[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 28, 2014)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E847] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] INTRODUCTION OF ROBIN DANIELSON ACT OF 2014 ______ HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, American women deserve the ability to make educated decisions when purchasing products that could potentially endanger their health and their lives. Women in America spend over $2 billion per year on feminine hygiene products. Recent independent studies led by women's health organizations have shown that some feminine hygiene products could contain additives that may be harmful to a woman's health. The FDA requires tampon manufacturers to monitor dioxin levels but this information is not readily made available to the public. Diseases such as cervical cancer, endometriosis, infertility, and ovarian cancer may be linked to feminine hygiene products in our bodies but there is no way of knowing the extent of these connections with the lack of research on feminine health today. Women's health issues and feminine hygiene are taboo subjects in many cultures, including our own. In order to move past stigmas associated with menstrual health, leaders must unite to promote research that will educate and empower women and also ensure their safety and health. It is time to ensure that accurate information with regards to women's health is being collected and is readily accessible. That is why I have introduced legislation that directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research to determine the extent of contaminants in feminine hygiene products. The Robin Danielson Act of 2014 directs the NIH to research whether the presence of dioxin, synthetic fibers, and other chemical additives like chlorine and fragrances pose any health risks to women who use feminine hygiene products. Recent studies from women's health organizations have found that they might. We must be a leader in fighting against the challenges that confront women's health globally. This way, we can break the silence around the world by confronting taboos that interfere with the well-being of women by proving that these issues deserve our attention. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation that I am introducing on Menstrual Hygiene Day. ____________________