Toxic metals — including lead and arsenic — have been detected in tampons, according to a new study published in the Environment International scientific journal.
The study analyzed 30 tampons from 14 tampon brands and 18 product lines and found they had “measurable concentrations” of one or more of the following 16 metals:
- Arsenic
- Barium
- Calcium
- Cadmium
- Cobalt
- Chromium
- Copper
- Iron
- Manganese
- Mercury
- Nickel
- Lead
- Selenium
- Strontium
- Vanadium
- Zinc
The highest concentration was found for zinc, the study said.
“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 Kathrin Schilling, a co-author of the study.
Between 52–86% of people who menstruate in the United States use tampons — cotton and/or rayon/viscose “plugs” — to absorb menstrual blood, according to the study.
No previous studies have measured metals in tampons to the authors’ knowledge, according to Jenni Shearston, the study’s lead author, USA Today reported.
“Future research is needed to replicate our findings and determine whether metals can leach out of tampons and cross the vaginal epithelium into systemic circulation,” the study said.
“Despite this large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons,” Shearston said in a statement. “Concerningly, we found concentrations of all metals we tested for, including toxic metals like arsenic and lead.”
The metals could have ended up on the tampons in numerous ways, according to the study.
Tampons’ cotton material could have absorbed them from the environment or nearby contaminants, or the metals could’ve been added as a way to add pigment, whitener or an antibacterial agent, according to USA Today.
“I really hope that manufacturers are required to test their products for metals, especially for toxic metals,” Shearston said.
Leanna Totten was angered by the study’s findings.
“It just seems like women’s health — it’s constantly put on the backburner, and then it’s explosive,” she said.
Totten, 25, of Bloomfield, said she believes the news speaks to a lack of transparency and accountability in tampon companies.
“It’s just a pattern of really unfair circumstances,” she said. “I just feel like we are working so hard as young women to be educated and not be ashamed and fight for our health … people deserve to know what’s going on.”
Cydnie Freeman she said she was shocked and disheartened by the discovery.
“It’s crazy to think about,” said Freeman, 25, of Canonsburg. “This isn’t being regulated, and this is being found in products that we need.”
She said she hasn’t noticed many people talking about the study’s findings.
“Anybody who has a period should know,” Freeman said.
The study’s finding “made sense” to Nicole Dias, who hasn’t been using tampons at all for the last six months.
Dias, 41, of Penn Hills, said she experienced negative symptoms like severe cramps, bloating, and nausea from using tampons.
“It is a significant difference of pain — like half of what I’ve normally had,” she said, by not using tampons anymore.
Dias said she’s glad there are other options available instead, especially in light of the metals.
“I don’t want to ever use them again,” she said. “I didn’t realize how awful they would make me feel.”
