A recent investigation has raised concerns over toxic metals in tampons sold in the United Kingdom (UK). Tests conducted on 30 products purchased in New York, Athens, and London revealed alarming findings: some tampons contained high levels of arsenic, chromium, and even lead. All 16 metals tested were detected in at least one tampon.
Americans can now submit their receipt so they can refund the sales tax they paid on tampons and other menstrual products. (Photo : Josefin from Unsplash)
High Levels of Toxic Metals in Tampons
According to US researchers, exposure to lead, arsenic, and other metals in these products could pose serious health risks. Lead, for instance, is known to impair brain development, while other metals could potentially lead to life-threatening blood clotting issues and increase the risk of certain cancers.
Interesting Engineering reported that the study suggests that tampons could serve as a significant source of metal exposure for women, highlighting a potential health concern that warrants further investigation and awareness.
Lead researcher Jenni Shearston emphasized that because of the vagina's sensitivity and the widespread use of tampons, this situation has significant potential to become a serious public health issue.
Variability in Metal Content and Health Implications
The study analyzed 30 tampons from various brands, detecting 16 different metals across 18 product lines. Researchers found all 16 metals present in at least one tampon, including toxic ones like lead, which has no safe exposure level.
They observed that metal concentrations varied based on factors such as the tampon's origin (US or UK), whether it was store-brand or name-brand, and whether it was organic or non-organic. Non-organic tampons tended to contain more lead, while organic options showed higher levels of arsenic.
These metals can potentially harm internal organs, the brain, the nervous, and the endocrine systems. The study also highlighted their possible impact on maternal health and fetal development. Researchers are uncertain about the potential health impacts of these metals.
More research is necessary to understand how much the vagina absorbs and whether other chemicals are also taken into the body. Given the widespread use of tampons among women, there is urgency for further and prompt studies.
Shearston hoped that manufacturers would be mandated to test their products for toxic metals. She emphasized the importance of public demand for improved labeling on tampons and other menstrual products to ensure consumer safety.
As noted by UC Berkeley, tampons can absorb metals during manufacturing or from additives such as whiteners and antibacterial agents. The potential for chemical absorption is higher in the vagina compared to the skin, although it's uncertain whether brands are required to evaluate tampon toxicity levels.
Given that half of the world's population menstruates monthly, with a majority using tampons, concerns about public health, including infertility, are significant. Despite their widespread use since the 1960s, the long-term effects of tampons, including the absorption of toxic metals like arsenic and lead, remain incompletely understood.
