Welcome to PeriodicAlly!
A project by spotBOX LLC focused on providing information and resources to better understand issues surrounding reproductive health. PeriodicAlly is a monthly publication that develops content to educate and make available information on reproductive health and its social dialogue through research analysis, synthesis, and community outreach.
How often do you ask yourself, “what is in my period products?” In a world where almost everything is created by some type of process-chemistry or manufacturing process, how important is this question? Very.
a quick
guide to
Choosing your non-toxic period product
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Look for products almost completely made of silicon (medical grade)
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Avoid silicon that is yes
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To clean your cup, use boiling water rather than a detergent that is more likely to have toxins
-
Look for products almost completely made of silicon (medical grade)
-
Avoid silicon that is yes
-
To clean your cup, use boiling water rather than a detergent that is more likely to have toxins
-
Look for products almost completely made of silicon (medical grade)
-
Avoid silicon that is yes
-
To clean your cup, use boiling water rather than a detergent that is more likely to have toxins
-
Look for products almost completely made of silicon (medical grade)
-
Avoid silicon that is yes
-
To clean your cup, use boiling water rather than a detergent that is more likely to have toxins
-
Read through the materials list; pass over any products with materials you are unsure of
Choose products that are mostly cotton
Try to avoid products that list nanosilver or any type of antibacterial in their ingredient list
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Use unscented products
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Avoid pads that say they use bleach
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Stay away from packaging with plastic
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Avoid antibiotics or antibacterials within the product
-
Use 100% organic cotton (while sustainable, may be more expensive)
-
Look for products almost completely made of silicon (medical grade)
-
Avoid silicon that is yes
-
To clean your cup, use boiling water rather than a detergent that is more likely to have toxins
-
Use unscented products
-
Avoid pads that say they use bleach
-
Stay away from packaging with plastic or applicators that are completely plastic
-
Avoid antibiotics or antibacterials within the product
-
Use 100% organic cotton (while sustainable, may be more expensive)
April 22, 2023
Author: Umyeena Bashir
Editor: Anika Bukkapatnam
Publisher: SpotBox LLC.
When we talk about period products, what are the main concerns users have when they purchase these items?
Is it…
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How much does this cost?
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Will this tampon/pad absorb enough?
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Am I getting the most bang for my buck?
This question is something that you yourself may not think about. But, in a world where almost everything is created by some type of process-chemistry or manufacturing process, this may be a question you need to ask yourself.
There has been an increased concern in what goes into period products lately. With recent lawsuits against big corporations such as Tampax for including PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as “forever chemicals”, it is important for people to really consider what goes into their period products and why it is important(1). When someone uses a tampon, the main goal of it is to absorb menstrual blood. The way it is used is by inserting the device into the vaginal canal and letting it absorb menstrual flow for up to 6 hours.
-
Look for products almost completely made of silicon (medical grade)
-
Avoid silicon that is yes
-
To clean your cup, use boiling water rather than a detergent that is more likely to have toxins
-
Look for products almost completely made of silicon (medical grade)
-
Avoid silicon that is yes
-
To clean your cup, use boiling water rather than a detergent that is more likely to have toxins
-
Look for products almost completely made of silicon (medical grade)
-
Avoid silicon that is yes
-
To clean your cup, use boiling water rather than a detergent that is more likely to have toxins
However, when anyone uses a tampon, micro-tears are formed on the sides of the vaginal walls(1). These micro-tears allow ingredients that are found in the tampon to enter your bloodstream. That is why tampons with harmful chemicals in them can be detrimental to one's health(1,2).
Toxic ingredients in pads usually can cause vaginal irritation, burning, or even rashes. A huge reason for these types of symptoms is because pads are bleached. Bleaching menstrual pads allows for pads to have their white appearance and can also help increase pad absorbency.
However, a huge down side to this is the reaction that can happen when blood is absorbed by some of these bleach pads, dioxin and methane gas are released in small quantities. This gas release can cause vaginal irritation when wearing a pad. Thus, when looking at your pad, you should look into what bleaching agent is used to bleach the pad.(1,2,3)
Different Toxins and Where They are Found
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