LifestyleToxic dangers: Heavy metals found in popular tampon brands

Toxic dangers: Heavy metals found in popular tampon brands

Research conducted by scientists and published in the journal "Environment International" shows that the use of tampons can be hazardous to health. Toxic metals such as arsenic and lead were found in some brands.

The results of research on popular tampons may surprise many people.
The results of research on popular tampons may surprise many people.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

1:16 PM EDT, July 12, 2024

A tampon is one of the most popular intimate hygiene products. However, it turns out, its content may be very surprising.

Scientists from Columbia University and Michigan State University examined 30 tampons from 14 brands and 18 product lines for the presence of heavy metals. Importantly, the products come not only from the USA—they were also purchased in Athens and London.

Heavy metals in tampons? Surprising research results

The conclusions are surprising—scientists found measurable concentrations of all 16 sought-after metals in the tampons. Additionally, they recorded elevated concentrations of toxic metals, including lead, arsenic, and cadmium.

Scientists claim that tampons can be contaminated at various stages of production. This includes the influence of water, air, or soil, and some metals may be added for odor control or as an antibacterial agent.

Importantly, scientists do not definitively link this discovery with potential health effects that may result from using tampons. They believe further studies are needed to determine how much the detected metals can transfer from tampons into the body.

However, researchers are calling for more stringent regulations related to tampon production. They hope that the published research results will provide a basis for more accurate measurement of toxic metal concentrations. Currently, such recommendations do not exist.

Related content
© essanews.com
·

Downloading, reproduction, storage, or any other use of content available on this website—regardless of its nature and form of expression (in particular, but not limited to verbal, verbal-musical, musical, audiovisual, audio, textual, graphic, and the data and information contained therein, databases and the data contained therein) and its form (e.g., literary, journalistic, scientific, cartographic, computer programs, visual arts, photographic)—requires prior and explicit consent from Wirtualna Polska Media Spółka Akcyjna, headquartered in Warsaw, the owner of this website, regardless of the method of exploration and the technique used (manual or automated, including the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence programs). The above restriction does not apply solely to facilitate their search by internet search engines and uses within contractual relations or permitted use as specified by applicable law.Detailed information regarding this notice can be found  here.