Labeling alone does not guarantee safety. Even if fibers are organically grown, subsequent processing steps such as bleaching, chemical finishing, or hydrogen peroxide treatment can introduce hazardous substances, leading to exposure risks similar to those of conventionally produced fibers. For example, a baby bodysuit labeled "organic cotton" with the Nordic Ecolabel was found to contain benzothiazoles—compounds that can be toxic and environmentally persistent. Certain benzothiazole derivatives are being investigated for potential health risks, including skin sensitization, endocrine disruption, and carcinogenicity.

Cotton sanitary products are often bleached with chlorine-based chemicals or hydrogen peroxide to achieve a bright white appearance, even when labeled as "organic." During bleaching, dioxins—a group of highly toxic pollutants—can form as byproducts. The term "dioxins" refers to a group of structurally related compounds with varying toxicity, some of which are considered highly toxic. Because bleached sanitary products remain in continuous contact with the vaginal area during menstruation, they may serve as a source of dioxin exposure, potentially affecting vaginal and skin health, reproductive function, and increasing the risk of related disorders.

During menstruation, vaginal tissue becomes more permeable, allowing chemicals such as dioxins to be absorbed more readily. This can disrupt the natural microbial balance, hormone regulation, and overall reproductive health. Exposure to toxic chemicals like dioxins can impair the female reproductive system at multiple levels, including the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, and reproductive tract. Dysfunction in any of these areas can interfere with ovarian function and may lead to infertility. Dioxins can also alter the male-to-female sex ratio in offspring.

Even at low doses, dioxins can negatively affect reproduction—reducing fertility, increasing miscarriage risk, causing birth defects, and raising the likelihood of endometriosis. At higher doses, they can weaken the immune system, cause shrinkage of reproductive organs, and lead to skin damage. Furthermore, developmental exposure of either parent has been associated with an increased risk of preterm birth in offspring.