Chlorine Bleaching, Dioxin and Women's Health (with references)

October 24, 2005

Chlorine Bleaching, Dioxin and Women's Health (with references)Chlorine Bleaching, Dioxin and Women's Health (with references)

http://www.web.net/terrafemme/chlor.htm---Consumers have been encouraged to believe that white means clean, andthat substances like chlorine bleach are not only safe, but

" beneficial " .It is obvious that tampons used to absorb menstrual blood do not need tobe white no woman we have surveyed sees a need for bright whitemenstrual pads or tampons.Not only are " whiter than white " chlorine bleached products unneeded,

but their production and use causes tremendous health and environmental " damage " .Chlorine is a chemical element, a heavy greenish yellow gas used as ableach, oxidizing agent and disinfectant. It is used to make plastics,

pesticides, solvents and other chemicals, and to treat sewage.Commercial chlorine chemistry began in the early 20th century.Chlorine is the common link and root cause of many global environmentalproblems widespread dioxin contamination, PCB pollution, DDT poisoning,

human health effects from Agent Orange exposure, and ozone destroyingCFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).Chlorine is such a dangerous environmental toxin because it " binds " toorganic matter to produce chemicals called organochlorines almost all of

which are foreign to nature.The majority of organochlorines are very stable; in other words theywill not " break down " in the environment for hundreds of years.This persistence is combined with the tendency of these chlorine based

poisons to " bioaccumulate " , meaning that over time they " build up " in the " body fat " of humans and other animals.One hundred and seventy seven (177) " different " organochlorines have

been found in the fat, mother's milk,semen, blood and breath of the average human population in Canada andthe U.S.Each person has a unique level at which this build up becomes " critical " and " triggers " a wide range of health problems.

Well known effects of chronic organochlorine contamination include " hormonal disruption " , " infertility " and lowered sperm counts, " immunesystem suppression " , " learning disabilities " , behavioral changes, and

damage to the skin, liver and kidneys.Newborns, infants, children, childbearing women and the elderly are evenmore " vulnerable " to these health impacts.The entire planet is now blanketed with these poisons.

Even human, animal and marine life at the North and South poles --thousands of miles from the sources of chlorine pollution -- show signsof chlorine based " toxic contamination " .Ozone destruction caused by organochlorines is causing " epidemics " of

skin cancer, cataracts and infectious disease due to immune system " disorders " . " Dioxin " , another organochlorine, is produced via a " combination " ofchlorine compounds and organic matter.

The " deadliest " substance known to humankind, dioxin is known to " impairreproduction " and the " immune system " at doses measured in parts pertrillion.No " safe level " of chlorine use/dioxin exposure can be considered safe,

and the greatest risk is to developing children and fetuses.The subtle reproductive and health effects occur at doses low enough topresent no blatant effects, and is insiduously spreading slowly

throughout populations.Epidemic problems from dioxin exposure are occurring in over 13 speciesof fish and wildlife in the Great Lakes, including infertility and birthdefects.The most profound effects are showing in the " offspring " of exposed

species.Studies have shown a " link " between tampons which contain " dioxin " and " cancers " of the " female reproductive " tract.List of References:1. A Medical Time Bomb, Robb Cribb, Hamilton Spectator, September 10,

1994, p. A6.2. Emerging Patterns of Tampon Use in the Adolescent Female: The Impactof Toxic Shock Syndrome, Charles E. Irwin, Jr., MD and Susan G.Millstein, MS, American Journal of Public Health, May 1982, Vol. 72, No.

5, pp. 464-467.3. Analysis of New Generation Tampons for Propensity to AmplifyStaphyloccocus aureus Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1 (TSST 1), Philip M.Tierno, Jr., Bruce A. Hanna, Departments of Microbiology and Pathology,

NYU School of Medicine. Presented at the 94th General Meeting of theAmerican Society for Microbiology, May 24, 1994.4. " Truth about tampons needs to be told: These convenient little fluffballs are not as benign as everyone believes. " , Ann Montgomery, Ottawa

Citizen, Sept. 1, 1992.5. The Price of A Life, Tom Riley, Adler & Adler Publishers, BethesdaMaryland, 1986.6. FDC Reports M D D I Reports " The Gray Sheet " June 6, 1994, pp. 15-17.

