Lead and Arsenic Found in Tampons Sold in U.S. and Europe, Study Reveals
A recent study published in the journal Environmental International has revealed a disturbing discovery – lead and arsenic have been found in a wide variety of tampon products sold in the United States and Europe. Researchers conducted testing on 30 tampons from 14 different brands obtained from major online retailers and stores in the U.S., the U.K. and Greece.
The study found lead in all 30 tampons, along with a variety of other metals including arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, and mercury. The presence of these metals in tampons raises concerns about potential health risks for women who use them, as the skin of the vagina is more permeable than other parts of the body. Researchers emphasized the need for regulations requiring manufacturers to test for metals in tampons.
Interestingly, organic tampons were found to have less lead but higher levels of arsenic compared to non-organic tampons. Additionally, tampons sold in the United States had higher concentrations of lead than those sold in Europe. Researchers suggested that the metals could have come from the soil through the plants used to make the products, or from chemicals used in the tampons as antimicrobials or to control odor.
The study did not name the specific brands tested, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet commented on the findings. More research will be needed to determine the potential health implications of these findings.
