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Chemicals in Tampons

Posted March 30th, 2008 by LuciaBuffo

Is it true that commercial tampons contain the chemical ingredients that make up agent orange?



Comments
Herbicides in tampons?
Posted by scienceman | Tue, Apr. 22, 2008

Agent Orange is a broad spectrum herbicide used to defoliate large sections of jungle during the Vietnam War. Agent Orange contains the herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T.

Tampons are made with absorbent fibers, most typically cotton, rayon, or a cotton-rayon blend. Most tampons do not have any added chemicals because the fibers are sufficiently absorbent without them.

Some tampons may have antimicrobials added. These will have an active ingredient listed, and usually are labeled with a performance claim such as "Kills Bacteria" or "Prevents Odors."

Cotton is a pesticide-intensive crop. Regular cotton tampons may contain residues of pesticides applied to the crop. To prevent such residues, Seventh Generation tampons are made with certified organic cotton.

One final note. 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T are often contaminated with chlorinated dioxins, known human carcinogens. Many lawn care chemicals contain 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T.