Katie Breen
Jan 3, 20172 min
Wanna learn more about the topics discussed in Episode 7: Conscious Period and Menstruating While Homeless? Read on. If you haven’t heard it yet, clickity-click here to listen.
Scary Chemicals in Tampons
The scariest culprit is glyphosate, the key ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup herbicide, ruled a likely carcinogen by the World Health Organization. An October 15 study showed that 85% of commercial tampons/pads contained glyphosate. Cotton is sprayed with the herbicide to ward off the weeds and bugs that destroy it. 96% of American-grown cotton is genetically modified, according to the USDA, which means that 96% of American cotton is sprayed with Roundup (article contains links to full studies).
Scientific studies have linked the chemicals in Monsanto's biocides to Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and cancer.
There is no research that indicates the safety (or not) of commercial tampons.
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney has introduced legislation EIGHT TIMES between 1997 and 2014 that would support research into such the health risks of feminine hygiene products. It has never gone through. The legislation would direct the NIH to “research whether feminine hygiene products that contain dioxin, synthetic fibers, and other chemical additives like chlorine,
“We know that formaldehyde releasers, dioxin, pesticides and other harmful chemicals are found in feminine care products. What we don't know is exactly how these chemicals are impacting women's health.”
“Internally worn products, such as tampons and cups, are worn in the most absorbent part of the body, off and on, for literally decades. Yet there is a paucity of independent research that addresses the potential risks associated with these and other menstrual products.”
Well, that's a bummer. Luckily, thanks to Conscious Period you can get high-quality, BPA-free, chemical-free, dye-free tampons that support women living in homelessness!
And here are some other informative links about topics discussed in the episode! Yay!
Menstruating While Homeless
Huffington Post looks at the problem in San Francisco
Glamour interviews 4 women about their experiences
LA Times looks at need of shelters for feminine hygiene products
Effects on women of not having sanitary period products
The Pink Tax
The “pink tax” typically refers to price differences between identical products/services marketed to women vs. marketed to men (such as razor blades, body wash, children's toys, etc.)
Washington Post explains the pink tax
The Tampon Tax
The “tampon tax” refers to the 39 US states that charge a sales tax on feminine hygiene products as “non-necessary” goods (even though other products, like candy, soda, or Viagra, are exempt).
Washington Post explains the tampon tax
Cosmopolitan explains the tampon tax
FUNNY VIRAL VID
Lastly, check out Conscious Period going viral! Watch this (hilarious) video by Buzzfeed to meet CP's incredible cofounders (and Femtastic guests), Annie and Margo - and learn what it's like to be one of the millions of women going (aka bleeding) without feminine hygiene products. #ThisisNotaLuxury