BRUSSELS – EDANA, the trade association representing most manufacturers of feminine hygiene products in EMEA, has issued a statement following the sad passing of 17-year old Maëlle Laurence in Belgium due to a case of toxic shock.

The organisation has extended its condolences to her family for their sad loss.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is extremely rare but can affect men, women and children of any age. TSS is not caused by tampons, but by the common bacteria – Staphylococcus aureus – which normally lives harmlessly on the skin and in the bodily cavities of one in every three people. In rare cases certain strains of these bacteria can produce toxins (poisons) that cause TSS

The use of tampons has been associated with Toxic Shock Syndrome and it is estimated that about half of TSS cases are related to menstruation, but the research on TSS has not reached any precise conclusions on the link between TSS and tampon use.

EDANA’s members would like to reassure consumers about the safety of the billions of tampons placed on the EU market annually. The products meet or exceed all applicable national and European regulations. EDANA and partner organisations in the UK and France have worked to raise awareness about TSS and ensure that relevant information and studies are made available.

Manufacturers follow the EDANA ‘EU Tampons Code of Practice’, a guidance paper published to harmonise consumer information in all EU countries, irrespective of brand. It includes advice on correct tampon use, information about Toxic Shock Syndrome and a standardised test method to ensure the absorbency ratings are consistent.

Tampons have a long history of safe use and this has recently been tested and confirmed by several health and safety authorities.

The products are subject to stringent general safety requirements and are included in the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC (GPSD), which aims at ensuring that only safe consumer products are sold in the EU.

www.edana.org