CINCINNATI - Procter & Gamble Co. shareholders will be greeted by protestors Tuesday morning, as Women’s Voices for the Earth pushes for changes to the Always brand of feminine hygiene products.
The group commissioned laboratory tests in 2014 that showed Always products emit “carcinogens and reproductive and developmental toxins,” according to a press release. A full list of the chemicals is available on WVE’s web site, but they can't be found on Always packaging.
“It’s been nearly two years since we first brought these test results to the attention of Procter and Gamble and nothing has changed. Instead, P&G has ignored the concerns of their consumers,” said Sarada Tangirala, WVE’s National Campaign’s Manager. “So we’re bringing these concerns directly to P&G’s shareholders.”
The group is planning a four-hour “Detox the Box” rally at P&G headquarters, where it will deliver 35,000 petition signatures and ask P&G to list all ingredients on Always packaging and remove toxic chemicals.
P&G spokesman Damon Jones said the materials in P&G’s feminine care products are “commonly used” throughout the industry and have been tested to ensure safety.
“We share our feminine care product information with independent experts including medical consultants, university scientists, and the FDA so that women can use our feminine hygiene products with confidence,” Jones said. “In addition, our products are medical devices in the US and are required to meet the strict safety expectations of the FDA. For those who would like to know more, we provide information on the materials in these products and their safety on our brands’ websites.”
P&G’s ingredient disclosures on Always pads include polyolefins, petroleum and zinc oxide, absorbent wood cellulose and rayon. They do not include chlorines, toxic dyes or “toxic amounts of dioxin,” according to P&G’s web site.
