A coroner has written to the Department of Health, tampon manufacturers and a supermarket chain about warnings on tampon packaging, following the death of a 13 year old girl from Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

Kayleigh Ann Jones, (also known as Kayleigh Martell) from Middlesborough, died in September 1999 from TSS triggered by a tampon. She is believed to be the youngest victim of tampon-related TSS in the UK.

At the inquest in August 2001, Teeside Coroner Michael Sheffield recorded a verdict of misadventure and announced his intention to call for investigations into whether warnings about TSS are sufficient.

WEN questions whether tampons should be sold to young teenagers at all, as they are still developing emotionally and physically. Other concerns about tampons include the unknown risks of using genetically modified cotton, potential health risks from pesticide residues or dioxin contamination, and the impact on workers and local environments from materials used in their manufacture.

A fuller article appears in the current issue of WEN News (Autumn 2001), available to WEN members.

For more information contact www.tamponalert.org.uk This organisation aims to raise awareness of the possibility of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome during tampon use and to offer support to women who have survived and to bereaved families.