"Antibacterial", "disinfectant" and "odor-inhibiting" may sound good in advertising messages, but not a word is said about their harmful effects on people, health and the environment.
Objects treated with biocides promise hygiene and protection against disease-causing germs. Biocides are sometimes also hidden in clothing that is close to the body. Menstrual hygiene products in particular are often treated with them to prevent odors and to suggest safety.
However, few people know that these can also cause undesirable reactions.
What are biocides?
Literally translated, the word biocide means “killing life”.
When it comes to materials contaminated with biocides, the industry primarily uses the attractive-sounding terms “antibacterial,” “germ-free,” or “disinfectant.” These refer to products that have been treated with special microorganisms or chemicals. These work by preventing harmful organisms from multiplying and by killing them.
Each of us has come into contact with biocidal products in the course of our lives, such as moth traps, insect sprays, disinfectants or even bleach.
The use and application of such products is subject to strict regulations and is regulated by law.
Biocides are present in many everyday items, but most consumers are not even aware of their use. This makes it all the more important to inform end consumers about the ingredients of the goods they buy and possible alternative products.
Anyone who buys products that promise 99.99% removal of bacteria or that are supposed to inhibit fungal growth and odor formation can assume that they contain biocides.
These are mainly found in clothing, bed linen, kitchen items and cleaning utensils for the bathroom and kitchen.
The most common biocides in clothing
It is often difficult or even impossible for end consumers to identify biocides in textiles. If you want to avoid such products, you should always read the label or the respective product information.
These substances characterize the use of biocides:
· Triclosan
· Carbendazim
· Silver
· Titanium oxide
· Alphasan
· Microban
· Microfresh
· Sanitized
· Silverplus
· SteriTouch
· µ-Function
· Zinc pyrithione
Biocidal products must be labelled and can be identified by the registration or authorisation number. The legally required advertising notice also provides information about the use of biocides.
How harmful are biocides to health?
Eliminating harmful bacteria is tempting and gives many consumers a false sense of security. However, many people are not aware that the use of biocides not only kills pathogens, but also beneficial bacteria.
The chemicals triclosan and carbendazim in particular are often used in textiles to kill bacteria.
Triclosan is associated with the increasing resistance to antibiotics and is suspected of negatively altering the genetic makeup. Carbendazim did not fare any better in the Öko-Test.Research is still underway into its effects on reproduction and whether it may be carcinogenic.
The most common harmful health consequences of the use of biocides are:
· Allergic reactions
· Development of resistance to pathogens
· Threat to fertility
· Damage to aquatic organisms
· Carcinogenic
Many of these chemicals are increasingly found in underwear and sportswear. However, the labelling is not clear enough for buyers, so they have no idea that the clothing contains harmful pollutants.
According to a Case study by the Federal Environment Agency Biocides are largely washed out after the first few washes, which pollutes the environment and reduces their effectiveness in clothing.
After just 3 washes, more than half of the silver is washed out, and after about 10 washes, up to 98%.
In many countries, many chemicals are now banned from being used as bacteria killers in clothing, including carbendazim. However, if the item of clothing is produced outside the EU, the use of various substances is not traceable or simply not declared. Therefore, caution is advised here in particular.
The BMU (Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety) has already issued a warning about biocides in textiles. The federal government is even going a step further and calls for these products to be taken off the market see (point 6.3.2)
What are biocides doing in period underwear?
The answer is simple - nothing. Many companies still use biocides because they can bind unpleasant odors and kill bacteria. But even without the addition of biocides, using period underwear is hygienic and safe.
Period underwear usually consists of several absorbent and moisture-proof layers. The middle layer is often treated with biocides so that bacteria cannot multiply and cause odors.
If the briefs are changed regularly, rinsed with cold water after use and then washed at 40 degrees, in our experience this is completely sufficient to remove germs and bacteria. If you want to be on the safe side, our briefs can also be washed at up to 60 degrees Celsius (in the ECO program!). Neither biocides nor fabric softeners or hygiene conditioners are necessary to keep the underwear hygienically clean.
Hygienically clean even without biocides
The use of biocides is actually not necessary; there are already many good alternatives.
In the worst case, the use of biocides has the exact opposite effect. By weakening the immune system and destroying the good bacteria, viruses and germs can multiply unhindered and become a real danger.
So what can you do to avoid biocides?
Most items, such as underwear, sportswear and menstrual hygiene products, do not require biocides. Regular washing at 40 to 60 degrees is just as effective against odors and bacteria and is also gentler.
It is important to avoid using fabric softeners and hygiene rinses, as these also usually contain biocides and could harm the body and the environment.
It is essential that our bacterial flora is maintained and kept healthy in order to provide our immune system with sufficient protection. Fear of bacteria is stoked to encourage consumers to buy products treated with biocides. But this is not necessary, because with normal and regular hygiene, most pathogens can be combated and kept under control.
Be careful when buying period underwear
If you are concerned about your health, you should take a closer look when buying menstrual hygiene products and watch out for additives that are harmful to your health.
When buying, opt for skin-friendly materials such as organic cotton from certified companies, as these are less often treated with biocides. Biocide-free products can be researched on various consumer portals.
Criteria you should focus on:
· Biocide-free
· Ecologically and fairly produced
· Organic raw materials
· Vegan
Menstruate sustainably with biocide-free period underwear from Taynie
At Taynie, we have studied health guidelines and hygiene standards in the production of textiles in detail. Our years of experience have enabled us to produce period panties without the use of chemicals, biocides or other substances that are harmful to health.
By using organic raw materials from selected certified partner companies, we can guarantee the maximum tolerability of our products.
We are currently the only period panty manufacturer on the German market whose products are tested for harmful substances and have a test number according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified are.