7. Soap Opera: The Inside Story of Proctor & Gamble, by Alecia Swasy,Times Books/Random House, 19938. Toxic Shock Syndrome: Incidence and Geographic Distribution from aHospital Medical Records Reporting System, Robert K. Miday, MD and Royce

Wilson, PhD, American Journal of Public Health, May 1988, Vol. 78, No.5, pp. 578-580.9. Vaginal Ulcers Associated with Tampon Usage, Stephen D. Jimerson, MD,and John D. Becker, MD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vol. 55, Feb. 2,

1980.10. Article " Women's bodies have no priority, " Michelle Landsberg,Toronto Star, Oct., 7, 1980.11. Article, " The Truth About Tampons: The Health and EnvironmentalInpact of Sanitary Protection Products, " Hannah Holmes, Garbage

Magazine, November/December 1990, pp. 50-55.12. Article, " Embarrased to Death: The Hidden Dangers of the TamponIndustry, " Karen Houppert, The Village Voice, February, 1995, pp. 31-40.

13. " Everything You Must Know About Tampons " , Nancy Friedman, BerkleyPublishing, New York, June 1981, ISBN 0-425-05140-4.14. " Whitewash, " Liz Armstrong and Adrienne Scott, Harper Collins

Publishers, 1992.15. " Looking Beyond Toxic Shock " - Science for the People, October,1981. - Japanese regulations on tampon manufacturing.16. MACHT, Dr. David - Absorption of Drugs and Poisons through the

vagina, 1918 (Reported in Science for the People, 1981).17. FRIEDMAN, N. (Nancy) - The Truth about Tampons. New West, 1980, -5,33-38.18. Women and Health - " Lifting the Curse of Menstruation? " volume 8,

no. 2.3, Summer/Fall 1983.19. " Use of 'Super Plus' tampons discouraged, " M. Sun, Science 1982,216, 1300.20 Article, " Tampon effects on Vaginal Health, " Eduard. G. Friedrich, MD

- Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology 1984, 24, pp. 395-406.21. Tampon Associated Vaginal Ulceration, Eduard. G.Friedrich, MD, andKenneth A. Siegesmund, MD , Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Vol.55, No. 2, February, 1980.

22. Vaginal Ulcers associated with Tampon Usage, Jimerson, S.D. (M.D.),Becker, J.D. (M.D. Obstetrics and Gynaecology, July, 1980.23. Tampon induced Vaginal Laceration, R.K. Collins, Journal of Family

Practice 1979, 9, pp. 127-128.24. Toxic Shock Syndrome in Menstruating Women, K.N. Shands, New EnglandJournal of Medicine, 1980, 303. pp. 1436-1442.25. Update on Toxic Shock, Morbidity and Weekly Report , Sept 19, 1980,

pp. 29, 441-445.26. Menstrual Tampon Absorbency as viewed by scanning electronmicroscopy, N.E. Reame, Society for Menstrual Research Conference onMenarche. New Rochelle, New York, June 12, 1986.

27. Menstrual Tampons and Pads, Consumer Reports , March, 1978, 43, pp.127-31.28. Ecology of Toxic Shock Syndrome: Amplification of Toxic ShockSyndrome Toxin 1 by Materials of Medical Interest, Philip M. Tierno, Jr.

and Bruce A. Hanna.Summary: Outlines results of research which compares amplification ofthe TSST-1 toxin in polyester, carboxymethylcellulose, polyacrylates,viscose rayon, gelatin foam, polyurethane, and cotton.

29. Effect of Toxic Shock Syndrome Staphylococcus Aureus, Endotoxin andTampons in a Mouse Model, P.M. Tierno, Jr., V. Malloy, J.R. Matias amdB.A. Hanna, Clinical and Investigative Medicine, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp.

