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Arsenic, Lead and Other Toxic Metals Found in Tampons, Here’s What it Means for Our Health

Menstrual health is threatened yet again after a new study found toxic metals in popular tampon brands across the United States.

According to the study by “Environment International” several toxins including lead, were detected in the tampons. This raises concerns about women’s health and the implications of using these menstrual products. The study is one of the first conducted to measure chemicals in tampons. Other toxins such as arsenic and cadmium, which could be potentially deadly, were found in the products tested.

Berkely Public Health states that metals can increase the risk of infertility, diabetes, dementia, and cancer. Additionally, damage to the liver, brain, kidneys, nervous and cardiovascular systems can occur.

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Tampons Menstrual Health

The study also found that around 50-80% of people use tampons monthly as a means of menstrual hygiene. Here’s what the new findings could mean for us.

Fourteen different tampon brands were studied with concentrations of metals varying in each

Although tampons are among the most popular menstrual hygiene methods used among menstruating people, the study by “Environment International” is the first of its kind to be conducted. Researchers looked at levels of 16 different metals including: barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, vanadium, zinc, lead, selenium, and strontium in 30 tampons from 14 diverse brands. They also looked at organic tampons vs. non-organic and compared store-bought vs. name-brand. The brands were not named in the study.

Surprisingly, metals were found in all tampons. While lead concentration was higher in non-organic tampons, arsenic was higher for organic ones.

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“Despite this large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons,” lead author of the study Jenni A. Shearston, a postdoctoral scholar at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and UC Berkeley’s Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management said. “To our knowledge, this is the first paper to measure metals in tampons. Concerningly, we found concentrations of all metals we tested for, including toxic metals like arsenic and lead.”

Adding, “I really hope that manufacturers are required to test their products for metals, especially for toxic metals. It would be exciting to see the public call for this, or to ask for better labeling on tampons and other menstrual products.”

While it’s unclear how the metals found their way into tampons, researchers have theories. Among them is that cotton and rayon materials can become contaminated by water, air, or soil in production cycles. Meanwhile, metals can be added during the manufacturing process for odor, pigment, or antibacterial control.

Menstrual alternatives to tampons that are sustainable

With concerns over tampon safety growing among consumers, alternatives are being sought out. If you’re looking for products that are reusable and don’t use harmful toxins, these can be of use.

  • Menstrual cups: For the most part, they are made of rubber, latex, or elastomer. They collect menstrual fluid without absorbing it.
  • Period discs: Just like menstrual cups, they are worn internally to collect menstrual fluid. You can also use them to have sex while on your period.
  • Reusable pads: These pads are made of cloth and can be washed and reused.
  • Sponge tampons: Sea sponges made of natural materials can absorb menstrual fluid and be inserted like tampons.

One thing’s for sure, we need to continue advocating for safer periods for all!

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