**This taken from the VAERS site.
What is VAERS?
The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA) of 1986 mandated the reporting of certain adverse events following vaccination to help ensure the safety of vaccines distributed in the United States. This Act led to the establishment of the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in November 1990 by the Department of Health and Human Services. VAERS provides a database management system for the collection and analysis of datafrom reports of adverse events following vaccination. VAERS is operated jointly by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VAERS currently receives approximately 800-1000 reports each month.
Who can report to VAERS?
Any one can report to VAERS. VAERS reports are usually submitted by health care providers, vaccine manufacturers,and vaccine recipients (or their parents/guardians). Patients, parents, and guardians are encouraged to seek the help of a health-care professional in reporting to VAERS.
Why should I report to VAERS?
Registries of disease or injury work best when reporting is complete. Complete reporting of post-vaccination events supplies public health professionals with the information they need to ensure the safest strategies of vaccine administration.
Does my reporting injuries (or deaths) to VAERS affect personal liability?
No. The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 provides liability protection through the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. In light of this protection, practitioner liability is unaffected by the VAERS reporting requirement.
What events should be reported to VAERS?
Although NCVIA only requires reporting of the post-vaccination adverse events mentioned in the Reportable Events Table, VAERS encourages all reporting of any clinically significant adverse event occurring after the administration of any vaccine licensed in the United States. On average, about 17% of the reports reflect adverse events resulting in life-threatening illness, hospitalization, permanent disability, extended hospital stay or death. The remaining 83% of the reports primarily describe events such as fever, local reactions transient crying or mild irritability, and other less serious experiences.
The Reportable Events Table specifically outlines the reportable post-vaccination events and the time frames in whichthey must occur in order to qualify as being reportable. A copy of the Table can be obtained by calling 1-800-822-7967.
The NCVIA requires the following events be reported:
Any event set forth in the Reportable Events Table that occurs within the time period specified.
Any event listed in the manufacturer's package insert as a contraindication to subsequent doses of the vaccine.
How are VAERS reports analyzed?
Both the CDC and the FDA review data reported to VAERS. The CDC focuses on collective reports, attempting to detect unusual epidemiologic trends and associations. The FDA reviews individual reports, assessing whether are ported event is adequately reflected in product labeling, and also closely monitors reporting trends for individual vaccine manufacturers and vaccine lots.
Safety surveillance includes the analysis of reports by individual epidemiologists, and weekly review meetings of serious VAERS reports to detect potential risks which require further investigation.
Can information reported to VAERS cause a recall of a vaccine?
The FDA has the authority to recall a vaccine from use in the United States if they feel it represents a risk to the American public. VAERS reports may signal that there is the potential for a safety risk, which would prompt a wider evaluation of the safety of the vaccine lot. If the evaluation confirms a risk, the batch can be recalled.
Over the last 10 years, there have been only three vaccine recalls. One batch of vaccine was recalled after the FDA detected impurities in the vaccine; another was mislabeled. The third batch was recalled because an FDA inspection found substandard conditions at the production plant which had the potential to produce a substandard batch.
In the winter of 1996-97, a pharmaceutical company voluntarily withdrew a vaccine from distribution because it did not retain its protective effect long enough after manufacture to meet Federal standards. This vaccine was not a safety threat, but did not work well enough to protect people from getting the disease it was designed to protect them from.
Are all events reported to VAERS caused by vaccinations?
Again, VAERS accepts all reports of adverse events following vaccination, so not all events reported to VAERS arecaused by vaccines. In fact, limitations such as differential reporting rates, simultaneous administration of different vaccine antigens, temporal reporting bias and lack of background vaccination rate data generally prevent the determination of vaccine-event causal associations using VAERS data. Without fully understanding its limitations, results from VAERS can easily be misinterpreted.
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Dangers. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Dangers. Tampilkan semua postingan
12 Agustus 2011
21 Juli 2011
The Story Of Cosmetics Video
I have before, and will again, addressed the dangers of some of the ingredients in common cosmetics. And I have and will always encourage others to make a point to use safe products. I do my best to only use products which are safe for both me and the environment, and many think I'm crazy for it... But maybe, just maybe, this video will open some eyes! She does a much better job at making this point than I have ever done!
19 Mei 2011
Reading Labels
I was super excited to see that there were a number of name brand companies making products labeled "Green," "Natural" or "Eco-Friendly." So, the next time I was at the store I picked one up and put it in the buggy... I didn't ever think to read the label. Why would I? I saw words like "All Natural" and "Eco-Friendly" right on the label, why would I have cause to think it wasn't really so green?
So, anyways, I got home, put away the groceries and started to load the dishwasher. I unscrewed the lid and pulled back the foil so I could fill the machine. When I did I splashed some of the product on my hand and shirt, which of course, was brand new & black (figures right?). At the time I didn't think anything of it. I figured I would finish loading the dishes, and then go clean up my hands and shirt, no big deal... Well, I was wrong! I finished up the dishes and went to clean up...
Now, I am HIGHLY allergic to Chlorine, but this was supposed to be a natural and green product, why would I worry about Chlorine? Well, I should have! Not only was my shirt (you know the brand new black one) ruined, but my hand had broken out in an allergic rash. At that point, I went to read the label. Let me just say, this was FAR from Green or Eco-Friendly!
It was at that point that I started to do some more homework about what it means to be a green or eco-friendly product. As I learned there is really no guidelines or rules which are required to be met in order to label something as green, all natural or eco-friendly. These terms are literally free for companies to use, regardless of how truthful the statement is. What I found was many companies replace one or two chemicals with a more natural option and then call the entire product green, while not actually creating a product which is eco-friendly...
What I found to be even more disturbing is that a growing number of companies are sprouting up claiming to have Green products, while masking their ingredients behind "code words" in an effort to trick customers in to purchasing their products - usually at a higher price than they could purchase similar products somewhere else.
It's for this reason that it's very important to read the labels to everything prior to purchasing. If you are looking to purchase a product online, request an ingredients list or copy of the label before ordering. IF a company refuses to provide you with these things, my advice is to look elsewhere for products which are more honest and open, a truly green company, has no reason to hide their ingredients.
It's also very important that you actually know what you're looking for. While it's obvious that ingredients like Chlorine, Ammonia or Benzine are toxic you may not know about others. A good rule of thumb is if you can't pronounce it, don't use it! If you have questions about an ingredient in something, take 30 seconds to run an internet search on it, you'll easily get an answer. However, it's these "code words" which are in my opinion more dangerous than the unpronounceable chemical names, because many people look them over without really questioning what they need. Words such as "Fragrance," "Preservative," "Cleaning or Brightening Agent" or "Stabilizers" should be looked at as higher questionable. These terms usually replace the names of chemicals (you know, those unpronounceable ones) that are far from Eco-Friendly and can in fact be very dangerous.
You'll find that the vast majority of things labeled as green, really aren't. For me, I've gotten to the point where purchasing "green" products means cleaning with Vinegar and Baking Soda, and using products like Crisco and Corn Starch on my children... I'm still mastering making things like soap, shampoo and dishwasher detergent, so for these I do my best to buy what I call "greener" products. By greener I mean, not completely eco-friendly, but greener than your average option. Once I master making my own, I'll stop using these options all together. In some future posts I will post some "how too" information for making your own stuff... A good rule of thumb when making your own products is if you can't eat it don't use it... Please notice (it's sad I have to say this) I said CAN'T not, WON'T, simply because something CAN be eaten, doesn't mean it should be...
Cosmetics
A vast many women I know include at least a basic skin care regime in their day at one point or another. The majority of them also include products such as foundation, lipstick, nail polish and mascara, among other things, in their day to day look. What the majority of them are NOT doing is making sure that these products they are putting on their skin is health and safe, for both them and the environment. In fact most women don't ever even think to read the ingredients lists in the products they use every day. What this means is they are repeatedly covering their skin, their eyes, their lips and their hands in chemicals they don't even know are there...
Now, it would be humanly impossible for me to list, or for you to read, every single brand, type and style of cosmetics out there... Seriously, I would never stop typing and I would still never list them all... But what I can do is give you the ingredients to watch out for and avoid...
Here are just a few of those COMMON ingredients and why you should avoid them:
- PHTHALATES / FRAGRANCE - Phthalates are estrogen-mimickers that wreak havoc on the endocrine system in the human body and cause unwelcome hormonal effects. They are found in “fragrance” and nail polish. In Europe three phthalates- DEHP, DBP and BBP- are banned for use in cosmetics and in all toys and childcare articles. “Fragrance” is unregulated and can indicate the presence of up to four thousand different ingredients, many of which can be toxic or carcinogenic. Clinical observation proves fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity and irritability. Forms of “fragrance” are in the majority of personal care products such as perfume, moisturizers, soap, shampoos and candles.
**Looks like this on a label: DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, DNOP. - PROPYLENE GLYCOL - Is related to anti-freeze and is a derivative of petroleum. It is the second most common ingredient in moisturizers, aside from water. It’s linked to liver abnormalities and kidney damage, and is also a skin and eye irritant. It is found in sunscreens, moisturizers, baby lotion, antiperspirants and deodorants and shaving products.
**Looks like this on a label: Propylene Glycol, Proptylene Glycol, 1,2-Propanediol. Related synthetics: PEG (polyethylene glycol) and PPG (polypropylene glycol). - FORMALDEHYDE - Often referred to as “formalin,” is used as a preservative and has been linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive problems and asthma. It is primarily used in nail polishes, shampoos and bleach. It has been banned in Japan and Sweden.
**Looks like this on a label: formaldehyde, formalin, formic aldehyde, oxomethane, oxymethylene. - HYDROQUINONE – Is used as an active ingredient in over-the-counter products such as skin lighteners, hair bleaches, concealers, facial cleansers and sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher. It is related to cancer, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption and developmental and reproductive toxicity.
**Looks like this on a label: 1,4-Benzenediol, 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene, P-Dioxybenzene, 4-Hydroxyphenol, P-Hydroxyphenol,1,4Benzenediol. - PETROLATUM/PETROLEUM - Although difficult to spot because of its many aliases, it’s most commonly known as petroleum jelly. It is a fossil fuel that is broken down into smaller components, which contain hydrocarbons, and is a common ingredient in beauty products. It can be found in moisturizers, conditioners, wax depilatories, baby creams and makeup. Petroleum derivatives have been linked to cancer, developmental and reproductive damage, immune system toxicity, endocrine disruption and neurotoxicity. It is banned in Europe.
**Looks like this on a label: petrolatum, petroleum jelly, trioxaundecanedioi acid, toluene, 4-amino-2-hydroxytuolene, BHA. - MERCURY - Is a controversial ingredient that causes damage to the brain and is blamed for autism related symptoms in children. It is most commonly found in eye products like mascara.
**Looks like this on a label: mercurous chloride, thimerosal. - MINERAL OIL - Is a petroleum derivative that has the same origins as fossil fuels. It’s an ingredient in foundations, lipsticks, lotions and makeup removers. It has been linked to a variety of things, from clogged pores to cancer. It does not allow the skin to breathe.
**Looks like this on a label: liquidum paraffinum, paraffin oil, paraffin wax. - LEAD - In 1978 it was banned from paint due to the dangers it causes to the body. It can affect almost every organ and system in the body. It can cause anemia, an increase in blood pressure and it can damage the brain and kidneys. Somehow traces of it can still be found in hair dye and red lipsticks.
**Although lead should be labeled in some form or fashion, it is not. Therefore, look for products labeled “Lead-free!” - COLORANTS/SYNTHETIC COLORS - Used to create make-up shades and colors, these colorants are found in countless makeup and beauty products and are listed on labels as “FD&C” or “D&C” colors. Most colorants actually are regulated by the FDA, however, most are derived from coal tar, which has been linked to cause cancer.
**Looks like this on a label: D&C, FD&C. - SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE / SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE - Often found together in products acting as a foaming agent. It is a detergent which has been found to enter the brain, heart and liver and impairs the immune system. It also causes eye irritations and skin rashes. When mixed with other chemicals found in toiletries it can form carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compounds. It can be found in shampoos, conditioners, soaps and toothpastes.
**Looks like this on a label: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, Anhydrous Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Irium, SLS, SLES, MSDS, ALES, ALS.
Skin Deep is a Cosmetic Safety Review company which will not only allow you to find out what is in the products you use today, but give you similar products which you may want to try. Ingredients for products are listed as well as the dangers which they may carry.
Once you have discovered which of your products you need to throw out the window, or at the very least avoid buying again. It's worth noting at least a few companies which have taken the idea of Green Cosmetics and run with them. Thanks to the internet finding these companies is easier than you would think... Here are some sites worth checking out in order to find such companies - some of these you can simply order from others are review sites, but together you will be able to find the products YOU need and know that they aren't going to kill you in the process!
- EcoBusinessLinks: Cosmetics
- Certified Green Cosmetics Organization
- SkinBotanica - Shop Here
- BurtsBees - Shop Here
- T'ea Maria - Shop Here
- Coastal Classic Creations - Shop Here
- Earth Mama Angel Baby - Shop Here **I LOVE this company!
or even on sites like Amazon
. As the demand for green cosmetics grows we will see them sold locally and more readily more and more. It may seem impossible to completely avoid products which are less than green and still get the results, colors and fragrances you love, but truly with a small amount of leg work it's not. And if you decide you would prefer to use the products you know and love, that's okay too... But it's always good to know there are other options out there!Have a favorite Green or Organic Cosmetic company or product? Leave us a comment and tell us about it!
Aunt Flow
**Okay, so disclaimer here - if you are a man, chances are this isn't the blog you really want to read! I'm going to talk periods and the "green options" to deal with them.**
Now, if you made it past the disclaimer, I'm not one to mince words, so don't expect to see all those cutesy words we use to describe what's going on... I hate that stuff and just can't bring myself to do it. However, I'm not here to give you a biology lesson either, if you don't understand what's going on, pick up a fourth grade health book. On the other hand, I am here to educate you on how to keep it clean and green!
So lets start by first discussing the environmental damage associated with millions of women all over the "civilized world" menstruating month after month, year after year... According to the new book Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation
, the average woman throws away 250 to 300 pounds of "pads, plugs, and applicators" in her lifetime. Now, lets add up all the women in the US, Canada, Europe and all around the world, the numbers are horrifyingly staggering! We are talking Trillions and Trillions of pounds of trash!
Looking beyond the amount of trash that this is creating, lets take a look at the dangers to YOU that the average cycle comes with when we use these products...
Tampons: If open a box of Tampons and pull that little piece of paper out you'll find a LIST of chemicals and "risks" listed... Chlorine Bleach and Synthetic Fibers are both linked to a potentially deadly condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). In addition many women have developed allergies to one or more of the chemicals in tampons resulting in health complications and again, death is even a risk... In addition to Chlorine, the average Tampon contains dangerous pesticides, asbestos and others scary chemicals which ARE absorbed in to your body through use - prolonged use is even worse!
Then there is the dangers associated with bacterial growth inside tampons. There is NO WAY for you to clean a tampon before insertion, and frankly we are only taking the word of a multimillion dollar company that they are truly sterile. And the majority of tampons are in fact NOT sterile, easily leading to yeast and bacterial infections. - Although rare, it does happen.
As if that weren't enough, the drying affect that the cotton and other fibers in Tampons can cause irritation, swelling, and tears in the fragile tissues of your vagina. Not fun!
Sanitary Pads and Liners: As with Tampons, Pads & Liners are full of chemicals. Although they are not placed inside the body the way a Tampon is, Pads & Liners are placed right next to the skin and worn for days and days, allowing the body to absorb all those same chemicals - in addition to a few new ones! While TSS is normally only associated with Tampon use, the fine print on any Maxi Pad box clearly states there is one.
And as with those chemicals in Tampons there is a risk of cancer, infection, and, yes, even death associated with Pads & Liners... The lack of breathablity in the materials also leads to irritation, ingrown hairs, external bacterial infections, sores and what I call "pad rash" which is really diaper rash, just from a pad. I mean, really, which of us hasn't experienced discomfort, itch and soreness from our maxi?
Blood Hazard: When you are at the doctor or in a hospital, blood, blood products and everything that comes with it is considered to be, and treated as Bio-hazard materials because of the dangers that come with contact with blood. In NO WAY should that change! And in no way are YOU at risk simply by tossing your blood soaked disposables in to the trash. BUT, once they leave your home, where do they go? How many people or animals are coming in contact with those "bio-hazard" materials? And something more to think about, although it's not generally dangerous for YOU to come in contact with your own blood, how do you feel about coming in contact with someone elses?
When you dispose of these "disposable" products not only are those bio materials sitting in a landfill for literally HUNDREDS of years, but they are being handled by trash workers, and picked through by animals potentially affecting their lives and putting them and even their families in danger. In addition to the dangers to those who come directly in contact with these materials there is the added danger to those who come in "indirect" contact as well.
Economical Impact: I have always been a fan of Dollar Stores, but even there, most packages of Tampons, Pads or Liners are going to cost you $10-$15 a month... Over the course of a woman's lifetime that's a cost of between $4500 and $6800. And if you're one of those women who prefers a "brand name" you could easily be spending a great deal more.
Now, lets talk about greener, healthier alternatives...
I'll admit, until a year or so ago, this was all unknown territory for me. I used the same Pads and Tampons that everyone else does and never knew there was another option. In fact, I remember asking my grandmother one time what they used when she was young, because I didn't understand how this stuff could be dealt with without disposable pads and tampons. Sadly, when I was younger, I was addicted to tampons, and now, I have developed an allergy which prevents me from using them in any way, it's also led to my having to cut back on some non-menstrual products due to the build up of chemicals in my system, so it has affected my life beyond the period!
It was after the birth of my second child that I discovered there were other options available to us today. And now, I will frankly never go any other route!
Menstrual Cups: A menstrual cup is a type of cup or barrier worn inside the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid. Unlike tampons and pads, the cup collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it.
There are two types of menstrual cup currently available.
The first is a soft, flexible, disposable cup made of polyethylene and resembles the contraceptive diaphragm. However, it is important to not that these are NOT contraceptive devices and do NOT protect against pregnancy or STDs. Unlike traditional options, these cups are able to be worn up to 12 hours without needing changed and most women will use quite a few less cups than they do tampons or pads.
The second type is a bell-shaped cup made of rubber (latex), silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). It is reusable and designed to last for up to 10 years. Some brands recommend replacement each year, 5–10 years or state that women have been comfortable using them up to 10 years.
The benefits which come with this second type are endless! You are NOT absorbing chemicals, there is NO unnatural or synthetic fibers and the CAN be sanitized and washed so there is no need to worry about foreign bacterial infections, irritation or poisoning. In addition they are easy to empty and care for while you're using the bathroom and don't require any extra care on a day to day basis. No "extra" supplies either! And because they are able to be used for 5-10 years at a time without wearing out the cost is extremely lower than that of a month by month purchase of tampons. On average Menstrual cups cost between $25 and $30 and even should you choose to replace them yearly, that's an obvious savings over other options!
Cloth Pads & Liners: Before the idea of a disposable maxi pad was ever even thought of, women used cloth. These cloth pads of the path were more along the lines of a folded wash rag or cloth diaper that you shoved in your pants... Very uncomfortable, not very sanitary, as they moved around and leaked easily, and thankfully, women didn't try to wear tight pants back then cause I can't imagine the bulging issues!
Today however, these issues aren't issues! Today's cloth pads are super absorbent, easy to change, wrap all the way around your panties so there is no shifting or moving and no more leaking than your average disposable. The ONLY real difference is instead of taking them off and tossing them in the trash, you're washing them out and reusing them. As more and more people are discovering with cloth diapers, this isn't at all as difficult as it sounds. Simply remove your used cloth pad, place in a cold water soak, or rinse out by hand, and wash with your normal laundry... I prefer to do a small load with all my undies, pads, bras and anything else that isn't going to get fabric softener or bleach. Beyond that, nothing special. If you happen to be out and have a need to change your pad - NOT an issue! Simply wrap your soiled pad up and place in your "wet bag" (which is a fluid proof pouch) and replace with a clean one, once you're home, care for as normal.
Again, cloth pads are basically chemical free besides any chemicals in the laundry soap YOU choose to use. Most are made with cotton, organic cotton or other natural materials and they come in all different colors, absorbencies, and sizes...
As with the menstrual cup, the difference in cost to you is immense! Cloth pads are usually made to last an average of 5 years, however I know many women who with care have used them for years beyond that...
On average your initial investment is going to seem quite pricey. But if you look at the long term savings, you are really making out! I would say from what I have looked at you're going to have an investment of between $150 and $350 (depending on the line you choose) to equip you with everything you need... Comparing that to that average of $120 a year for disposables, you can easily see how they pay for themselves!
Now, this is far from all the information, each company will have their own tips and tricks on usage and care for their products as well as differences in product styles, colors and whatever else. Make sure that you take your time and look through your options before making a large investment. Most companies have "sample" packs to allow you to try their products at a lower cost to you...
Here are just a few of the companies, if you run a search I'm sure you'll find many more!
Menstrual Cup:
Cloth Pads & Liners
You'll find that many of these companies have BOTH options available to you, so make sure to compare prices and make sure to check places like Amazon as well for the best price available.
So lets start by first discussing the environmental damage associated with millions of women all over the "civilized world" menstruating month after month, year after year... According to the new book Flow: The Cultural Story of Menstruation
, the average woman throws away 250 to 300 pounds of "pads, plugs, and applicators" in her lifetime. Now, lets add up all the women in the US, Canada, Europe and all around the world, the numbers are horrifyingly staggering! We are talking Trillions and Trillions of pounds of trash! Looking beyond the amount of trash that this is creating, lets take a look at the dangers to YOU that the average cycle comes with when we use these products...
Tampons: If open a box of Tampons and pull that little piece of paper out you'll find a LIST of chemicals and "risks" listed... Chlorine Bleach and Synthetic Fibers are both linked to a potentially deadly condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). In addition many women have developed allergies to one or more of the chemicals in tampons resulting in health complications and again, death is even a risk... In addition to Chlorine, the average Tampon contains dangerous pesticides, asbestos and others scary chemicals which ARE absorbed in to your body through use - prolonged use is even worse!
Then there is the dangers associated with bacterial growth inside tampons. There is NO WAY for you to clean a tampon before insertion, and frankly we are only taking the word of a multimillion dollar company that they are truly sterile. And the majority of tampons are in fact NOT sterile, easily leading to yeast and bacterial infections. - Although rare, it does happen.
As if that weren't enough, the drying affect that the cotton and other fibers in Tampons can cause irritation, swelling, and tears in the fragile tissues of your vagina. Not fun!
Sanitary Pads and Liners: As with Tampons, Pads & Liners are full of chemicals. Although they are not placed inside the body the way a Tampon is, Pads & Liners are placed right next to the skin and worn for days and days, allowing the body to absorb all those same chemicals - in addition to a few new ones! While TSS is normally only associated with Tampon use, the fine print on any Maxi Pad box clearly states there is one.
And as with those chemicals in Tampons there is a risk of cancer, infection, and, yes, even death associated with Pads & Liners... The lack of breathablity in the materials also leads to irritation, ingrown hairs, external bacterial infections, sores and what I call "pad rash" which is really diaper rash, just from a pad. I mean, really, which of us hasn't experienced discomfort, itch and soreness from our maxi?
