Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is caused by the build up of Staphylococcus aureus or streptococcus bacteria. This build up is caused by tampon usage, especially super absorbent types, and sometimes contraceptive sponges. Symptoms appear suddenly. They include a sudden high fever, a faint feeling, watery diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches. The disease can progress rapidly, sometimes resulting in death. An estimated 3 to 4 out of 100,000 tampon-using females per year are effected by TSS. Tampons are used by over 73,000,000 women in the United States today. The average female may use as many as 16,800 tampons in her lifetime.
The chemicals used in sanitary pads, tampons and diapers have raised concerns for years. Dioxin is a byproduct of chlorine-bleaching processes used in the manufacture of paper products. The effects of dioxin are cumulative and may stay in the body for 20 years after exposure. Dioxin is listed as one of the "dirty dozen - a group of dangerous chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants" by The World Health Organization. Dioxin is a known human carcinogen. It can also cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system and interfere with hormones.
Other banned toxic substances found in bleached paper products, including sanitary pads, diapers and tampons are: furan, octachlorinated dioxin (OCDD), hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF) and octa-chlorodibenzofuran (OCDF). These are all banned toxic substances. If that's not enough, tampons commonly include one or more of the following additives: Chlorine compounds, absorbency enhancers (such as surfactants like polysorbate-20), chemically treated natural and synthetic fibers (such as cotton, rayon, polyester, and polyacrylate), deodorant, and fragrance. Poor
Kitty! What are we doing to you?
Let's look at a solution to this problem. You've all heard about cloth diapers. If you don't have a baby it doesn't pertain to you. Have you heard of cloth menstrual pads? They're out there and they are wonderful! If you no longer receive that monthly visit from Aunt Flow you may have the occasional bladder mishap with a strong sneeze, an unexpected laugh, or a strong bump in the road on the way to work. A lot of women have bladder control problems, also called incontinence, after giving birth and for many years since. Whatever the need may be there is a natural cloth personal hygiene pad for it.
The cloth pads can be made from a variety of natural fibers including hemp, cotton and flax. Depending on the manufacturers laundering instructions they can be washed and dried. When they are dried using Leaping Sheep wool dryer balls will work in your favor. Since wool dryer balls don't put an oily coating on fabrics like dryer sheets do the cloth menstrual pad will retain its absorbency. That is an absolute must!
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