#MY
CLOSEST
ENEMY
Stop selling toxic
tampons and diapers!
EVIDENCE OF DIOXINS, PHTHALATES AND OTHER TOXIC CHEMICALS
New research is linking the presence of dioxin and phthalates in these products back to their manufacture [3]. Dioxin comes from the chlorinated compounds used to bleach the raw materials in these products, while phthalates are added to the plastic compounds in these materials [4].
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11,000
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Many health experts agree this level of repeated exposure to toxins like dioxin is problematic. [3]
According to the World Health Organisation, it takes between 7 – 11 years for the human body to eliminate just half of all dioxins it contains. [4]
Is the average number of tampons or menstrual pads a woman will use during her lifetime. [5]
Many health experts agree this level of repeated ...
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This shocking finding from a French national health study made international headlines in January 2019 [6].
The average baby wears 4,000 diapers [6] during the first three years of their life. Even if these diapers contain small quantities of dioxin, the baby’s exposure to these chemicals remains significant over this length of time [7].
Babies’ nappies can harbour unsafe levels of dangerous chemicals ...
DIOXINS IN DIAPERS – A STORY THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD
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FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS THERE HAS BEEN A WAY TO PRODUCE TAMPONS, DIAPERS & OTHER PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS WITHOUT THE USE OF TOXIC CHEMICALS.
FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS THERE HAS BEEN A WAY TO PRODUCE TAMPONS, DIAPERS & OTHER....
! ! !
"
The paper feminine hygiene industry has done a very good job of convincing women that their period is something [which] should be out of sight and out of mind, something they shouldn’t talk about.”
“Think about the advertisements we see – it’s all about silent wrappers, discrete and smaller products that are easier to hide or dispose of, and concealing the fact you have your period. Without opportunities for positive period talk, women and girls may not have the opportunity to learn about or even ask about other, more sustainable options.
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– Sophie Zivku, Communications & Education Director for DivaCup, in an interview with The Guardian
TAMPON, OUR CLOSEST ENEMY
The documentary ‘Tampon, Our Closest Enemy’ shines a light on the dangers of using tampons. The programme carried out a global investigation into tampon use and found that cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome are rising across the world. It highlighted that many tampons contain dioxins and other chemical substances – several of which are classified as dangerous by the World Health Organisation.
The documentary, created by French journalist Audrey Gloaguen, recently won Best Documentary Award at the California Women’s Film Festival.
#MYCLOSESTENEMY
[SOURCES]
[1] http://balanga.tv/film/tampon-our-closest-enemy/
[2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-46972330
[3] https://environmentalpaper.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/RL_7mars_2018-1.pdf
[4] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dioxins-and-their-effects-on-human-health
[5] https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/mar/21/tampon-health-concerns-toxic-shock-syndrome-menstruation-women
[6] https://www.anses.fr/en/content/anses-recommends-improving-baby-diaper-safety
[7] https://tidningensyre.se/goteborg/2018/nummer-91/kan-vi-lita-pa-vart-skydd/
CONTACT
Rune Leithe
Environmental Advisor
Who is Rune?
Rune Leithe is a forester based in Gothenburg, Sweden. He is an experienced environmental campaigner, and a passionate advocate for positive change in the world.
Rune spent seven years working for Greenpeace International where he honed his campaigning skills across a range of sustainable forestry issues. This included the toxicity risks of pulp and paper bleaching.
Since 1995 Rune has worked as an independent adviser and consultant for leading NGOs around the world. His ability to see the bigger picture has helped organisations develop winning strategies for their CSR campaigns and engagement programmes. Most recently, he was part of the research team behind the documentary ‘Tampon: Our Closest Enemy’.
“The documentary and the French Government report have both highlighted the dangers of using toxic tampons and diapers – now we must keep the spotlight on this issue. That’s why I created this social media platform and petition, to raise public awareness even further and drive the scale of change needed.”
Rune Leithe
May 2019