Daily Dose of Chemicals

Everyday we get up and slather ourselves with different products: shampoos, lotions, deodorant, make-up, and many more.  These products may contain harsh chemicals in the ingredients that absorb into our bodies. Such chemicals are linked to cancer, birth defects, hormonal disruptions, allergies, depression, learning disabilities, and hyperactivity. They are also toxic to wildlife and our environment. Over the next couple of weeks I would like to look at the products we use everyday and provide safer store bought and home made alternatives.

On the top of my list, in no special order, is feminine hygiene products.  I know it is not a skin care product, but it is a product that contains chemicals that absorb into our bodies.  For the average person, using pads liners and/or tampons for 6 days out of every 28 days means spending 21% of your time in contact with these products.  Remember, vaginal tissue is an exceptionally absorbent area, which is why you need to give careful consideration to choosing natural feminine hygiene products.


Popular feminine hygiene products may contain:

• The toxic carcinogen dioxin and disinfection-by-products (DBP's) such as trihalomethane, which are present whenever a product is bleached (Chlorine)
• Phthalates – chemical plasticizers used in plastic tampon applicators and to make the glossy coatings on cardboard applicators
• Pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers found in non-organic cotton
• Neurotoxins from fragrances

You can make your own pads at home.  I don't think I will be doing this myself but if any brave ladies decide to try this, please let me know how it goes.  Here is a website that has great step by step instructions.  http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/sanitarypads.htm


My favorite store bought product is Natracare organic pads and tampons

Natracare Maxi pads do not contain synthetic materials, plastic, chemical additives such as binders or surfactants, fragrances, polyacrylate super absorbents or dyes and because of the natural materials used they are 100% biodegradable and compostable.  You can purchase these at Dominion.  Go to http://www.natracare.com/p20/en-GB/Natracare-Products.aspx to see the full line of Natracare products.


Finally, no matter what type of feminine hygiene products you choose, it's important to seek out natural organic varieties to avoid being exposed to unnecessary chemicals and toxins.