Study: 16(!) Toxic Metals Found in Women's Tampons

Scientists have discovered unexpected “ingredients” in feminine hygiene tampons – several toxic metals, including lead and arsenic.

Statistics show that in the US, 52% to 86% of women use comfortable tampons, viscose or cotton, to absorb blood during their period. The sanitary product consists of several components:

(A) non-woven outer covering,

(B) extraction thread,

(C) inner absorbent core,

(D) applicator,

(E) wrapper.

However, as it turned out, there are other “components” present there. Scientists have discovered toxic metals – lead, arsenic, cadmium and others – in several brands of tampons used by millions of women around the world. This is stated in the study, published in the scientific journal Environment International.

How reports MedicalXpress, a group of American scientists analyzed 30 tampons from 14 different brands for levels of 16 metals: arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium.

The tampons were purchased in different countries – the USA, Great Britain and EUVarious samples were tested, including organic and conventional, well-known brands and brands from large retail chains. Scientists found that metals were present in all types of tampons. No category had consistently lower concentrations of all or most elements. Lead concentrations were higher in inorganic tampons and arsenic concentrations were higher in organic tampons.

According to experts, metals could have gotten into the tampons in several ways. For example, if it is cotton, it could have absorbed metals from water, air, soil, or through nearby pollutants (if the cotton field is located near the plant). Some elements could have been intentionally added during production – as a component of pigment, bleach, antibacterial agent, etc.

The findings are concerning because the vaginal skin is more susceptible to chemical absorption than other areas of the body. In addition, depending on the country, 50-80% of women use tampons during menstruationStudy co-author Katrin Schilling said:

“While toxic metals are ubiquitous and we are exposed to low levels at all times, our study clearly shows that metals are also present in menstrual products and women may be at higher risk of exposure when using these products.”

Metals increase the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes and cancer. They can damage the liver, kidneys, brain, as well as the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems. In addition, metals can negatively affect the development of the fetus. But the specific health risks of metals in tampons are still unknown.

The scientists plan to conduct further studies to determine how many of the metals found may leach out of the tampons and be absorbed by the body. They will also determine whether other chemicals are present.

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