Dioxins are a notorious carcinogen that enters the environment by the burning of chlorinated compounds such as plastics and industrial waste. Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, diesel engines and chlorine bleaching used in paper production are also sources of dioxin emissions. Human ingestion occurs when breathing incinerated airborne particles or when consuming plants or water upon which these particles have settled. Eating dairy products from animals that have consumer dioxin-contaminated plants, or consuming the animal itself will also impart this carcinogen to us. Once ingested, dioxins are stored forever in the fatty tissue of animals, accumulating as they progress up the food chain. Health advocates say trace amounts of these synthesized chemicals are now found in every newborn child worldwide. Scientists and the EPA have long suspected that dangers may be associated with dioxide emissions.

Trace amounts of dioxins can also be found in tampons or other feminine hygiene products. The EPA has concluded that dioxins are a probable human carcinogen. Women may be exposed to substances in tampons and other menstrual products for as long as 60 years over the course of their reproductive lives. The average woman may use as many as 16,800 tampons in her lifetime. A woman on menopausal hormone therapy may use as many as 24,360 tampons in her lifetime.

Pending Legislation: H.R.5957 - Robin Danielson Menstrual Product and Intimate Care Product Safety Act of 2023
Sponsor: Rep. Grace Meng (NY)
Status: House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Chair: Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA)

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