Toxic Pesticide Levels Found in Tampons: A Wake-Up Call for Australian Consumers

A recent investigation has found toxic pesticide residues in several well-known tampon brands, raising serious questions about product safety and regulation. Published by The Guardian on 28 May 2025, the findings revealed chlorpyrifos levels up to 40 times higher than the legal limit for drinking water.

The test results come from laboratory analysis commissioned by the US-based non-profit Women’s Voices for the Earth (WVE). According to the report, tampons purchased from major US retailers tested positive for a number of pesticides, including organophosphates and halogenated compounds. Chlorpyrifos, in particular, is a pesticide banned in many countries due to its effects on brain development and the nervous system.

Prolonged Use, Minimal Regulation

Tampons are classified as medical devices by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on packaging. As a result, consumers often have no visibility into the chemicals or materials used in production.

Australia’s regulatory framework is similarly limited. While some brands voluntarily disclose their product components, there is no mandatory standard for listing ingredients in menstrual products. This lack of transparency has sparked growing public concern – especially given that tampons are used internally and often for several hours at a time.

The Case for Safer Alternatives

The findings have renewed interest in reusable menstrual products like menstrual cups and discs, which are generally made from medical-grade silicone and don’t rely on bleaching agents or pesticide-treated cotton.

One Australian brand leading the way is my mimi, which launched in 2024 and has quickly become a trusted name in reusable period care. In 2025, my mimi was awarded Best Sustainable Period Care Solution in Australia. The brand is currently available through Chemist Warehouse, Amazon, and its official website.

What Makes my mimi Different?

The my mimi menstrual disc is designed to offer up to 12 hours of leak-resistant protection. Made from high-quality, medical-grade silicone, it’s free from dyes, bleaches, fragrances, and known irritants. It’s available in two sizes: a smaller disc ideal for beginners or those with a low cervix, and a larger 61ml option designed for people over 30 or who’ve given birth vaginally.

The disc also features a unique loop tab, helping users with easier, more confident removal. Priced at $49.95 and lasting up to five years, my mimi discs cost approximately 83 cents per month – making them both economical and environmentally friendly.

Menstrual Disc vs Tampons: Key Differences

Unlike tampons, which absorb menstrual flow, a disc collects it. This distinction can help reduce dryness and irritation, preserving the body’s natural pH balance and bacterial flora. Because discs rest at the base of the cervix – not in the vaginal canal – they are also suitable for many IUD users and may be more comfortable during physical activity.

Another advantage? Menstrual discs can be worn during penetrative sex. Tampons and menstrual cups, by contrast, generally must be removed beforehand.

Search queries like “best menstrual disc for beginners” and “menstrual disc safe for IUD users” continue to drive interest in reusable options like my mimi. The brand’s rise in popularity reflects a broader consumer push toward transparency, comfort, and sustainability.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Reusable menstrual discs are simple to clean. After each use, users should rinse with warm water and mild, unscented soap. At the end of each cycle, boiling the disc for five to seven minutes ensures it remains hygienic. my mimi also sells a steriliser cup and gentle foaming cleanser to support this process.

Step-by-step guidance, instructional videos, and customer support are all available online, making the transition to reusable period products easier than ever.

Not All Brands Meet the Same Standards

With the rise in interest around reusables, many new brands have entered the market – particularly online. While competition has increased access and affordability, it also raises safety concerns. Some newer brands do not meet Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) or FDA standards and fail to disclose full material specifications.

Experts recommend choosing reusable products from trusted brands that are stocked by national and international retailers. my mimi, for example, is verified on platforms like Chemist Warehouse and Amazon. Consumers are encouraged to check for product certifications, retailer backing, and evidence of user experience – not just influencer endorsements or fast shipping promises.

In some cases, newer entrants in the category have offered “buy one, get one free” promotions in exchange for reviews. This can lead to five-star ratings based solely on packaging or delivery speed, rather than genuine product use. Verified reviews that speak to comfort, fit, and effectiveness are far more valuable when selecting a reusable menstrual disc.

A Bigger Issue Than You Might Think

The pesticide contamination report is not just about one batch of tampons – it’s a signal that current regulations aren’t keeping pace with consumer safety expectations. Disposable period products generate vast amounts of waste, and now, they may also pose health risks.

As Australian consumers become more informed, demand is growing for chemical-free, low-waste alternatives. Brands like my mimi are filling that need with practical, reliable, and transparent solutions.

Switching to a reusable menstrual disc isn’t just about sustainability. It’s about protecting your health.