A recent Argentinian study found 85 percent of tampons and sanitary products were contaminated with glyphosate and AMPA, two materials that have changed classifications from “possible carcinogens” to “probable carcinogens” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Possible side effects of prolonged exposure to these chemicals include Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, autism and cancer.

Most of Argentina’s tampon imports come from Brazil, which include American brands, such as OB and Kotex. According to reports in January, the country has been facing a tampon shortage related to policies concerning imports and foreign currency. With knowledge of the contamination, they are now importing less sanitary products, with hopes of keeping the side effects to its civilians minimal.

In the U.S., 96 percent of cotton produced in 2014 was genetically modified, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The herbicide containing these chemicals has been considered safe since 2013, when the chemical company Monsanto was given approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for increased tolerance levels of glyphosate. Few women realize that pesticides that are commonly used for cotton growth are absorbed into plant material used in tampons and sanitary products.

Learn more about the Argentinian study and how the U.S. can put limits on pesticide use and provide safer products.

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