Scientists have found heavy metals in everyday products like clothing, water, and even chocolate. Yet, despite their widespread pervasiveness, researchers only recently began investigating their presence in tampons. A study at UC Berkeley examined 30 tampons across 14 unnamed brands and 18 product lines, including samples from some of the “top sellers.” The menstrual products were purchased online and from stores in New York City, Athens, and London between September 2022 and March 2023. Researchers detected 16 heavy metals in “measurable concentrations” in the tampons, including the toxic metals arsenic, lead, and cadmium.
The levels of heavy metals depended on various factors, including the region where they were purchased, store- versus name brands, and material. The study reports, “Lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons, while arsenic was higher in organic tampons.” As mentioned in the research, these potentially harmful metals could have found their way into these intimate products in several ways. Water, air, or soil could contaminate materials like rayon and cotton in the production process. Some companies might intentionally use heavy metals to reduce odor, pigment products, or as antibacterial agents.
While this study marks an important step in scientific research, further investigation is required to determine the extent to which these metals could leach out of the tampons and into a person’s body. Nevertheless, the discovery is a critical staple in the fight for regulating the menstrual product industry to prioritize safety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies tampons as medical devices, a distinction that does not require manufacturers to disclose ingredients on their labeling. The organization tasked with protecting the health and safety of all Americans doesn’t mandate that tampons be tested; it only recommends that they not contain dioxin or pesticide residue.
Around 1.8 billion people worldwide menstruate. An estimated 52% to 80% of menstruating people in the United States use tampons, with each person using over 7,400 tampons in their lifetime. Heavy metals in tampons can pose a severe threat to the health of many. In the past, Congress has tried unsuccessfully to regulate menstrual products. However, upon the release of this groundbreaking study, lawmakers continue to call for the FDA to improve safety standards for tampons.
SOURCES
https://www.unicef.org/wash/menstrual-hygiene
https://www.npr.org/2024/09/05/nx-s1-5100168/tampon-metals-fda-congress-democratic-womens-caucus
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/11/nx-s1-5036484/tampons-heavy-metals-study