Toxic metals in tampons – is there anything to be afraid of?
Researchers at the University of California at Berkeley tested 30 tampons of 14 different brands purchased in the US, Greece and England for the presence of toxic metals.
The results, published recently in Environmental International caused an uproar because toxic metals were found in the materials of all 30 tampons, both organic and inorganic brands.
Currently, more than 50% of women use tampons at some stage in their lives, and according to estimates from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, the percentage is as high as 80% in Western countries. So far, however, very few studies have been conducted to measure the chemical content of tampons.
What does the tampon have inside?
Tampons, in a form similar to the one we know today, were developed and patented in the 1930s by a doctor named Dr. Earle Haas. He patented the first applicator tampon in 1931, and a few years later the patent was bought by Gertrude Tenderich and she founded the widely known company Tampax.
It is worth noting, however, that the concept of tampons dates back to antiquity. Women over the centuries have used various materials, such as papyrus, wool and cotton, as a form of tampons, but the modern version with an applicator became available thanks to the work of Dr. Haas.
Tampons are usually made of a blend of cotton and viscose, which are characterized by high absorbency and biocompatibility. Biocompatibility means that the material can stay inside the body without causing adverse reactions.
Some tampons are made of 100% cotton or even “certified organic cotton.”
What are the regulations for tampons?
Tampons, classified as hygiene products, are covered by the European Parliament and Council Directive on general product safety (2001/95/EC).
The directive, however, gives manufacturers a great deal of leeway and requires manufacturers to market only safe products, but does not require manufacturers to disclose the list of product ingredients. Manufacturers should, however, provide consumers with adequate information to enable them to assess the risks of a product through appropriate warnings.
Since there is a huge difference between other hygiene products and tampons, which are in contact with the mucosa inside the vagina for an extended period of time, the lack of regulation in this regard is rightly questionable. It is worth noting that the vaginal mucosa exhibits greater absorbency and is a less tight barrier than the skin, so tampons should be subject to stricter regulation.
What toxic metals have been detected in tampons?
The recently published study, which aroused so much excitement, not only : showed elevated average concentrations of lead, cadmium and arsenic showed elevated average concentrations of lead, cadmium and arsenic in tampon materials, but additionally observed that metal concentrations varied according to
- region of purchase of tampons (US contra EU/UK),
- material (organic contra inorganic),
- brand (“store” tampons, i.e., manufactured for a particular store contra “brand” tampons).
The results were surprising, as no category had consistently lower concentrations of all or most metals.
In addition, lead concentrations were higher in inorganic tampons, while organic tampons had higher arsenic concentrations. It is likely that the arsenic levels in organic tampons may be due to the use of natural fertilizers in organic cotton fields, although this hypothesis needs to be tested.
Researchers emphasize that further studies are needed to assess how much the presence of metals can negatively affect women’s health, as it is unknown to what extent metals can be absorbed and how harmful they can be.
The study did not assess whether tampons used in the body release any metals, or whether any metal, if released, could be absorbed by the vaginal mucosa and enter the bloodstream. However, given the higher capacity of the vagina to absorb chemicals compared to other parts of the body, the topic urgently needs analysis.
Alarming results were also obtained in another tampon study conducted in 2022 by theę Mamavation organization. At the organization’s initiative, a certified laboratory tested 23 types of tampons for PFAS.
PFAS ( per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals characterized by a long carbon chain and the presence of fluorine atoms.
PFASs persist in our bodies and environment for an extremely long time, and in addition, some of them can accumulate, hence their common name “eternal chemicals.” Scientific studies have shown that some PFAS have harmful effects on human and animal health, also contributing to cancer.
A Mamavation-initiated study found PFAS in 22% of tampons, including in organic tampons (specifically, in 2 pieces). Again, it has not been determined whether dangerous substances penetrate the body and, if so, in what amount. However, there are studies that suggest that dermal exposure – absorption of PFAS through the skin – may be an important route of penetration into the human body.
Are tampons safe for health?
At the moment, there is not enough research to give a definite answer. The likelihood that harmful substances found in tampons can be absorbed into the bloodstream exists, but has not been scientifically confirmed. What we do know is that it is likely that toxic metals or PFAS can appear in many products, but we do not know the extent or consequences of their presence.
Should I give up using tampons for the sake of my health?
This is a completely individual decision, while the above information may inspire you to try alternative means.
What are the alternatives to tampons?
Tampons have gained popularity due to their convenience of use, so they are not easy to give up. However, reusable means, which are safer for health and, in addition, more beneficial to the environment,, are gaining popularity, in this case, for example, menstrual cups and discs.
A menstrual cup is a flexible reusable hygienic device made of non-toxic and anti-allergenic materials, most commonly medical silicone, but you can also get cups made of TPE thermoplastic, rubber or rubber.
A menstrual cup is a flexible reusable hygienic device made of non-toxic and anti-allergenic materials, most commonly medical silicone, but you can also get cups made of TPE thermoplastic, rubber or rubber.
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