A new study found “measurable concentrations” of 16 metals in brands of tampons available in the United States and abroad
A new study has revealed that tampons from various brands contain toxic metals such as arsenic and lead.
The research, published in Environment International, examined 18 product lines from 14 different tampon brands. It discovered “concentrations of several toxic metals.”
They specifically tested for arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc, and found “measurable concentrations of all 16 metals assessed.”
“Lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons while arsenic was higher in organic tampons,” the study noted. No single category had consistently lower concentrations of all metals.
These findings are significant because of the unique biology of the vagina, which has more permeable skin compared to other body parts. Chemicals absorbed vaginally bypass the liver’s first-pass metabolism and detoxification processes, entering directly into the bloodstream.
The brands tested in this study were not named but were available for purchase in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Greece. Alarmingly, regulations in these areas are practically non-existent when it comes to protecting consumers from contaminants in tampons. No governmental bodies require manufacturers to test their products for harmful chemicals, including metals.
Lead author Jenni Shearston, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, told CBS MoneyWatch, “We cannot yet say that people should not be using tampons. So far what we know is that metals are present in all the samples we tested. However, we do not know yet if metals leach out of the tampon and whether they are absorbed by the body. We therefore cannot yet assess to what extent [if any] metals in tampons contribute to any health problems.”
“Our research emphasizes the need for more testing of toxic compounds in products we use daily and better labeling so users can make more informed decisions,” Shearston added.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commented that it is currently reviewing the study’s findings. A spokesperson stated, “While the chemical method used indicates these metals are present in the tampons tested in the laboratory, the study does not assess whether any metals are released from tampons when used in the body. It also does not address whether any metal, if released, can be absorbed into the vaginal lining or, subsequently into the bloodstream. We plan to evaluate the study closely and take any action warranted to safeguard the health of consumers who use these products.”
