What to Know About Heavy Metals Found in Tampons
Lindsay Knake
| 2 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
A new study has found several brands of tampons sold in the United States contain toxic metals such as lead, cadmium and arsenic.
The study, published in August in the scientific journal Environmental International, looked at concentrations of 16 metals in 14 brands of tampons and found the presence of all 16 metals. The levels of metals were not consistent through all the tampons. For example, arsenic was higher in organic tampons while lead was higher in non-organic tampons. Brand names were not included in the study.
Researchers found metal got into the tampons in several ways:
- Cotton plants absorbing metals from the soil
- Lead in water during the manufacturing process
- Manufacturers adding calcium and zinc to the products for odor control, antibacterial agents and pigment
What does this mean for health?
The study concluded the potential harm of the metals in tampons is yet unclear and more studies are necessary to determine whether the metals cross into the body and cause harm.
Absorbing or ingesting heavy metals in the body can cause health risks such as heavy metal poisoning. This, however, is rare and typically involves exposure to eating foods that contain metal, environments with high levels of pollution and drinking contaminated water.
Previous studies found a range of chemicals in tampons, including dioxins, flame retardants and volatile organic compounds. The U.S Food and Drug Administration regulates tampons as a medical device, but does not require testing for chemical contaminates and recommends they do not have dioxin or pesticide residue.
What are alternatives to tampons?
While the health risks associated with tampons are still unknown, people who are concerned can consider alternatives such as pads and menstrual cups and discs.
Cups are typically reusable and made of silicone, rubber or latex. Additionally, menstrual cups are more environmentally friendly than pads and tampons and less expensive, according to the Mayo Clinic. Menstrual discs are similar to cups, but not all are reusable.
Reusable cloth pads and period underwear are other alternatives that can last for a few years and reduce waste and cost.
Section 3702 of the U.S. CARES Act makes all menstrual products eligible to be purchased with HSA or FSA accounts. It includes pads, tampons, menstrual cups and discs and period underwear.
Image: Getty Images
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