A Study Found Lead and Toxic Metals in Tampons. Here's Why It's Not as Scary as It Sounds

Fact checked by Nick BlackmerFact checked by Nick Blackmer

Key Takeaways

• A new study found that many tampons contain toxic metals like lead and arsenic.

• Researchers tested 30 tampons from 14 brands and found all 16 tested metals in every sample, including organic products.

• However, researchers say it's unclear if these metals can leach out of the tampons and enter the bloodstream.

A new study on tampons has gained much attention online this week because it found toxic metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic in 30 tampon samples. Researchers said this raises concerns because vaginal cells can efficiently absorb chemicals into the body.

The study, published in the journal Environment International, tested tampons from 14 unnamed brands in the United States and Europe to evaluate the presence of 16 metals. Researchers found measurable concentrations of all 16 metals in the samples, even including organic tampons.

“It is important to acknowledge that these are small concentrations, but at the same time, people use tampons for several hours at a time, for several days in a row, for decades of their lives, and so even a low concentration of a really harmful substance can be an issue,” said Jenni A. Shearston, PhD, MPH, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California Berkeley.

The researchers estimated that people who menstruate may use over 7,400 tampons during their lives.

Every tested sample contained lead, a toxic heavy metal that has no “safe” exposure level. The accumulation of lead in the body can cause damage to almost every organ, and severe lead poisoning can result in seizures or even death. Arsenic, which was detected in some samples, may increase the risk of cancer or neurological disease.

The lead concentrations in the tested tampons had a geometric mean of 120 ng/g, which is lower than the lead limits set for other environmental exposures like soil and drinking water. However, it's unclear if the metals can leach out of the tampons and enter the bloodstream through vaginal absorption.

A spokesperson from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) told Verywell via an email that the agency plans to evaluate the study results closely.

"While the chemical method used indicates these metals are present in the tampons tested in the laboratory, the study does not assess whether any metals are released from tampons when used in the body," the FDA spokesperson said. "It also does not address whether any metal, if released, can be absorbed into the vaginal lining or, subsequently into the bloodstream."

Related: Over Half of U.S. Children Have Detectable Levels of Lead in Their Blood

Toxic Metals Were Found in Organic Tampons

Researchers tested store- and name-brand tampon products purchased in New York City, Athens, and London between 2022 and 2023. The study does not specify which tampon brands were tested, but the samples included organic and non-organic products, different absorbencies, and products with plastic, cardboard, or no applicators.

“It’s really important to think about the results holistically, that, regardless of brand, we’re finding toxic chemicals in tampons,” Shearston said.

The researchers measured metal concentrations in the tampon's non-woven outer covering and the inner absorbent core, which is made from materials like cotton, rayon, or viscose. Metals occur naturally in the environment and may get into plant materials through the soil or the use of fertilizers. Processing and manufacturing techniques may also contaminate tampon materials with the metals.

Although both organic and non-organic tampons contained toxic metals, the researchers found higher concentrations of arsenic in the organic tampons and lead in the non-organic tampons.

Should You Stop Using Tampons?

Shearston said researchers are still trying to determine if the metals can leach out of the tampons and be absorbed by the body through regular use.

"We don't want to jump to the conclusion that we can't be using tampons. That's a little premature," she said.

The FDA regulates tampons in the U.S. to ensure these products are safe and effective. Part of this process includes reviewing data from manufacturers about safety testing of the product’s materials. Previous research hasn’t come to firm conclusions about how much risk there might be.

If you're concerned about tampon safety in the meantime, you can opt for alternative menstrual products, such as silicone menstrual cups, menstrual discs, or disposable period underwear, according to Meleen Chuang, MD, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn who was not involved in the study.

“It is important to note that the levels of these metals found in tampons may vary, and more research is needed to fully understand the health effects,” Chuang said.

Read Next: 1 in 3 Women Experience Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. Here's How to Manage It

What This Means For You

The presence of toxic heavy metals in tampons, even in small concentrations, is concerning, given the prolonged and repeated use of these products over a lifetime. While the FDA regulates tampon safety, you could consider alternative menstrual products like silicone menstrual cups and menstrual discs if you’re worried about potential exposure to harmful metals.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.