Chlorine-Bleached Sanitary Products and Diapers

"Of the 300 organochlorine chemicals that have been identified as byproducts of chlorine-based bleaching of paper, 30 are among the most deadly man-made compounds, and eight are on the World Health Organization's 'Dirty Dozen' list of worst offenders," says Archie Beaton of the Chlorine-Free Products Association, a trade association that advocates using less-toxic substances and processes in paper production.

Foremost among these are dioxins, which pose risks of cancer and are potentially harmful to the immune system, reproduction and development. The EPA estimates, in a 2001 report, that amounts of dioxins in the bodies of the general human population are close to "the levels at which adverse effects might be expected to occur."

As these toxins disperse around the globe, collecting in animal fats, humans aren't the only ones at risk. Dioxins "are believed to cause reproductive difficulties in Lake Ontario trout and bill deformities in Great Lakes birds, and are considered the cause of reproductive failure in Lake Michigan minks," says Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D., director of experimental toxicology at the EPA.

Although industry standards have changed, for many years chlorine bleaching of paper was the leading source of dioxins in water, and we still suffer the consequences. Can it also enter our bodies via paper? Probably not: A study published in the January 2002 Environmental Health Perspectives estimates that dioxin in tampons and diapers "does not significantly contribute to dioxin exposures in the United States." However, by preferring products that are unbleached or whitened with chlorine-free bleach, we're supporting a process that keeps dioxins from being created and released into the environment and our bodies.

SOME BETTER PRODUCT CHOICES:

NatraCare tampons and menstrual pads, made from organic, chlorine-free cotton and bleached with hydrogen peroxide, which produces no toxic by-products.

Tushies and TenderCare diapers: The wood pulp and cotton fibers in these diapers are not bleached with chlorine.

Non-chlorine-bleached cloth diapers (see www.alternativebaby.com and www.ecobaby.com). Most use hydrogen peroxide. Some organic cotton diapers are sold unbleached.

For more information, see the Paper Product Report (from sidebar) and www.chlorinefreeproducts.org.