A new study conducted by researchers at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health has identified the presence of 16 different heavy metals in tampons from 14 different brands purchased in the U.S. and the U.K. Most tampons are made from cotton and/or rayon, which may be exposed to heavy metal contamination in the soil. These heavy metals can leach into the plants growing within agricultural soil, leading to potential contamination in tampons. Researchers found measurable concentrations of all 16 heavy metals tested for in the tampons, with lead being present in 100% of the samples tested.
The study, published in the journal Environment International, evaluated levels of heavy metals in 30 tampons from 14 brands and 18 product lines. Researchers compared heavy metal concentrations between U.S. and U.K. purchased tampons, as well as store-brand vs. name-brand and organic vs. non-organic tampons. The study found that no specific category consistently had lower amounts of heavy metals, but non-organic tampons had the highest concentration of lead, and organic tampons had the highest amount of arsenic. However, the researchers did not make recommendations on which type of tampon is safest, as further research is needed to determine which metals can leach out of tampons.
During interviews with experts, Dr. Lydia Jahl of the Green Science Policy Institute advised consumers to reach out to their favorite tampon brands to inquire about testing for toxic metals in their products and select tampons with lower levels of toxic metals. She also suggested considering alternative menstrual products such as pads, menstrual underwear, or menstrual cups. Dr. Sherry Ross, a board-certified OB/GYN, highlighted the need for transparency in feminine products and the associated health risks. She emphasized the importance of more research to quantify the levels of metals in tampons and determine potential health effects on users.
Dr. Ross pointed out that women are becoming more invested in their health and wellness, seeking ways to prevent common medical complications associated with aging. The study raises concerns about the potential health risks of using tampons containing heavy metals, which may be linked to medical conditions such as dementia, infertility, diabetes, cancer, and damage to various organ systems. Dr. Jahl echoed the need for more research on how toxic metals in tampons are absorbed by the body and called for investigations into making tampons without harmful additives. She emphasized the importance of companies not purposefully adding toxic metals or harmful chemicals to tampons.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of ongoing research into the safety of menstrual products and the need for transparency within the industry. Consumers are encouraged to educate themselves on the potential risks associated with tampons, reach out to manufacturers for information on testing protocols and select products with lower levels of toxic metals. More research is needed to understand the health implications of using tampons containing heavy metals and to develop guidelines for safer menstrual products. The findings of this study serve as a call to action for tampon manufacturers to prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals using their products.
