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Dioxin and furan levels found in tampons.
Jeffrey C Archer1, Ronald Mabry-Smith, Sina Shojaee
1Food and Drug Administration, Arkansas Regional Laboratory, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA.
Journal of Women'S Health (2002)
|May 27, 2005
Summary
Dioxins and furans were detected in feminine hygiene products at levels below detection limits. This study investigated these contaminants to address public health concerns regarding women
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Women's Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Public concern exists regarding human exposure to dioxins and furans, particularly their potential link to women's health issues like endometriosis.
- Congressional interest has driven investigations into the presence of dioxins and furans in feminine hygiene products sold in the U.S.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the levels of specific dioxins and furans in feminine hygiene products.
- To assess potential exposure risks associated with these products.
Main Methods:
- Tampon samples were analyzed using Gas Chromatography/High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (GC/HRMS).
- Quantification was performed using direct isotope dilution for 17 specific 2,3,7,8-chlorine-containing dioxins and furans.
Main Results:
- Total toxic equivalence (TEQ) was calculated for each sample using World Health Organization (WHO) toxic equivalency factor (TEF) values.
- Calculated TEQs were not statistically different when compared to average limit of detection (LOD) values.
Conclusions:
- The majority of dioxins and furans detected in feminine hygiene products were below their respective detection limits or estimated detection limits (EDLs).
- Findings align with previous research, indicating minimal presence of these specific contaminants in the analyzed products.