Some tampons contain asbestos, toxic dioxins and other harmful substances.

See the story here.

In general, no.

The email makes two basic claims, one of which false and one which may fall within the realm of scientific dispute.

Here are the claims:

Tampons contain asbestos - False.

The Food and Drug Administration says:

Before any tampon is marketed in the U.S., [the] FDA reviews its design and materials. Asbestos is not an ingredient in any U.S. brand of tampon, nor is it associated with the fibers used in making tampons. Moreover, tampon manufacturing sites are subject to inspection by [the] FDA to assure that good manufacturing practices are being followed. Therefore, these inspections would likely identify any procedures that would expose tampons products to asbestos.

Some tampons contain dioxins - True, however, dioxins present must fall below levels mandated by the Food and Drug Administration. One might wonder, are the FDA levels set sufficiently low to protect the health of women? Yes, according to the FDA and the general scientific consensus. Could scientific opinion and the FDA change? Of course, but for now there is no compelling evidence to do so.

Rayon ... creates a breeding ground for dioxin - False. Dioxins are formed by the bleaching process. They are not alive nor can they 'breed.'

Forwarded email is a poor source of reliable medical advice. Given the prevalence of hoaxes, urban legends and assorted bunkum that is spread by forwarded email, any medical advice received by forwarded email ought to be verified with reputable sources.

Web references:

• "Tampons and Asbestos, Dioxin, &Toxic Shock Syndrome" from the FDA
• "The Tampon Scare Hoax" from Quackwatch
• "Asbestos in Tampons?" from About.com
• "Asbestos in Tampons" from the Urban Legends Reference Pages

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