64-70. Presented in part during the 25th Interscience Conference onAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Minneapolis, MN, 1985.30. Article, " Suit aims at tampon Companies: Class action claims that

products still cause Toxic Shock Syndrome, " Alan Bavley and JamesFussell, The Kansas City Star, May 26, 1994.31. Plaintiffs' Memorandum of Law in support of their Motion for ClassCertification, United States District Court for the District of Kansas,

Case No. 94-1195-FGT: Jeannie Harding, Sandra D. Hayes, Edward Hayes,and all others similarly situated, plaintiffs versus Tambrands Inc. andPlaytex Family Products Corp., defendants, May 25, 1994.32. " Historical Review of Menstrual Toxic Shock Syndrome. " Women and

Health, v. 21, no. 2/3, 1994. p. 141-16533. Tampon Trashing: New legislation targets dioxin threat of a riskybusiness, Colette Bouchez, New York Daily News, February 6, 1997.Colette Bouchez, Medical Reporter, New York Daily News, February 6, 1997

34. Little White Lies: Questions crop up about tampon safety, ColetteBouchez, Medical Reporter, New York Daily News, June 6, 199635. " Ad for overnight use of tampons dangerous " , Laura King, Edmonton

Journal, July 8, 1993 pg. A-3CHLORINE/DIOXIN/ENDOMETRIOSIS/HORMONE DISRUPTION1. Article, " Sanitary Pads and Diapers Harm, " Courtice News, April 1,1992.2. Article, " Women want to stem the tide of Bleached Sanitary Products, "

Vancouver Sun, May 22, 19923. Article, " EDANA responds to Dioxin Controversy, " Nonwovens Industry,April, 1989.4. Article, " EDANA issues statement regarding dioxin in paper andhygiene products, " Nonwovens Markets, May 26, 1989.

5. Article, " Dioxin Debate Continues, " Nonwovens Industry, April, 1992.6. Newsletter, " Ashbridges Bay Main Sewage Treatment Plant, " Citizensfor a Safe Environment, ECOLOGICAL, June, 1992.

7. Article, " Feminine Protection Choices, " Debra Lynn Dadd,Environmental Action, March/April 1991.8. Article, " Nytt larm: dioxin finns i tamponger, " Annika Creutzer,Aftonbladet, Sweden, Aug. 14, 1988, p. 6.

9. Article, " Molnlycke: Tampong ofarling " Annika Creutzer, Aftonbladet,Sweden, Aug. 15, 1988.10. Article, Peter Montague, Ph.D., (Electronic Edition) Rachel'sHazardous Waste News #364, Environmental Research Foundation. Nov. 19,

1993.11. " Endometriosis in Rhesus Monkeys (MACACA MULATTA) Following ChronicExposure to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-dioxin, " Sherry E. Rier andothers. FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED TOXICOLOGY Vol. 21 (1993), pp. 433-441

12. " The Dioxin Connection, " The Mothering Staff, Mothering, no, 53/56-Fall 1989, 36-37.13. " The Health Risks of Dioxin, " hearing Before The Human Resources andIntergovernmental Relations Subcommittee on the Committee on Government

Operations, House of Representatives, One Hundred Second Congress,Second Session, June 10, 1992. ISBN 0-16-041093-3.Summary: FDA scientists discuss health risk associated with dioxin intampons. Allegations of FDA employees passing off industry-generated

dioxin research report as their own. Attention given to the health risksassociated with tampons containing dioxin.14. " Chlorine: The Devil's Chemical, " Greenpeace, 1992.15. Environmental Contaminants Act, Government of Canada.

16. Toxic Chemicals in the Great Lakes and Associated Effects: Synopsis,Government of Canada: Environment Canada, Department of Fisheries,health and Welfare Canada, March 1991.17. The Impact of Great Lakes Toxic Chemicals on Human Health: A Working

Paper. Theo Colborn under contract to The Department of Public Health,Government of Canada.18. Arnold, S. F., Klotz, D. M., Collins, B. M., Vonier, P. M.,Guillette Jr, L. J. and McLachlan, J. A. Science 272: 1489-1492. 1996.

Summary: Synergistic activation of estrogen receptor with combinationsof environmental chemicals.19. Bradlow, H. L., Davis, D. L., Lin, G., Sepkovic, D. and Tiwari, R.Environmental Health Perspectives 103: 147-150.1995.Summary: Effects of pesticides on the ratio of 16alpha/2-hydroxyestrone:A biologic marker of breast cancer risk.20. Colborn, T. . Environmental Health Perspectives Supplements 103(Suppl 6): 81-86 1995.

