Absorbent Materials

In the late 1970s, a dramatic increase in cases of toxic shock syndrome appeared among users of superabsorbent tampons. Eventually, the ‘’superthirsty” absorbent was found to encourage growth of the bacteria Staphyloccocus aureus. In the early 1980s more health problems seemed to be linked to improvements in absorption, and by 1986 Tambrands and Playtex had removed their polyacrylate tampons from the market. Six years later the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that trace amounts of dioxin used to bleach and sterilize cotton components of pads, tampons, and diapers could cause birth defects and possibly cancer.

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, pads were comprised of anything from an absorbent, compressed cotton and cellulose-pulp core, a plastic moisture-proof liner, a soft nonwoven textile for drawing moisture away from the skin (like viscose rayon and cotton blend), and chemicals such as polyacrylates to prevent leakage and keep the product from falling apart. Scientists working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture had discovered that the cellulose properties of ground chicken feathers could be manipulated and used as an absorbent material, utilizing billions of tons of discarded poultry-plant waste. The fibers are straight polymer chains-like cotton-making them highly absorbent. Internationally, the use of tampons, disposable diapers, and sanitary napkins is still largely reserved for developed countries. However, as more innovative techniques reduce the reliance on expensive imported products (e.g., bird feathers), the convenience of absorbent technology may stretch beyond current economic, cultural, and geographic borders.