Interesting Facts
Disposable tampons and pads may contain coverings or fillings which cause health concerns and/or allergies. Moon Pads and the Keeper are more natural alternatives.
Studies have shown that tampon absorbency has been implicated as contributing to potentially fatal Toxic Shock Syndrome. Tampons containing rayon fibres can irritate the lining of the vagina and many women become irritated and sore using disposable pads.
Traces of toxic chemicals have
been found in many disposable pads and tampons. For example Dioxins, a side
effect of chlorine bleaching, are known carcinogens which are resistant to
biological breakdown and have been linked to birth defects, reproductive
disorders, impaired liver function and depressed immune systems in humans and
wildlife.
Choosing disposable products means an ongoing monthly expense of between $5 and $25 for every woman. Over her menstrual life this costs the average woman more than $5,000. By comparison, reusable alternatives give years of protection for a fraction of that cost.
The Keeper is made from natural non-absorbent gum rubber whereas the 100% cotton Moon Pads are soft and natural on sensitive skin.
A number of women using these alternative products report that their periods are lighter or last fewer days; and most discover that using products made from natural materials minimises the distinctive 'stale' odour often present with disposables.
The average woman throws away about 10,000 pads or tampons in her life. In Australia alone this is over 1,385 million disposables per year which are either incinerated and bad for the ozone layer; or put into land fills where the plastic backing will take approximately 500 years to partially biodegrade.