Tampons

2.5.2016

Question for written answer E-003657-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Derek Vaughan (S&D)

One of my constituents has asked the following question concerning tampons:

The majority of branded items are known to contain undisclosed mixes of odour neutralisers, dyes, pesticides and fragrances, all of which have been linked to allergies, rashes, dryness, infertility, birth defects, endocrine disruption and cancer.

A study conducted at the University of La Plata, Argentina, in 2015 found that 85% of conventional tampons contain the herbicide Glyphosate, a compound recognised by the World Health Organisation as carcinogenic to humans.

Women on average use 13 000 tampons in their lifetime. The skin that comes into contact with these products is highly vascular and therefore one of the most sensitive and absorbent parts of a woman's body. From food to skincare, disclosure of ingredients is required by law so that consumers can make informed choices about what they put in or on their bodies. We believe that sanitary care should be no exception to these rules.

Consumers are requesting more information on the subject and several petitions have recently been launched, demanding to know what exactly these products are made of.

Is the EU working on legislation for companies to disclose the ingredients used in sanitary products, particularly those used to create tampons?