Not only has research revealed tampons contain harmful chemicals, but a new study unveils 16 toxic metals in these products.
A recent study published in Environment International by U.S. researchers tested 30 tampon samples across 18 different products and 14 brands to see if these everyday products long relied on by menstruating women worldwide contain harmful toxins that should not be introduced into the body. The current research builds upon previous investigations which have detected the presence of a number of chemicals in tampons, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, parabens, volatile organic compounds, and dioxins. However, the team specifically looked at whether it’s possible that women are being exposed specifically to toxic metals when using tampons.
Perhaps surprisingly for some, tampons were first developed by a male inventor, Dr. Earle Haas, in the 1930s. Dr. Haas invented the first commercial applicator tampon which was adopted by Tampax. Today, tampons are widely used, purchased by an estimated 52% and 86% of menstruating women in the U.S., who rely on the absorbent properties of tampons – materials like viscose, cotton, or rayon. However, as warning labels inside boxes indicate, the use of tampons can carry potential harmful side effects, such as toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious condition caused by harmful bacteria. Scientists have also uncovered that many tampons contain harmful chemicals that pose health risks when these products are used continually over time.
Because tampons are by their very nature meant to be absorbent, this makes the presence of toxins and bacteria especially dangerous. Along with soaking up menstrual cycle blood, it allows for other substances to also be retained in the body for extended periods of time.
For the current study, the team resourced a variety of tampon brands, levels of absorbency, and product types, including seven products labeled as organic, four products from outside the U.S., five generic brands, and seven without plastic applicators. Using plasma mass spectrometry, they measured the concentrations of 16 metals or metalloids: arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc.
The results returned significant and concerning findings across the various tampon types. All 16 metals were found in the samples. Notably, high levels of cadmium, lead, and arsenic were detected, and while mercury and chromium returned insignificant findings, calcium and zinc were present in the highest concentrations. Most concerning was the discovery of lead in all samples. Lead exposure is known to have toxic effects on neurological, renal, reproductive, immunological, cardiovascular, and developmental health, and has long been banned for use in homes.
These findings draw urgent attention to the need for further research and stricter product regulations. Again, it is important to note that while toxic metals were discovered in the current study, previous studies have already discovered a variety of other chemicals present in these products. Unfortunately, neither suggested solution is immediate, so until either option can get underway, tampon users should strongly consider relying on alternative products to manage their menstrual cycle symptoms.
Sources:
Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s
A Brief History of the Tampon and Who Invented It
Toxic shock syndrome – Symptoms & causes
Real-world menstrual cycle characteristics of more than 600,000 menstrual cycles
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