Caution Before Chemical Substances in Products Bandages

Results of the study Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) on napkin products containing chlorine cause concern among women, especially those products are quite popular in the community.

The use of chemical substances in products sanitary napkins, tampons, baby diapers and also has long been a concern. Due to the same reason, some women prefer pads organic products and some are deciding to wear a bandage product that can be washed and reused.

According to the study, the actual chemical substance banned its use in products sanitary napkins, tampons, disposable diapers up is dioxin. Dioxin is a byproduct of chlorine used in paper products, including sanitary napkins.

In the proposed legislation The Tampon Safety and Research Act of 1999 in the United States, noted that the effects of dioxin are cumulative and this chemical will stay in the body up to 20 years after exposure. Unfortunately, the proposal fails passed.


The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies dioxin in one of the dirty dozen or register hazardous chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants. Dioxin is also known to be carcinogenic (cause cancer).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also examines the dangers of dioxin and dioxin stated that the greatest danger comes from food, instead of pads.

Research published by EPA in 2002 stated that exposure to dioxin from the product pads or disposable diapers do not contribute significantly.

Other chemical products are quite close to dioxins is furan. This product is also found in bleach paper products, including sanitary napkins and diapers.

The study, published in the Textile Research Journal in 2007 showed that extracts of these chemicals found in products sanitary napkins and tampons worldwide. Although the levels are varied, octachlorinated dioxin (OCDD), hexachlorodibenzofuran (HxCDF), and octa-chlorodibenzofuran (OCDF) is detected. In fact, all chemical substances is prohibited.



Source: health.kompas.com