contributes to the danger of tampons and dioxin because its a highly absorbent substance. Therefore, when fibers from the tampons are left behind in the vagina (as it usually occurs), it creates a breeding ground for the dioxin. It also stays in a lot longer than it would with just cotton tampons. This is also the reason why TSS (toxic shock syndrome) occurs. WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES? Using feminine hygiene products that aren't bleached and that are all cotton. Other feminine hygiene products (pads/napkins) contain dioxin as well, but they are not nearly as dangerous since they are not in direct contact with the vagina. The pads/napkins need to stop being bleached, but obviously tampons are the most dangerous. So, what can you do if you can't give up using tampons? Use tampons, that are made from 100% cotton, and that are UNBLEACHED. Unfortunately, there are very, very few companies that make these safe tampons. They are usually only found in health food stores. Countries all over the world (Sweden, Germany, British Columbia, etc.) have demanded a switch to this safer tampon, while the US. has decided to keep us in the dark about it. In 1989, activists in England mounted a campaign against chlorine bleaching. Six weeks and 50,000 letters later, the makers of sanitary products switched to oxygen bleaching (one of the green methods available). (MS magazine, May/June 1995). WHAT TO DO NOW: Tell people. Everyone. Inform them. We are being manipulated by this industry and the government, let's do something about it! Please write to the companies: Tampax (Tambrands), Playtex, O.B., Kotex. Call the 800 numbers listed on
