Did you know that your tampons contain endocrine-disrupting phthalates and are likely to be contaminated with nanoplastics and harmful chemicals such as PFAS, arsenic and lead?
The skin in and around the vagina absorbs chemicals more easily than other parts of the body, so why do our tampons contain synthetic fragrances with up to 3,000 chemicals at a level that would require mandatory labelling on make-up? Why do we know more about the contents of toothpaste than about products we use in the most intimate and sensitive parts of our bodies?
The Waste
Period products rank among the top ten single-use plastic polluters. In the UK alone, 200,000 tonnes of waste from period products end up in landfills annually, with up to 2 billion period products flushed down toilets, and entering our waterways.
If we take the waste from one person’s typical yearly period waste, it creates 5.3 kg of CO2. Given the 1.64 million menstruating people in the UK, that’s 8,692 tonnes of carbon—equivalent to burning 35,123,917 pounds of coal.
Plastic in period products, derived from fossil fuels, contributes to climate change just like other single-use plastics. A conventional pack of pads, sometimes made from up to 90% plastic, contains the same amount of plastic as five carrier bags, even a tampon contains 6% plastic, and that’s without including the applicator! These products can take 500 to 1,000 years to decompose, breaking into microplastics that devastate marine life and contribute to health problems for humans and animals alike. Not to mention the damage that flushed period products can create, causing sewage blockages, leading to overflows and localized flooding.
“Without a doubt, unchecked plastic pollution will undoubtedly become a contributing factor to the ongoing sixth mass extinction leading to widespread ecosystem collapse and transgression of safe planetary boundaries”, said Ghislaine Llewellyn, Deputy Oceans Lead at WWF.
Health concerns with conventional period products
Many of us understood the risk of toxic shock syndrome, but until recently, were unaware that period products contain such highly toxic chemicals. After decades of using potentially harmful products, we question why.
The skin in and around the vagina absorbs chemicals more readily than other body parts. Alarmingly, many feminine hygiene products are contaminated with nanoplastics and PFAS—known as ‘forever chemicals’—linked to cancers, infertility, developmental disorders, obesity, and miscarriages. They also contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, bisphenols, and parabens, which can cause birth defects, reproductive disorders, cancer, asthma, and allergies. To make matters worse, recent lab analyses have also found toxic metals such as lead and arsenic in some tampons, likely introduced during manufacturing or through contaminated resources.
Hidden labelling of toxins
Furthermore, those toxins and other chemicals added from fragranced products are not always listed on the label. If the same level of fragrance found in menstrual products were found in cosmetic products, they would require mandatory labelling. So why is it that menstrual products are not held to the same stringent restrictions as other consumer products like children’s toys or cosmetics? Considering that the vagina is so highly absorbent, why do we have more information about what is in a facewash compared to the products we place inside us. This inadequate regulation means manufacturers are not legally required to disclose all ingredients in pads, tampons, cups, and pants.
Is it the patriarchy?
I can’t help but question the UK’s lack of research, legislation and transparency and wonder whether this continued underinvestment and lack of importance attached to women’s sexual and reproductive health is due to a patriarchal government and medical system… but perhaps that’s a question for another blog.
So what is the alternative?
Thankfully there is an alternative: plastic-free and reusable period products:
- Menstrual cups – a small, foldable, reusable cup-like device that is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood, most period cups are made from silicone.
- Period pants – look like normal pants and come in a range of styles and sizes, they are designed to keep moisture away from your skin as they soak up menstrual blood. You can wear period pants from 8 – 24hrs and they can hold up to 4 tampons worth of blood, many pants come with a waterproof bag if you have to change them on the go.
- Washable pads and liners – many period pant packs come with attachable reusable pads and liners or you can use them on their own with your normal pants
These alternatives are widely available and a lot better than you might think. They are a healthier choice for your body, and will reduce your plastic waste in both landfills and our waterways, while shrinking your carbon footprint and over time, save you money.
Are there toxins in plastic-free and reusable products?
While some concerns about toxins in period pants and menstrual cups still exist, conducting thorough research before choosing products is recommended. Look for Oeko-Tex certified textiles, which test for harmful substances, from yarn to finished product. Companies like CheekyPants.com offer Oeko-Tex certified products and avoid harmful chemicals like PFOS, PFOAs, and silver.
Make a difference
From menarche until menopause, the average menstruator will use over 11,000 tampons or pads in their lifetime, so, starting this Plastic-Free July, you alone, can make a real tangible difference to your environment and your health, so tell your friends, or start your offspring’s menstrual journey with period pants, and make the switch yourself. It all starts with you.
Green and Healthy discount to get you started on your plastic-free journey
At Green and Healthy Frome, we are passionate about the health and climate benefits of Plastic Free. Periods. We, in collaboration with Frome Town Council and Frome Medical Practice, are introducing people to alternatives via our Plastic Free.Period pop-up stall and giving talks in schools, and to parents who want to learn more about plastic-free alternatives and how to care for them. If you’d like a Plastic Free. Period session in your school, or if you are interested in helping the project grow by joining us for events or campaigns, please get in touch with Green and Healthy Frome.
We have also, raised £1650, to provide over 110 free period pant packs to Year 8 & 9 students in Frome, and have secured discounts on plastic-free and reusable period products from several local and online businesses. With discounts of up to 25%, there has never been a better time to switch to a plastic-free alternative. Click here for the discount codes.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s switch to plastic-free periods together.
