Tampons contain toxic metals, study reveals
A wide range of off-the-shelf tampons contain more than a dozen toxic metals, including lead and arsenic, a new UC Berkeley study found, raising concerns for millions of women who use these sanitary products.
The findings, published in the Environmental International journal on July 3, call for stringent regulatory measures to mandate metal testing in menstrual products.
Researchers emphasized that the vaginal skin’s higher absorption rate poses the risk of chemical exposure for the millions of women who rely on tampons monthly.
“Despite this large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons,” said lead author Jenni A. Shearston, a postdoctoral scholar at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. “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.”
The authors emphasized that it is unclear if the detected metals in the tampons studied are causing negative health effects. “We haven’t measured metal concentrations in tampons before, so we don’t know what levels to be concerned about,” Shearston said in an interview.
However, she indicated that future research will delve into the extent of metal leaching and absorption from tampons.
The investigation included 30 tampons from 14 brands purchased at major retailers, analyzing 16 metals: arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium and zinc. Results showed that lead was present in all samples, while at least one tampon tested had all metals.
The study found that most metals, except mercury, were present in measurable amounts. Zinc and calcium were found in the highest concentrations, while arsenic had the lowest. Toxic chemicals like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and vanadium were consistently found, with lead being the highest among them.
There is no minimum safe level of lead exposure. Even trace amounts of lead leaching from tampons into the bloodstream could have adverse health effects. Lead is stored in bones, replacing calcium, and can remain in the body for decades. Arsenic and cadmium also pose severe health risks.
Inorganic arsenic is a known carcinogen linked to cardiovascular disease, skin conditions, and respiratory and neurological disorders. A study on rats found that vaginal exposure to arsenic can affect the uterus and ovaries. Cadmium primarily harms the kidneys and is associated with cardiovascular issues.
Variations in metal concentrations in the study were noted based on regional purchase locations, and whether tampons were organic or nonorganic, with nonorganic showing higher lead levels and organic revealing elevated arsenic levels.
No single category consistently had lower concentrations of all or most metals.
“Although toxic metals are ubiquitous and we are exposed to low levels at any given time, our study clearly shows that metals are also present in menstrual products and that women might be at higher risk for exposure using these products,” said study co-author Kathrin Schilling, assistant professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.
Chronic exposure to such metals has been linked to other severe health issues, including dementia, infertility, diabetes and various cancers, as well as potential harm to maternal and fetal health.
The tampons’ contamination routes remain uncertain. However, possible sources include environmental absorption by cotton or purposeful additions for product pigmentation or antibacterial properties.
The study did not disclose specific brands tested.
Representatives for major tampon brands, such as Tampax, manufactured by Procter & Gamble; Kotex, made by Kimberly-Clark; and Playtex, produced by Edgewell Personal Care, did not respond to requests for comment.
The authors hope the study raises awareness of this potential issue and galvanizes demand for better safety standards.
“There’s been some historical taboos around menstruation and periods that impact scientific research,” Shearston said.
“I really hope that manufacturers are required to test their products for metals, especially for toxic metals,” she added. “It would be exciting to see the public call for this, or to ask for better labeling on tampons and other menstrual products.”