Tampons Found To Contain Lead, Arsenic & Plastics

Millions of women across the world use tampons, pads, and other menstrual products every month. However, recent studies have revealed that tampons may contain certain potentially toxic chemicals and heavy metals linked to a range of health problems.

That being said, further research is needed to determine the long-term impact tampons containing such substances could have on our health.

In a recent study, researchers found “measurable concentrations” of 16 different heavy metals across 14 different organic and nonorganic tampon brands. This included toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. The highest levels of metals found were calcium and zinc.

The study states that:

Lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons while arsenic was higher in organic tampons,” with neither category showing “consistently lower concentrations of all or most metals.

While the levels the researchers found were small, prolonged exposure to any amount of lead “heightens the risks of developing neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, or renal diseases,” according to the European Environment Agency. 

This isn’t the first time tampons and other menstrual products have found themselves under the microscope for potential health risks. In the past, researchers found that menstrual products, including tampons, may contain chemicals like perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), plasticizers (or phthalates), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Such chemical groups are emitted as gas or fragrances from consumer products such as scented menstrual aids. These chemical groups may affect the body’s endocrine system, potentially disrupting its regulation of metabolism, sexual development, mood, blood sugar, and more.

Some of the metals found in the tampons – such as calcium, copper, iron, and zinc – are safe in low amounts, but may have a negative effect on a person’s endocrine functions if accumulated over time. 

Can Toxic Substances Absorb Into the Body?

So far, scientists are unsure about whether heavy metals can leach from tampons into the body. There have not been any conclusive studies (yet) about the potential impact of tampons on health, and the next step for researchers is to figure out if the metals and plastics can leach from the tampon into the body.

A spokesperson for the US Food and Drug Administration, which regulates menstrual products like tampons, told CNN:

The study was also unable to determine whether any metal, even if released into the body, can be absorbed into the vaginal lining and subsequently into the bloodstream.

How Metals And Chemicals Get Into Tampons

So, how do detectable levels of metals and other toxic substances get into tampons? The answer lies in the soil and water.

Most tampons are made of cotton or a cotton-rayon blend. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. All of these materials are made from plants, which easily absorb metals like arsenic, lead, and other heavy metals, which are natural elements and metals found in soil, water, air, and the earth’s crust.

The soil and water of many parts of the world are also heavily contaminated with chemicals used to produce a wide range of plastic products we use in our everyday lives. PFAS and other chemicals enter the soil, air, and groundwater from consumer products discarded in landfills, human waste, and byproducts from fluorochemical manufacturing plants. 

What Can I Use Instead?

Considering that PFAS and other toxic chemicals have also been found in menstrual pads and period underwear, the average menstruating consumer may be looking for other options.

Menstrual cups, which are small, flexible cups inserted into the vaginal canal to collect menstrual blood, have NOT been shown to contain PFAS, making them a safe alternative to tampons and pads.

They are made of medical-grade materials like silicone, natural rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, or latex, which means that there isn’t the concern of the materials degrading or leaching into your body. Plus, they can hold up to three times as much fluid as a normal tampon. 

Not only are menstrual cups significantly more sustainable than other period products (the reusable cups can last years) they may also reduce your exposure to the toxic chemicals and metals found in tampons. Some other benefits of menstrual cups over tampons or menstrual pads include:

• Decreased odor
• Not worrying about leakage – You can safely wear the cup for longer periods of time before having to change it out or being worried about leakage, as menstrual cups hold more liquid than tampons
• Cost-effectiveness – Tampons and pads cost an average of $50-$150 per year. A menstrual cup only costs between $20-$40, and can last from six months to 10 years, depending on the brand. That’s a significant amount of money saved.
• Environmental sustainability – Tampons and pads end up in landfills, where the plastics take years to degrade and may end up leaching into the soil. 
• Lower risk of toxic shock syndrome – Not only are menstrual cups made of safer materials than other period products, they also lower your risk of developing toxic shock syndrome because they collect rather than absorb blood. Toxic shock syndrome is a rare bacterial infection that may result from improper tampon use.