The manufacturing process of tampons is not a matter of just compacting clean cotton wool. It typically involves several steps, including the processing of raw materials, bleaching, (eeeu) shaping, packaging, and quality control. Here’s an outline of the process, along with potential chemicals used and associated health dangers:

Raw Material Processing:

Cotton: The primary material used in tampons. Conventionally grown cotton may contain pesticide residues, which can pose health risks if not properly removed during processing. Plus, almost all cotton is sprayed with glyphosate that has its own health concerns. and while organic cotton is an alternative that reduces exposure to pesticides, it is hard to come by and even more expensive.
Rayon: Often blended with cotton to enhance absorbency. Rayon is a synthetic material derived from cellulose fibers and is almost of more concern than cotton.

Bleaching:

Chlorine-Based Bleaches: Historically, chlorine dioxide or elemental chlorine gas has been used to bleach tampon materials to achieve a white appearance. These bleaching agents can produce harmful byproducts such as dioxins, which are environmental pollutants and potential carcinogens.
Health Dangers: Exposure to dioxins has been linked to various health issues, including cancer, reproductive disorders, and immune system disruption. While the levels of dioxins in tampons are regulated, there is still concern about potential long-term exposure.

Shaping and Packaging:

Additives and Fragrances: Some tampons may contain additives such as fragrances or deodorants to mask odor. These additives can contain a variety of chemicals, including phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
Health Dangers: Phthalates and parabens have been associated with disruptions in hormonal balance and reproductive health. Synthetic fragrances may contain numerous undisclosed chemicals, which can cause allergic reactions or irritate sensitive skin.

Quality Control:

Testing for Contaminants: Quality control measures may involve testing for contaminants such as dioxins, heavy metals, and microbial pathogens to ensure product safety.
Health Dangers: Inadequate quality control measures could result in the presence of harmful contaminants in tampons, increasing the risk of adverse health effects upon use.

It’s important to note that while these chemicals and processes are commonly associated with tampon manufacturing, not all tampons may contain the same ingredients or undergo identical production methods. Tampon ingredients are not listed on the package and yet are not benign. Additionally, advancements in manufacturing technology and increased consumer awareness have led to the development of alternative products, such as organic tampons or menstrual cups, which may offer reduced exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

How Sanitary Pads are Made.

The manufacturing process of sanitary pads is fairly similar to that of tampons, with the only advantage being their external nature. In other words, their exposure to very permeable mucous membranes, such as that within the vagina, is less. However, it similarly involves several steps, including the processing of raw materials, shaping, absorbency enhancement, adhesive application, packaging, and quality control. While high quality products pose less risk and have a strict safety profile, these products are not regulated, and cheaper brands may not be so rigorously tested. Here’s an outline of the process, along with potential chemicals used and associated health dangers:

Raw Material Processing:

Wood Pulp: The primary absorbent material used in sanitary pads. Wood pulp is often bleached to achieve whiteness.
Chlorine-Based Bleaches: Similar to tampons, chlorine-based bleaches may be used in the processing of wood pulp, which can produce harmful byproducts such as dioxins.
Health Dangers: Exposure to dioxins from bleached wood pulp can pose risks such as cancer, reproductive disorders, and immune system disruption.

Shaping and Absorbency Enhancement:

Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs): These are synthetic materials designed to enhance absorbency. SAPs are often derived from petroleum-based chemicals.
Health Dangers: While SAPs are generally considered safe for use in sanitary pads, there is some concern about potential health effects associated with long-term exposure to petroleum-based chemicals as well as the phthalates.

Adhesive Application:

Adhesive Compounds: Used to attach the absorbent core and backing materials together and to secure the pad to undergarments.
Health Dangers: Some adhesive compounds may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other chemicals that can off-gas and potentially cause respiratory irritation or allergic reactions.

Packaging:

Plastic Wrapping: Sanitary pads are typically individually wrapped in plastic packaging for hygiene and convenience.
Health Dangers: Plastic packaging can contribute to environmental pollution and may contain chemicals such as phthalates or bisphenol A (BPA), which have been associated with adverse health effects, including hormone disruption and reproductive issues.

Quality Control:

Testing for Contaminants: Quality control measures may involve testing for contaminants such as dioxins, heavy metals, and microbial pathogens to ensure product safety.
Health Dangers: Inadequate quality control measures could result in the presence of harmful contaminants in sanitary pads, increasing the risk of adverse health effects upon use.

It’s important to note that, as with tampons, not all pads may contain the same ingredients or undergo identical production methods. Sourcing and purchasing high quality, well tested products, particularly organic, will minimize your risk but unfortunately, these are more expensive. Additionally, cups or discs, re-usable and made from medical grade silicon, will considerably minimize your risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals.