Latest news with #PesticideActionNetworkUK
Elle
3 days ago
- Health
- Elle
What The Toxic Pesticide Tampon Scandal Means For You And Women's Health More Broadly
In nearly every aspect of consumerism, whether it's food, skincare or household goods, we're typically afforded warnings of what goes into or on our bodies. And if that information is lacking, a quick online search usually fills in the gaps for us. Yet, when it comes to period products used by millions of women, girls and people who menstruate, there remains a disturbing lack of transparency and regulation. Last year, a report found that traces of toxic metals including lead had been found in tampons. On May 28 of this year, a report conducted and released by Pesticide Action Network UK, in collaboration with Women's Environmental Network and the Pesticide Collaboration found that the toxic pesticides residue levels in major tampon brands were 40 times higer than the legal limit for drinking water in the UK. FIND OUT MORE ON ELLE COLLECTIVE Among its findings, the report uncovered traces of glyphosate, a pesticide classified as 'a probable human carcinogenic' by the World Health Organisation. Researchers tested 15 boxes of tampons purchased from UK retailers, spanning a mix of non-disclosed well known brands. The report suggests that the cotton used in these products had been treated with the pesticide at some point of cotton plant's growth. As per the report, the vaginal insertion of tampons means that the chemical can directly enter the bloodstream, as it completely evade the body's waste removal systems, causing potential harm to the body. 'According to pharmaceutical research, absorption rates from internal exposure in the vagina could be 10-80 times higher than through the skin on the body,' says Josie Cohen the Interim Director, PAN UK (Pesticide Action Network UK). 'Glyphosate and AMPA have both been linked to a range of chronic health conditions, including cancer and Parkinson's,' she explains. 'We know that pesticides pose a particularly high health risk to young people whose bodies are still in development and are less able to cope with toxic chemicals. That's why we are calling for the Government to provide only certified organic single use disposables (SUDs) and additive-free period products as part of the free period products programme in schools,' she added. The report was sparked widespread outrage online, with countless users taking to social media platforms such as TikTok to share their shock and outrage. Videos dissecting the findings and what it may mean for users of period products call for more transparency. Currently, there is no regulation for chemicals in period products in the UK. 'We believe all period products should be regulated like cosmetics are in the European Union. In order to significantly reduce pesticide residues in period products, with the ultimate aim of making them residue-free.' 'Period products should be recognised as both a human rights and public health issue,' explains Helen Lynn, Senior Consultant and Research Fellow, Wen (Women's Environmental Network). Wen is calling for a 'Menstrual Health, Dignity and Sustainability Act' which would ensure equal access to sustainable period products, improved menstrual education,independent testing, transparent product labelling and stronger regulations.' For now, what can you do to be more informed and protect yourself? 'Currently, the only way to avoid period products such as tampons and pads contaminated by pesticides and other harmful chemicals is to buy those certified as organic. Check the Soil Association website for options. We also encourage people to move away from single-use disposables such as tampons, and instead use sustainable, additive-free reusable products such as period pants and menstrual cups, or use a combination.' In conclusion, the report suggests a number of viable steps for the government to take. 'Consumers are unaware of the chemical cocktail contained in many period products and so cannot make an informed choice,' reminds Cohen, and while this is fact, another step consumers can take to try to rectify this is by petitioning the Government to forbid use of harmful chemicals and pesticides in period products that so many of us use monthly. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
Irish Examiner
28-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Toxic pesticide levels found in tampons 40 times higher than legal limit for water
Toxic pesticide levels have been found in tampons at levels 40 times higher than the legal limit for drinking water. Traces of glyphosate, a pesticide linked to cancer, has been found at very high levels in menstrual products, according to a report by the Pesticide Action Network UK, the Women's Environmental Network and the Pesticide Collaboration. This is concerning, according to the authors, because chemicals absorbed through the vagina directly enter the bloodstream, bypassing the body's detoxification systems. This means even small traces of chemicals in direct contact with the vagina could cause health risks. The researchers tested 15 boxes of tampons from British retailers across a range of different popular brands. Glyphosate was found in tampons in one of the boxes, at 0.004 mg/kg. The British and EU maximum residue level for drinking water is 0.0001 mg/kg, making this 40 times higher than permitted levels of glyphosate in drinking water. Glyphosate is the world's most widely used herbicide, but a review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organisation, classified the weedkiller as 'probably carcinogenic to humans'. It has also been linked to the development of Parkinson's, and emerging research is raising concerns about links to other serious health conditions. Amy Heley, from the Pesticide Collaboration, said: 'If this level of glyphosate is deemed to be unsafe in the water we drink, why is it allowed to appear in our period products? Our investigation reveals that women, girls and those who menstruate may not be protected from exposure to harmful chemicals. And yet, most people remain completely unaware that this is even an issue.' Cotton link It is thought this pesticide could have ended up in the tampons because weedkillers are used to grow cotton, a key ingredient. The researchers detected aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) on the tampons, a breakdown of glyphosate. The plant is one of the most chemical-dependent crops in the world, and up to 300 pesticides can be used in its global production. Glyphosate is often used to prepare fields for sowing crops by clearing all vegetation from the land. It kills weeds by inhibiting EPSP synthase, an enzyme involved in plant growth, while not damaging crops that have been genetically modified to be glyphosate-tolerant. Farmers argue that it is an important herbicide because it has 'high efficacy on non-resistant weeds and is a cost-effective weed control solution for farmers'. Red flags have also been raised over the weedkiller's impact on biodiversity: recent research has shown that it damages wild bee colonies, and this product also has adverse effects on aquatic organisms. The Guardian Read More Case of Cork woman refused access to her dead husband's sperm raised in Seanad
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Plans to cut weedkiller use over safety concerns
A council plans to cut back the use of a weedkiller after it was linked to safety concerns. The pesticide glyphosate, used by South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) to treat weeds, has been linked to cancer and is harmful to wildlife, including bees, according to Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN). A SKDC report said the manufacturer of the product used by the council confirmed it "is not harmful to animals or aquatic life if diluted and applied according to the manufacturer's instructions". A recommendation will go to the council's cabinet for the continuation of SKDC's strategy to reduce the use of glyphosate on land it is responsible for maintaining. A report to a joint meeting of the Environment Overview Scrutiny Committee and the Rural and Communities Committee on Tuesday said SKDC's use of glyphosate was "already minimal". The council's sustainability and climate change manager Serena Brown said in the report: "When used responsibly glyphosate may have a lower environmental impact when compared to alternative herbicides which may require more frequent applications or have a higher toxicity. "A complete ban could hinder the council's efforts to maintain tree populations, protect biodiversity and ensure successful amenity tree establishment and woodland creation." Councillor Rhys Baker, SKDC's cabinet member for environment and waste, said: "We know that the public has concerns about using glyphosate to control weeds. "We take all matters relating to public health seriously and will continue to strive for viable alternatives to minimise its use for the future which would best protect our biodiversity and ecology." Nick Mole, policy manager for PAN, said: "A growing body of evidence shows there are linkages between glyphosate exposure and a range of ill health outcomes including cancer. "It is particularly harmful to soil organisms, aquatic eco systems and potentially others parts of biodiversity, including bees." He added: "Whilst it's not been proven definitively either way, the weight of evidence showing harmful effects of glyphosate are more than enough to have a precautionary approach to it and end its use when it's not needed." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Thousands support call against using weedkiller Weedkiller opt-out now possible for some residents Weeds the main cause of pavement damage - council Brighton reintroduces weedkiller after ban South Kesteven District Council Pesticide Action Network UK
