The first study to find toxic metals in tampons is raising concerns about women’s health.
The University of California, Berkeley Department of Public Health released its initial findings on July 3, finding that several brands of tampons may contain toxic metals, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
According to the University of California, Berkeley, millions of menstruating women in the United States – between 52 and 86 percent – use tampons for several hours at a time each month.
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As These figures are particularly alarming because the vagina is more likely to absorb chemicals than any other part of the body, the researchers wrote in the journal Environment International.
According to the university, exposure to metals can increase the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes and cancer.
According to the researchers, between 52% and 86% of menstruating women use tampons regularly. (iStock)
Researchers warn that toxic metals can damage the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems, as well as the liver, kidneys and brain.
Metals can also have adverse effects on the mother’s health and the developing fetus.
“It’s time to make America healthy again and protect consumers.”
Despite the public health concerns, “very few studies have been done to measure the chemicals in tampons,” Jenni A. Shearston, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health and lead author of the study, said in a statement.
She continued, “To our knowledge, this is the first paper to measure metals in tampons. What’s concerning is that levels of every metal tested were detected, including toxic metals such as arsenic and lead.”
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The study measured levels of 16 metals (arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium and zinc) in 30 tampons from 14 different brands (specified).
Metal concentrations varied depending on whether the tampons were purchased in the US or Europe/UK, whether they were organic or non-organic, and whether they were store brand or name brand.
A new study finds that levels of metals vary depending on the brand, where you buy them, and the type of tampon (organic or non-organic). (iStock)
Non-organic tampons had higher levels of lead, while organic tampons had higher levels of arsenic.
Regardless of the level, “measurable concentrations” of all 16 metals were found in all types of tampons.
“No category had consistently low concentrations of all metals, or even most metals,” the study said.
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“At least one tampon sample had detectable levels of all 16 metals, including toxic metals such as lead, for which there is no safe exposure level.”
According to the University of California, Berkeley, tampons can absorb metals in a variety of ways, including from water, air, soil, and nearby pollutants.
“All 16 metals were detected in at least one tampon sample.”
Some metals may be intentionally added by manufacturers “as pigments, bleaches, antibacterial agents or as part of other processes in the factory.”
The researchers confirmed that it is unclear whether the presence of these metals contributes to the adverse health effects.
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“Future studies will test the extent to which these metals leach from tampons and are absorbed by the body, as well as measure the presence of other chemicals in tampons,” the researchers said.
Women’s Health Experts Speak Out
Dr. Jillian Lopiano, a Miami-based obstetrician-gynecologist and chief medical officer for reproductive telemedicine platform Wisp, who was not involved in the tampon study, acknowledged the dangers posed by high levels of toxic metals such as lead in a conversation with Fox News Digital.
“Because metals are ubiquitous in the environment, there are acceptable levels of exposure for each type of metal and they are not known to cause dangerous side effects,” the doctor said.
Doctors agreed that manufacturers should test tampon products for toxic metals. (iStock)
Lopiano said the study did not look at the effects of absorption, but the levels recorded in the study were below thresholds of concern.
In any case, the obstetrician-gynecologist stressed that manufacturers should “100%” test for toxic metals and know what ingredients and contaminants are in their products.
“It’s so important for women to know what’s in their products.”
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Nicole Safia, MD, Fox News medical correspondent and director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, told Fox News Digital that the findings are “alarming.”
“The vaginal lining is highly absorbent, so any harmful chemicals or substances exposed to this area can be absorbed through the tissue and potentially reach the systemic (circulatory) system,” warned Safia, who was not involved in the study.
Nicole Safia, MD, Fox News medical correspondent and director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, told Fox News Digital that the findings are “alarming.” (Fox News)
With cases of cancer and autoimmune diseases on the rise, it’s “clear” that environmental exposures are “making a significant contribution” to the increasing prevalence of disease, Safia said.
“Some exposures, like air and microplastics, are unavoidable,” she continued.
“But women should be able to trust the feminine hygiene products and other health products that are on sale because they are so important to women’s health.”
“Companies should be required to test products sold for human consumption or bodily use for harmful toxins.”
Safia said it was “unfortunately nothing new” that health products could be harmful, adding that other everyday products have also been proven to contain disease-causing chemicals.
“It’s no wonder so many young people are suffering from cancer and autoimmune diseases these days,” she said. “Companies should be required to test products sold for human consumption or use on the body for harmful toxins.”
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She added, “The United States should look to other countries around the world that have already begun banning products containing harmful ingredients. Now is the time to make America healthy again and protect our consumers.”
Based on this study, for women who are uncomfortable using tampons, one doctor suggested several alternatives, including menstrual cups, discs, pads and period underwear. (iStock)
Based on the study, for women who are uncomfortable using tampons, Lopiano suggested several alternatives, including menstrual cups, discs, pads and period underwear.
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Lopiano praised the University of California, Berkeley for leading the research toward understanding safety in women’s health.
“Like most studies on women’s health, this is a good start and a starting point to gather better quality data from which conclusions can be drawn and recommendations made to improve women’s lives and safety,” she said.
What you need to know about tampon regulations
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates tampons as a medical device, according to its website.
“FDA-approved tampons are made from cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two,” the agency states on its site. “The absorbent fibers used in FDA-approved tampons currently on the market are produced using a bleaching process that does not contain elemental chlorine, which also prevents the product from containing dangerous levels of dioxins, a type of contaminant found in the environment.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates tampons as medical devices. (Reuters/Andrew Kelly/File Photo)
Before tampons can be sold in the United States, they “must be reviewed by the FDA to determine whether they are as safe and effective as (substantially effective as) lawfully marketed tampons,” the FDA said.
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In response to a question from Fox News Digital, an FDA spokesperson released a statement about the study.
“The FDA is reviewing the study,” the agency said. “All studies have limitations. While the chemical methods used indicate that these metals are present in laboratory-tested tampons, the study did not evaluate whether the metals are released from the tampons when used internally, nor did it address whether any released metals are absorbed by the vaginal lining or then enter the bloodstream. We will closely evaluate this study and take any appropriate steps to protect the health of consumers who use these products.”
Fox News Digital also reached out to researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and several tampon manufacturers for additional comment.
