Recent studies have found that tampons, which millions of people use every month, contain toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
This research, done by UC Berkeley and Columbia University, is the first of its kind to measure these metals in tampons.
And it’s a big deal! The vaginal skin can absorb these harmful substances quickly, raising significant health concerns.
What They Found
- Researchers tested tampons from 14 different brands and found 16 metals, including some toxic ones.
- Non-organic tampons had more lead, while organic tampons showed higher levels of arsenic.
- These metals likely come from contaminated water, air, soil, and the manufacturing process. (Berkeley Public Health) (Mailman School).
The Risks
Exposure to toxic metals can lead to serious health issues like dementia, infertility, diabetes, cancer, and damage to the liver, kidneys, brain, heart, nervous system, and hormones. It can also affect maternal health and fatal development. (Berkeley Public Health) (Mailman School).
A Personal Encounter with TSS
As someone with a deep and personal connection to menstrual health, I have always advocated for alternatives like menstrual cups and period pants. My mother’s near-fatal encounter with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) in the late 1980s, due to a tampon being left in too long, left a lasting impression on me.
TSS is a rare but serious bacterial infection often linked to tampon use. After a week of battling a severe bug, she had forgotten she had a tampon in during her period. This oversight led to a staphylococcus infection that ravaged her body. She endured a coma, multiple surgeries, kidney failure, and cardiac arrests.
This traumatic event underscored the hidden dangers of tampons and the importance of raising awareness about safer menstrual products. The symptoms of TSS, such as rash, fever, nausea, and confusion, can easily be mistaken for other illnesses, making it even more dangerous and difficult to detect.
Why I Advocate for Moon Cups and Period Pants
Given my personal history, I have long been an advocate for Moon cups and period pants. These products offer a safer alternative to tampons, reducing the risk of TSS and exposure to potentially harmful substances.
- Moon Cups: These reusable silicone cups collect menstrual blood without causing microscopic tears in the vaginal walls. They are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and significantly reduce the risk of infections.
- Period Pants: These are brilliant inventions designed to absorb menstrual flow comfortably and discreetly. They offer a chemical-free, convenient option that supports menstrual health without the risks associated with tampons.
The Call for Greater Awareness and Inclusivity
Given the recent studies on toxic metals in tampons, it’s crucial to consider safer alternatives and promote menstrual health education. By sharing these findings, my mother’s story and advocating for menstrual cups and period pants, I hope to encourage others to explore these options and prioritise their health.
We need to keep talking about the risks associated with traditional menstrual products and push for safer, more inclusive solutions. There has never been a more important time to break the silence and stigma around menstrual health and make sure everyone has access to safe and effective menstrual care.
It’s vital for manufacturers to test and label menstrual products for toxic metals. Increased public awareness and demand for safer products can drive industry changes, ensuring menstrual health products are safe for all users.
This is why I am driven to change the conversation about being in a body that bleeds. So we can have open conversations and feel comfortable sharing our stories.
Menstrual education is crucial at all levels of our development, and that’s where I come in. I bring the ‘missing education’ we never got in school to organisations and give them the tools to navigate and normalise conversations with empathy rather than embarrassment.
Find out more about Bloody Marvellous Menstrual Workshops here.
For more information on the study and its implications, you can refer to the full articles here (Berkeley Public Health) (Mailman School).
Or if you have any questions about the work I do or want support, please reach out at rise@samanthagarstin.com
