Interesting...

[KiwiAnnie]

I just read this:

"The Endometriosis Association has done massive amounts of research on the connection between endometriosis and dioxin exposure. Dioxins are a byproduct of chlorination, which is used to bleach sanitary towels and tampons. The bleaching process is known to release dioxins that remain on consumer products. This exposure, particularly in the case of tampons, could cause endometriosis or worsen it."

[Impatient]

It is a problem in some parts of the world - but should not be in the UK on legitimate branded sanitary products .

There are plenty of girls getting endo in the uk and europe and world wide who have never experienced these bleached tampons, and I certainly had endo symptoms long before i used tampons.

It is an issue abroad and for that reason it is highly recommended that women traveling overseas beyond the UK, take their own supplies. Plus the availability of sanitary products overseas is sketchy in even what we would consider civilised countries.

Countries where the culture is one of preserving a woman's chastity - rarely sell tampons and it may only be towels that are on sale, and you have no way to be sure of the contents.

The UK website for tampax states

Do Tampax® tampons contain dioxin?

No. The methods we use to analyze for dioxin are the most advanced government-approved testing methods available, and can detect even minute amounts of dioxin, if present. Tampax® contains no dioxin.

Dioxins are still an issue in the USA I believe in some brands , though the FDA are cracking down, not sure about Canada, or Australasia but the legitimate brands leaders sold in the UK are dioxin free and have signed up to report to the authorities any hazards from any of the ingredients used in the product and the manufacturing process. The Endometriosis Association is a US organisation which is probably why they are highlighting the issue.

It has been known about for decades. it was raised in the UK parliament as long ago as the early 1980's and has been raised on this forum before now too.

If you are concerned, then other methods like mooncup might be worth looking in to or better still stopping periods so you don't need to use tampons or towels and save yourself a small fortune.

[KiwiAnnie in reply to Impatient]

Thank you. That was very informative and helpful.

I still have the same concern about water from the tap, as that text also said "Dioxins can also be found in municipal drinking water, because it contains chlorine. Women with endometriosis should purchase spring water [...]"

Now it is said that the tap water is checked even more than bottled water, but I assume as it is not life threatening, it goes through. Only that it is not good for women... Sometimes the water from our tap smells and tastes like a swimming pool with a very high chlorine level.

We have a filter, but still, I can't drink that anymore, just because of the taste.