A recent study has raised concerns about the presence of toxins, including lead and arsenic, in multiple tampon brands on the market. Researchers tested 30 tampons from 14 popular brands in the US, UK, and Europe for various toxins and found that every single tampon contained some level of toxins.
Even organic tampons did not completely eliminate exposure to toxic metals, with higher levels of arsenic found in them compared to nonorganic products. The study, published in Environment International, highlighted that these toxins have been linked to health risks such as dementia, infertility, diabetes, cancer, and complications during pregnancy and fetal development.
However, the study did not determine whether the metals found in tampons were being absorbed by the body, leaving questions about potential health impacts unanswered. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing the study and considering whether any action is necessary to protect consumers.
With unclear information on whether similar chemicals might be present in other menstrual products, consumers are left in a quandary about which products to choose. Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah, an expert in women’s health, suggests that menstrual cups could be a safer alternative as they have not been linked to toxic metals or harmful chemicals.
While the study did not name specific brands, major tampon manufacturers like Tampax, Kotex, and Playtex have not responded to requests for comment on the findings. As concerns grow over the safety of menstrual products, experts are calling for improved testing and surveillance to ensure consumer health and safety.
