The Precautionary Principle "When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. In this context the proponent of an activity, rather than the public, should bear the burden of proof. The process of applying the precautionary principle must be open, informed and democratic and must include potentially affected parties. It must also involve an examination of the full range of alternatives, including no action." - Wingspread Statement on the Precautionary Principle, Jan. 1998

Procter and Gamble’s “Rely”

TSS Stats 1979 and 1980: Almost 1000 cases At least 45 Deaths

Robin Danielson Act The bill directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research to determine the extent to which the presence of dioxin, synthetic fibers, and other additives in tampons and related products pose any health risks to women. The legislation also asks the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to collect and report information on Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

But from FDA's perspective, there is no indication right now that such research is necessary, Stratmeyer says. "We are not aware of evidence that would call for a large-scale study on tampons' relation to these diseases." Mel Stratmeyer, Ph.D., chief of the Food and Drug Administration's health sciences branch. FDA’s Thoughts on the Robin Danielson Act

Overview of Health Problems 16,800 pads or tampons in lifetime Dioxin Chlorine gas--->Elemental chlorine-free bleaching no test guaranttees no levels of dioxin bioaccumulates, most sensitive, absorbent part of body manufacturing process releases dioxins into environment tests always provided by industry Rayon Artificial fibers (like rayon) used in tampons are abrasive, cause tiny cuts and imbeds pieces into tissue Traced as probable cause of TSS Can damage vaginal walls by causing ulceration and peeling of mucous membrane Alters pH balance and can lead to yeast infections TSS 25% of all insecticides used on cotton. Gin trash.

Environmental Problems The tampon and pad manufacturing process releases dioxins and other harmful chemicals into the environment which pollute waterways and seep into the food chain. *Over 12 billion pads and 7 million tampons are used once and disposed of annually, clogging our overburdened landfill sites. (National Women's Health Network) *An average menstruator1 throws away 250 to 300 pounds of tampons, pads, and applicators in hir lifetime. The great majority of these end up in landfills or sewage treatment plants. *Over 170,000 tampon applicators were collected along U.S. coastal areas between 1998 and (from the Center for Marine Conservation, info featured in E Magazine, March/April Issue 2001) *Tampons are made from rayon, produced from wood pulp and cotton, a heavy pesticide crop. *25% of all insectisides are used on cotton. *In California, it has become illegal to feed the leaves, stems, and short fibers of cotton known as gin trash to livestock, because of the concentrated levels of pesticide residue. instead, this gin trash is used to make furniture, mattresses, tampons, swabs, and cotton balls. *Five of the top nine pesticides used on cotton in the U.S. (cyanide, dicofol, naled, propargite, and trifluralin) are known cancer-causing chemicals. All nine are classified by the U.S. EPA as Category I and II-- the most dangerous.

Sea Sponges

Cloth Pads

The Keeper