New Research Has Found Toxic Heavy Metals in Tampons: What to Know About the Study and Results
For years, concerns have circulated about the safety of tampons, with users questioning the chemicals and materials used in their production. Now, a recent U.S. study by the University of California, Berkeley, provides a stark revelation: hard metals, including some toxic, were detected in numerous popular tampon brands. This discovery has intensified the debate about the safety of these essential products and prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review the findings.
The tampon study reveals widespread contamination
In the study published by Environmental International on July 3, researchers analyzed tampons purchased between September 2022 and March 2023 from stores in New York City, Athens, Greece, and London, England, as well as from two major online retailers. They examined 30 different tampons made from materials such as cotton, rayon, viscose or a combination of these. The study spanned 14 brands and 18 product lines, finding all 16 targeted metals in every product tested. Some of them are toxic, including lead, cadmium and arsenic.
The study found that metal concentrations in tampons varied depending on their geographic market, specifically comparing products sold in the U.S., U.K. and E.U. Additionally, they observed differences between organic and non-organic tampons. The researchers suggested that some metals might be more prevalent in organic cotton tampons due to fertilizers used in organic farming.
Regulatory gaps in tampon safety for consumers
Jenni A. Shearston, the lead author of the study, stated, “Despite this large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons.” She noted that to her knowledge, this study is the first to assess metal concentrations in tampons. Currently, the authors wrote that “there is no requirement to test tampons for chemical contaminants, and the FDA only recommends that tampons not contain two dioxin compounds or pesticide residues.”
Shearston emphasized the importance of mandatory testing for toxic metals in tampons. “I really hope that manufacturers are required to test their products for metals, especially for toxic metals,” she told Sky News. “It would be exciting to see the public call for this, or to ask for better labeling on tampons and other menstrual products.”
The potential health risks of tampons for menstruators
According to the study, tampons are a popular choice for 52 to 86% of Americans who menstruate. It highlighted the absence of a “safe” level for any of the tested metals, underscoring the risks associated with chronic metal absorption. Toxic metals are particularly hazardous when in direct contact with the vaginal area, where absorption is more efficient. Prolonged exposure to metals can cause serious health issues, including dementia, cancer and infertility.
How do metals contaminate tampons in the first place? Soil contamination, fertilizers or pesticides, manufacturing processes, water contamination and packaging may all play a role.
“Although toxic metals are ubiquitous and we are exposed to low levels at any given time, our study clearly shows that metals are also present in menstrual products, and that women might be at higher risk for exposure using these products,” adds co-author Kathrin Schilling.
However, it is important to note that the study did not test the absorption of metals. This means the health risks associated with tampon use remain unclear. The authors wrote, “Future research is needed to replicate our findings and determine whether metals can leach out of tampons and cross the vaginal epithelium into systemic circulation.”
The FDA responds to the tampon study findings
The FDA said in a statement that it is reviewing the study’s findings and will take any action necessary to safeguard consumer health. “All studies have limitations. While the chemical method used indicates these metals are present in the tampons tested in the laboratory, the study does not assess whether any metals are released from tampons when used in the body,” the agency said. “It also does not address whether any metal, if released, can be absorbed into the vaginal lining or, subsequently into the bloodstream."
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