Blood Hazard: When you are at the doctor or in a hospital, blood, blood products and everything that comes with it is considered to be, and treated as Bio-hazard materials because of the dangers that come with contact with blood. In NO WAY should that change! And in no way are YOU at risk simply by tossing your blood soaked disposables in to the trash. BUT, once they leave your home, where do they go? How many people or animals are coming in contact with those "bio-hazard" materials? And something more to think about, although it's not generally dangerous for YOU to come in contact with your own blood, how do you feel about coming in contact with someone elses?
When you dispose of these "disposable" products not only are those bio materials sitting in a landfill for literally HUNDREDS of years, but they are being handled by trash workers, and picked through by animals potentially affecting their lives and putting them and even their families in danger. In addition to the dangers to those who come directly in contact with these materials there is the added danger to those who come in "indirect" contact as well.
Economical Impact: I have always been a fan of Dollar Stores, but even there, most packages of Tampons, Pads or Liners are going to cost you $10-$15 a month... Over the course of a woman's lifetime that's a cost of between $4500 and $6800. And if you're one of those women who prefers a "brand name" you could easily be spending a great deal more.
Now, lets talk about greener, healthier alternatives...
I'll admit, until a year or so ago, this was all unknown territory for me. I used the same Pads and Tampons that everyone else does and never knew there was another option. In fact, I remember asking my grandmother one time what they used when she was young, because I didn't understand how this stuff could be dealt with without disposable pads and tampons. Sadly, when I was younger, I was addicted to tampons, and now, I have developed an allergy which prevents me from using them in any way, it's also led to my having to cut back on some non-menstrual products due to the build up of chemicals in my system, so it has affected my life beyond the period!
It was after the birth of my second child that I discovered there were other options available to us today. And now, I will frankly never go any other route!
Menstrual Cups: A menstrual cup is a type of cup or barrier worn inside the vagina during menstruation to collect menstrual fluid. Unlike tampons and pads, the cup collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it.
There are two types of menstrual cup currently available.
The first is a soft, flexible, disposable cup made of polyethylene and resembles the contraceptive diaphragm. However, it is important to not that these are NOT contraceptive devices and do NOT protect against pregnancy or STDs. Unlike traditional options, these cups are able to be worn up to 12 hours without needing changed and most women will use quite a few less cups than they do tampons or pads.
The second type is a bell-shaped cup made of rubber (latex), silicone or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). It is reusable and designed to last for up to 10 years. Some brands recommend replacement each year, 5–10 years or state that women have been comfortable using them up to 10 years.
The benefits which come with this second type are endless! You are NOT absorbing chemicals, there is NO unnatural or synthetic fibers and the CAN be sanitized and washed so there is no need to worry about foreign bacterial infections, irritation or poisoning. In addition they are easy to empty and care for while you're using the bathroom and don't require any extra care on a day to day basis. No "extra" supplies either! And because they are able to be used for 5-10 years at a time without wearing out the cost is extremely lower than that of a month by month purchase of tampons. On average Menstrual cups cost between $25 and $30 and even should you choose to replace them yearly, that's an obvious savings over other options!
Cloth Pads & Liners: Before the idea of a disposable maxi pad was ever even thought of, women used cloth. These cloth pads of the path were more along the lines of a folded wash rag or cloth diaper that you shoved in your pants... Very uncomfortable, not very sanitary, as they moved around and leaked easily, and thankfully, women didn't try to wear tight pants back then cause I can't imagine the bulging issues!
Today however, these issues aren't issues! Today's cloth pads are super absorbent, easy to change, wrap all the way around your panties so there is no shifting or moving and no more leaking than your average disposable. The ONLY real difference is instead of taking them off and tossing them in the trash, you're washing them out and reusing them. As more and more people are discovering with cloth diapers, this isn't at all as difficult as it sounds. Simply remove your used cloth pad, place in a cold water soak, or rinse out by hand, and wash with your normal laundry... I prefer to do a small load with all my undies, pads, bras and anything else that isn't going to get fabric softener or bleach. Beyond that, nothing special. If you happen to be out and have a need to change your pad - NOT an issue! Simply wrap your soiled pad up and place in your "wet bag" (which is a fluid proof pouch) and replace with a clean one, once you're home, care for as normal.
