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| Feminine Sprays & Douches |
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| CHEMICALS CONTAINED: |
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Douches may contain ammonia, detergents, and phenol.
Feminine sprays may contain irritating or toxic chemicals, and since they are sprayed on they release tiny particles into the air that you can inhale. Most sprays contain talc, which may be contaminated with asbestos.
All sprays and some douches contain synthetic fragrances. Most synthetic fragrances are made from petroleum by-products or coal tars (a carcinogenic liquid or semi-liquid from bituminous coal). Coal tars can contain benzene, xylene, naphthalene, phenol and creosol. |
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| HEALTH CONCERNS: |
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Asbestos is carcinogenic, and there is no safe level of exposure. It is most toxic when inhaled into the lungs, which is exactly what can happen when feminine sprays are use.
Aerosol propellants can cause health effects of their own, including heart problems, birth defects, lung cancer, headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, skin, eye and throat irritation, liver damage.
Ingredients in detergents may cause effects such as skin irritation, digestive problems, and hormone disruption. They can also cause hormone disruption in wildlife.
Ammonia is a very volatile chemical that is irritating to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes, and can also burn the skin. Ammonia fumes can cause headaches, disorientation and nausea.
Phenol is a suspected human carcinogen and can also cause skin irritation and other problems.
Synthetic fragrances may cause a wide range of acute and chronic effects such as respiratory irritation, headache, sneezing, watery eyes, other allergic symptoms, sensitization, nervous system depression and skin irritation.
Men whose sexual partners use feminine sprays may also have skin irritation. |
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| TIPS & ALTERNATIVES: |
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Both douches and sprays are applied to some of the most delicate and permeable skin on the body, which needs to be taken into serious consideration when using products in that area.
Regularly washing the vaginal area with gentle soap (but not inside the vagina, where soap can irritate delicate skin) prevents odor. If you would like to douche, only do so with white vinegar and water.
Avoid using products with fragrance in the vaginal area, as they can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and “chemical vaginitis” or yeast infections. |
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