Scientists from the University of California, Berkeley have discovered toxic metals in tampons, which could pose serious health risks to women.
In their study, the researchers analysed 30 tampons from 14 different brands, finding all 16 metals they tested for in each sample. These metals included arsenic, lead, mercury, nickel, copper, and iron, among others.
The levels of metals varied based on whether the tampons were sold in the US, UK, or EU, whether they were organic or non-organic, and whether they were branded or generic supermarket lines.
The study highlights that between 52% and 86% of women in the US use tampons during their menstrual cycles.
Due to their direct contact with the vaginal area, tampons contaminated with harmful substances pose significant health risks, as the metals can be easily absorbed.
Exposure to these metals can increase the risk of conditions such as dementia, cancer, infertility, and diabetes, and can affect the liver, kidneys, brain, as well as the cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems. They can also be harmful to unborn babies.
Jenni Shearston, the lead author of the study, noted: “Despite the significant potential for public health concerns, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons. To our knowledge, this is the first study to measure metals in tampons. Alarmingly, we found concentrations of all metals we tested for, including toxic metals like arsenic and lead.”
No Safe Level of Metal
The study found that organic tampons had higher levels of arsenic, while non-organic tampons had more lead. Metals can contaminate tampons through the absorption of polluted water, air, or soil by the cotton, or through the intentional addition by manufacturers for pigmentation.
The researchers stressed that there is no “safe” level of any of the metals tested.
Ms. Shearston expressed hope that manufacturers will be required to test their products for metals, particularly toxic ones. “It would be encouraging to see the public demand this, or call for better labelling on tampons and other menstrual products,” she added.
