Woman Politician Supports Safer Tampons

For Immediate Release
Toronto, May 14, 1997

Maria Minna Pledges Support For Safer Tampons

Maria Minna, M.P. for Beaches-Woodbine (Beaches - East York), in Toronto, announced her intention to defend the health of Canadian women and the Environment. Through her work with women's groups, she became aware of health risks from the use of tampons and other menstrual products, and has pledged to bring legislation that will require Canadian health authorities to investigate the health risks to women.

"I've reviewed a tremendous amount of material about the issues, and stand behind the need for an in-depth review of current policies to protect the health of women and the environment," stated Maria Minna. "Some of the tampon stories are shocking, and I'm going to get to the bottom of this."

"I've been told that tampon companies consider lawsuits because of illness and fatalities from toxic chemical and artificial fibers in tampons part of the cost of doing business. It's shameful." says ethical business activist Willi Nolan, who markets safer non-chlorine, 100% cotton tampons called Terra Femme. "I sell safer tampons because it's time somebody did. Women should use fewer tampons, and use them with caution. If we're not really careful, they can make us really sick, and even kill us."

"The big companies have been selling us lies. They 'forget' to tell women about all the dangers," says Nolan. "They have the best scientists that money can buy, telling health authorities that their tampons are perfectly safe. Money to try to keep people like me quiet, and keep safer products off the shelves. But I won't keep quiet." Unlike the leading brands, Nolan's tampons are free from rayon fibers, which are a cause of Toxic Shock Syndrome; Terra Femme are also free of Chlorine compounds, the leading cause of dioxin contamination in the environment and on products like tampons.

Maria Minna met Willi Nolan during Nolan's collaboration with the federal ministry of the Environment to introduce "Green Clean," pollution-free dry cleaning to Canada. There, the two publicly announced another first, "gender free pricing," and led other dry cleaners to equalize prices for cleaning men and women's clothing.

Admittedly, tampon issues will not be an easy one for politicians. "Maria Minna is to be commended for her courage," says Nolan. Maria Minna has stated that she will introduce an "Act" upon her return to office on June 2nd, "With or without the support of the men." If it has to go in as a private member's bill, these cards will be put on the table. There is no doubt that environmental problems from manufacturing are behind epidemic rates of certain diseases in people."

"In the meantime, we can demand that retailers carry safer products." says Nolan, "And demand that politicians act now to protect us from the manufacturers."

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For more information or a backgrounder, contact:
Maria Minna, MP: (416) 690-6161 or mminna97@global.com
Willi Nolan: (416) 539-8548 or willi@biobiz.com