Again, cloth pads are basically chemical free besides any chemicals in the laundry soap YOU choose to use. Most are made with cotton, organic cotton or other natural materials and they come in all different colors, absorbencies, and sizes...
As with the menstrual cup, the difference in cost to you is immense! Cloth pads are usually made to last an average of 5 years, however I know many women who with care have used them for years beyond that...
On average your initial investment is going to seem quite pricey. But if you look at the long term savings, you are really making out! I would say from what I have looked at you're going to have an investment of between $150 and $350 (depending on the line you choose) to equip you with everything you need... Comparing that to that average of $120 a year for disposables, you can easily see how they pay for themselves!
Now, this is far from all the information, each company will have their own tips and tricks on usage and care for their products as well as differences in product styles, colors and whatever else. Make sure that you take your time and look through your options before making a large investment. Most companies have "sample" packs to allow you to try their products at a lower cost to you...
Here are just a few of the companies, if you run a search I'm sure you'll find many more!
Menstrual Cup:
Cloth Pads & Liners
You'll find that many of these companies have BOTH options available to you, so make sure to compare prices and make sure to check places like Amazon as well for the best price available.
4 Mei 2011
Disposables Diapers and Chemicals
However, while parents aren't thinking about the reasons why they should cloth diaper, they also aren't thinking about the reasons they shouldn't use disposables either... Though they are commonly used, synthetic, single-use diapers often contain chemicals linked to long-term health conditions. A study published in the "Archives of Environmental Health" in 1999 states that disposable diapers should be considered to be a factor that may cause or worsen childhood asthma and respiratory problems. The soft, sensitive skin of babies is also prone to rashes and allergic reactions due to the chemicals in disposable diapers.
Dioxins
Most disposable diapers are bleached white with chlorine, resulting in a byproduct called dioxins that leach into the environment and the diapers. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dioxins are among the most toxic chemicals known to science and are listed by the EPA as highly carcinogenic chemicals. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to dioxins may cause skin reactions and altered liver function, as well as impairments to the immune system, nervous system, endocrine system and reproductive functions.
Sodium Polyacrylate
Sodium polycarbonate is a super absorbent chemical compound that is used in the fillers of many disposable diapers. It is composed of cellulose processed from trees that is mixed with crystals of polyacrylate. This chemical absorbs fluids and creates surface tension in the lining of the diaper to bind fluids and prevent leakage. Sodium polyacrylate is often visible as small gel-like crystals on the skin of babies and is thought to be linked to skin irritations and respiratory problems. This chemical was removed from tampons due to toxic shock syndrome concerns. As it has only been used in diapers for the last two decades, there is not yet research on the long-term health effects of sodium polyacrylate on babies.
Tributyl-tin (TBT)
Many disposable diapers contain a chemical called tributyl-tin (TBT). According to the EPA, this toxic pollutant is extremely harmful to aquatic (water) life and causes endocrine (hormonal) disruptions in aquatic organisms. TBT is a polluting chemical that does not degrade but remains in the environment and in our food chain. TBT is also an ingredient used in biocides to kill infecting organisms. Additionally, according to research published by the American Institute of Biological Sciences, tributyl-tin can trigger genes that promote the growth of fat cells, causing obesity in humans.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Disposable diapers frequently contain chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These include chemicals such as ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene and dipentene. According to the EPA, VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system as well as cancers.
Other Chemicals
Other chemicals often used in disposable diapers include dyes, fragrances, plastics and petrolatums. Adhesive chemicals are used in the sticky tabs to close the diapers and dyes are used to color and make the patterns and labels that mark diapers. Perfumes and fragrances are used in some disposable diapers to help mask odors.
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