A shocking revelation has come to light regarding popular tampon brands sold in the U.S., U.K., and European Union. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Columbia University has uncovered that fourteen well-known tampon brands contain toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium. The study, published in the journal Environment International, also revealed that a total of 16 different types of toxic metals were found in the 30 products tested.
Lead study author Jenni A. Shearston expressed concern over the findings, stating that very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons. The list of metals discovered included arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, and more. Interestingly, the concentrations of these metals varied depending on the country of purchase, whether the product was store-brand or name-brand, and whether it was labeled organic or non-organic.
The researchers stressed that no amount of lead exposure is considered safe for human reproductive health and called for further testing to determine how these metals entered the products. Shearston hopes that manufacturers will be required to test their products for toxic metals, and that the public will demand better labeling on tampons and other menstrual products.
These findings follow previous studies that found “forever chemicals” known as PFAs in menstrual products. California lawmakers have attempted to ban the use of PFAs in tampons sold in the state. As concerns over the safety of menstrual products continue to grow, it is essential for consumers to stay informed and advocate for safer products.
