|
|
|
23
March 2000
GM Shocker for Tampon Action Day - So Discreet No One Knows the Risks While
everyone leaping up and down about GM foods, women will be shocked to
hear GM cotton is being used in tampons. The Women's Environmental Network
(WEN) has called Tampon Action Day on March 24 to call upon the Government
to give women the `right to know' as to what they put inside their bodies.
Tampon Crowns will be popping up at various locations, such as Alternative
Fashion Week, the House of Commons and well known retailers. Phone for
details of some great photo opportunity times and venues.
Seven years ago, WEN succeeded in forcing manufacturers to label tampon
packaging with TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) warnings. Now manufacturers
are bringing in GM cotton by the back door. Buying the cheapest possible
source of cotton on the world cotton means manufacturers cannot guarantee
tampons are GM-free. If the PM has admitted GM food holds potential dangers
for human health, why is the Government allowing GM cotton in tampons?
Women demand stringent safety tests as cotton fibres can easily get trapped
in a woman's vaginal wall.
WEN is concerned about the risks of: · the potential to transfer antibiotic
marker resistance genes which could then outsmart antibiotics · possible
alterations to the absorbency levels carrying a higher risk of TSS (Toxic
Shock Syndrome).
Does the new cotton fibre contain the toxin (Bt), do the new strains of cotton cause irritation, raise pesticide residues or influence yeast and bacteria infections? Not one single Government department is able to answer these questions. WEN calls on women to stop buying tampons and products produced by manufacturers Smith & Nephew (Lilletts) and Procter & Gamble (Tampax) until the companies guarantee GM free tampons. For recommended alternatives send a large stamped sae to Sanpro, WEN, PO Box 30626, London E1 1TZ. For more information contact Liz Sutton, Press & Information Officer on 020 7481 9004. |
 |
 |
 |
 |