This is an issue I’ve been wanting to write about for some time, so when I was asked by Women’s Voices for the Earth to share some of their recent findings, I definitely wanted to.
For all of the ladies out there – did you know that you’re wearing a ton of additional toxic chemicals when it’s that time of the month, if you wear conventional feminine care products?
Reactions from Using Conventional Femcare Products
I realized this personally a few years ago when I began experiencing symptoms from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. At the time, I was buying the typical name brand pads. I first realized my symptoms with the scented pads so I switched to unscented ones. My symptoms continued. When exposed to toxic chemicals, some of my symptoms include:
- Headache (turning into a migraine)
- Racing heart rate
- Tingling lips
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Plus more!
At the time, I didn’t know what I was going to do since it was something I needed each month. Eventually, I learned there were other options when it came to femcare products (see below). Options which certain manufacturers made that are non-toxic, to even using cloth pads.
I am thankful to the organization Women’s Voices for the Earth, as they have brought continued awareness to the toxins we are exposed to in femcare products.
Recently, they released a study of toxins hiding in Always pads will knock your panties off!
Toxins in Always Pads
According to Women’s Voices for the Earth, “Test results show that Always pads release styrene, a known cancer-causing chemical, along with chloroform, acetone, chloromethane, and other toxins listed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Toxicology Program, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the State of California Environmental Protection Agency as carcinogens, and reproductive and developmental toxins.”
Unfortunately, none of these chemicals—and no ingredients whatsoever—are listed on the Always label.
Toxic Femcare Product: Specific Testing Results
Products Tested:
Always Ultra Thin unscented
Always Ultra Thin Clean Scent
Always Infinity unscented
Always Radiant Infinity Light Clean Scent
Results:
The Always menstrual pads were found to contain several chemicals of concern, including the following:
- Styrene: carcinogen
- Chloromethane: reproductive toxicant
- Chloroethane: carcinogen
- Chloroform: carcinogen, reproductive toxicant, neurotoxin
- Acetone: irritant
More detailed information about the test results can be found here.
These toxins are especially dangerous because they come into contact with the most sensitive and absorptive skin on our bodies. If you use Always, or other big name brands each month, I highly recommend you switch to a non-toxic one (see below). It’s so important to not be exposed to these harmful chemicals on a regular basis every month.
Make Your Voice Be Heard!
Women’s Voices for the Earth is asking that you call the Always headquarters in Cincinnati at 800-888-3115 and ask them to list their ingredients. I would take it a step further and ask them to totally eliminate the toxins. If other companies can sell non-toxic versions, they should be able to also.
Here is a sample script they provided:
“Hello. I just saw test results from Women’s Voices for the Earth that show chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and allergies in Always pads – and no ingredients are listed on the label. We have a right to know what we’re using on our bodies. Please list all ingredients and remove harmful chemicals.”
Thank You for Taking a Stand
Women’s Voices for the Earth thanks you for raising your voice on this serious issue! You will be joining with thousands of other women in raising your voice! They know it can be uncomfortable to talk about what’s in pads, which is how Always has gotten away with using secret toxic chemicals. Until now.
Women’s Voices for the Earth on Living Natural Today Radio
Listen in to Living Natural Today: Out with Toxins – In with Your Health on Wednesday, November 12 at 4pm EST on VoiceAmerica radio as I interview Cassidy Randall from Women’s Voices for the Earth. We will be discussing this very topic. She will provide additional insight on what they are doing and what has already been done regarding toxic chemicals in the products many use every day.
Non Toxic Femcare Options
According to the Women’s Voices for the Earth, listed below are some of the companies who have detoxed their box! Each of these companies has signed an agreement that their products do not contain known carcinogens, mutagens, hormone disruptors, or reproductive toxins, in addition to chemicals that WVE has identified as harmful to women’s health.
(Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.)
Cassidy Randall says
Thank you so much for writing about this and raising your voice!
Teresa says
You’re welcome! Thanks for the work your organization is doing to expose these toxic chemicals!