SummaryL Pesticides - How research has succeeded and failed to translatescience into policy: Endocrinological effects on wildlife.21. ENDS, ENDS Report 241: 8-9. 1995.Summary: Pesticides in drinking water linked to breast cancer.

22. Environment and Health, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK, IEH1995.Environmental oestrogens: Consequences to human health and wildlife.Institute for23. Kelce, W. R., Stone, C. R., Laws, S. C., Gray, L. E., Kemppainen, J.

A. and Wilson, E. M. Nature 375: 581-585.1995.Summary: Persistent DDT metabolite p, p'-DDE is a potent androgenreceptor antagonist.24. LeBlanc, G. A. 1995. Are environmental sentinels signalling?Environ. Health Persp. 103: 888-890.

25. Maynard, R. 1995. Sperm alert. Living Earth 188: 8-9.26. Sharpe, R. M. 1995. Another DDT connection. Nature 375: 538-539.27. Soto, A. M., Sonnenschein, C., Chung, K. L., Fernandez, M. F., Olea,

N. and Serrano, F. O. Environmental Health Perspectives. 103 (Suppl. 7):113-122, 1995.Summary: The E-SCREEN assay as a tool to identify estrogens: An updateon estrogenic environmental pollutants.28. Toppari, J., Larsen, J. C., Christiansen, P., Giwercman, A.,

Grandjean, P., Guillette, L. J., JŽgou, B., Jensen, T. K., Jouannet, P.,Keiding, N., Leffers, H., McLachlan, J. A., Meyer, O., MŸller, J.,Rajpert-De Meyts, E., Scheike, T., Sharpe, R., Sumpter, J. andSkakkebaek, N. E., Environmental Health Perspectives Supplements 104

(Suppl. 4): 741-803. 1996.Summary: Male reproductive health and environmental xenoestrogens.29. Wolff, M. S. 1995. Environmental Health Supplements 103 (Suppl 6):87-91.Summary: Pesticides - How research has succeeded and failed in informing

policy: DDT and the link with breast cancer.30. Bradlow, H. L., Davis, D. L., Lin, G., Sepkovic, D. and Tiwari, R.1995. Effects of pesticides on the ratio of 16alpha/2-hydroxyestrone: Abiologic marker of breast cancer risk. Environ. Health Perspectives 103:

147-150.31. ENDS 1995. Pesticides in drinking water linked to breast cancer.ENDS Report 241: 8-9.32. IEH 1995. Environmental oestrogens: Consequences to human health andwildlife. Institute for Environment and Health, University of Leicester,

Leicester, UK33. Kelce, W. R., Stone, C. R., Laws, S. C., Gray, L. E., Kemppainen, J.A. and Wilson, E. M. .Nature 375, 1995: 581-585.Summary: Persistent DDT metabolite p, p'-DDE is a potent androgen

receptor antagonist.34. Sharpe, R. M. 1995. Another DDT connection. Nature 375: 538-539.35. " Cancer Risk? FDA defends stance on tampon-dioxin link " , ChicagoTribune Sunday July 19, 1992 section 6.

36. Chemical and Engineering News December 9, 1996, p. 30Summary: an article which addresses concerns about how the 104thcongress has addressed environmental science issues, including thedangers associated with dioxins.

37. Journal of Community Health_ Winter, 1985. " Tampon Use in Women withEndometriosis. " p. 215-22538.RAYON, FIBRE LOSS AND ULCERATION1.Tampon Associated Vaginal Ulcerations by: Edward G. Freidrich, Jr.,

M.D., P. Kenneth A. Siegesmund. Ph.D. Vol. 55, No. 2 Feb 80Obstetrics & Gynecology2. Vaginal Ulcers Associated with Tampon Usage by: Steven D. Jimerson,M.D. and John D. Becker, M.D. Vol. 55 No. 2 Feb 80 Obstetrics &

Gynecology3. Textile Research Journal, September, 1996Summary: an article submitting clinical evidence that rayon breaks upwhen wet, and that rayon fibers are more likely to remain in the vaginaafter removal.

-- Diana Gonzalez Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

-Unknown