A recent study led by UC Berkeley found traces of toxic metals in several popular tampon brands. The study was the first of its kind and has since sparked important conversations regarding the safety of common consumer products.
Researchers evaluated levels of 16 metals – arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc – within 30 types of tampons from 14 different brands. Every brand showed “measurable concentrations” of all 16 metals and “elevated concentrations” of toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
According to the study, the exact amount of metals varied from brand to brand. Variations depended on what region the tampons were purchased from, whether they were organic or non-organic, and whether they were store versus brand-name.
The study found lead concentrations to be higher in non-organic tampons, while organic brands had higher concentrations of arsenic. However, no category had consistently lower concentrations of all or most metals.
The researchers chose not to name the brands so as not to obscure the fact that 100% of the samples contained toxic metals.
“Despite this large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons,” Jenni Shearston, lead author of the study and postdoctoral scholar at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, says. Though the study did not find enough evidence to directly link the metals to negative health effects, it proved to be an important first step for future researchers.
In the meantime, consumers search for answers based on existing knowledge. Exactly how harmful are those metals? How are those metals making their way into tampons? What alternative products are available for those who are concerned?
Understanding the Implications
We have well-documented the negative health effects of heavy metals. Heavy metals can damage the cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems, as well as the brain, liver, and kidneys. They increase the risk of dementia, cancer, and diabetes. Furthermore, they are linked to infertility and can harm maternal health and fetal development.
On the other hand, several of the metals found – like copper, calcium, iron, and zinc – are considered safe in lower amounts and are recommended by doctors. Even chemicals like arsenic, sometimes found in our food, are considered non-toxic in trace amounts.
Despite the known effects, researchers have yet to determine how much of those metals the body actually absorbs. Still, that question is of particular concern for two pressing reasons: frequency of use and absorption rate.
The Population of Those Who Use Tampons
Millions of people use tampons each month. 50-80% of those who menstruate use tampons, which stay in the body for several hours at a time. The average user will use more than 7,400 tampons during their reproductive years. Additionally, the skin of the vagina has a higher potential for chemical absorption than skin anywhere else on the body.
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Even so, one doctor, Dr. Nathaniel DeNicola, says, “I don’t think we’ve established [a] risk yet.” DeNicola, OB-GYN and past environmental health expert for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists views the study as more of a “reality check for consumers” that most products do not undergo rigorous safety testing and may contain chemicals.
“When you start to look at the chemicals in our human system, you realize that in modern life, we’re kind of swimming in them,” DeNicola adds.
Similarly, Kathrin Schilling, co-author of the study and assistant professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, says, “Toxic metals are ubiquitous… we expose ourselves to low levels at any given time.” Regardless, there still remains the concern that women are at higher risk for exposure when using such products.
Ubiquitous or not, researchers are now calling for stronger manufacturing regulations and exploring how toxic metals have made their way into tampons in the first place.
Taking Action: Regulations & Alternative Options
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies tampons as medical devices and regulates their safety. Yet, there is no requirement to test tampons for chemical contaminants. The FDA only recommends that tampons do not contain pesticide residue or dioxin.
However, in light of the study’s findings, FDA spokesperson Amanda Hils says, “We plan to evaluate the study closely and take any action warranted to safeguard the health of consumers who use these products.”
The study reports that metals could be entering tampons in a number of ways. For example, water, air, or soil can contaminate raw materials like cotton and rayon during production. In other cases, manufacturers might intentionally add metals as a pigment, antibacterial agent, or odor controller.
Either way, Shearston says, “I really hope that manufacturers are required to test their products for metals, especially for toxic metals. It would be exciting to see the public call for this or to ask for better labeling on tampons and other menstrual products.”
In the meantime, there are some measures that tampon users can take to try to reduce their exposure to chemicals.
First and foremost, consumers should look for period product labels with fewer ingredients. Labels should also exclude plastics, fragrances, and colorants.
There are several alternatives to tampons which consumers can consider as well, such as pads, period underwear, or menstrual cups. Menstrual cups have become increasingly popular over recent years, as they are reusable, sustainable, affordable, and convenient.
We also encourage consumers to do their own research. Several shopping apps exist, such as Yuka, which can scan product barcodes in-store and show consumers what chemicals products contain.
Some consumers have already taken matters into their own hands, such as TikTok user @imjustagirl368. In a recent video, she shares research on toxic and non-toxic feminine products as well as which brands to avoid.
Nothing New
For many consumers, especially in the US, the narrative of toxic chemicals in their products has become all too familiar. In fact, most common consumer products in the US contain toxic chemicals.
Shockingly, only 1% of those 84,000 chemicals currently in circulation have been tested for safety. Worse yet, the EU has banned 1,328 chemicals while the US has only banned 11.
Given these facts and the rise in toxic chemicals in products, the need for stronger regulations becomes increasingly urgent each day.
Unrelated to the broader conversation of consumer product safety, but commonly related to the bigger picture, is also the consideration of reproductive rights. Suppose there is a possibility that the toxic chemicals found in tampons are affecting users’ fertility, maternal health, or fetal health, then millions of people’s reproductive rights are also in jeopardy. In a world where women’s rights are already under attack, such a ramification would prove detrimental.
Taking into consideration such broader implications of the study further emphasizes the importance of its research. Though inconclusive regarding negative health effects, the study certainly reopened discussion about several important issues – ranging from concerns for consumer safety and lack of manufacturing regulations to consumer health and basic rights.
On a small scale, UC Berkeley’s study revealed that tampons contain toxic metals. On a larger scale, the study highlights the crucial conversations we should have and underscores the power of knowledge. Educating consumers is the only way to achieve stronger safety regulations and ensure the protection of rights.
