When our partners Women’s Voices for the Earth released product testing results of Procter & Gamble’s Always sanitary pads, the results were pretty shocking.
The results of the testing show that some Always pads contain toxic chemicals identified 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.
Four types of Always menstrual pads, manufactured by the giant Procter & Gamble, were put to the test: Scented and unscented Always Ultra thin pads, scented and unscented Always Infinity.
Millions of women use feminine-hygiene products on one of the most sensitive and absorptive parts of their bodies each month. But instead of supporting their health, Always pads may have nasty side effects…
The pads were found to emit chemicals that are known carcinogens and reproductive and developmental disruptors. Details of the study can be found here.
When prompted, Procter & Gamble responded by saying that “The amounts reported are insignificant.”
They claim that “The test in question was on the air surrounding the product, but it should be noted that these materials are present in background air at similar amounts. The relevance of these data is dubious at best.”
The most outrageous part? Since menstrual pads and tampons are classified as “medical devices,” ingredient disclosure is not mandatory!
That means that manufacturers such as Procter & Gamble can hide chemicals such as styrene (also used in car tires), chloromethane (also used in petroleum refining), acetone (also used in nail polish remover), and chloroethane (also used in styrofoam) in their female hygiene products!
No more.
We are joining WVE in telling Procter & Gamble to #DetoxtheBox and list all ingredients used in their products. But while we wait for them to step up, here’s what you can do to protect yourself:
- Stay informed. Find out what feminine products are in the Hall of Shame
- Look for brands that disclose all ingredients.
- Reduce your overall use of feminine products.
- Switch to safer alternatives. When available, use chlorine-free and unscented tampons and pads.
And here’s what you can do to help the campaign.
- Tell Always to “Detox the Box!”
- Watch the #DetoxtheBox video via @women4earth @sproutfilms”
- Share on Facebook