Box of 18 Kotex Natural Curved Super Absorbency Tampons

Box of 18 Kotex Natural Curved Super Absorbency Tampons (15 remaining), plastic applicator, "Helps Prevent Accidents", reverse of pack includes information about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), Kimberly-Clark, USA, 1994-1995

These tampons from Kotex featured a curved applicator and non-slip grip to make them easier to insert. The wound fibre tampons expanded widthways to “help prevent accidents”, i.e. leakage. They were supplied with a resealable pouch for carrying and disposal – functions bound up with notions of discretion and hygiene.

In 1982, the US government introduced new rules requiring warning labels on packaging after higher absorbency tampons were shown to be associated with an increased risk of developing toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacterial infection. The crisis sparked public debate about period waste, and the politicised nature of blood during the HIV/AIDS epidemic – which peaked in the mid-1990s when this pack was made – demanded extra precautions for its disposal. Plastic pouches sought to alleviate fears and ensure ‘biohazard waste’ was carefully contained.