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.
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.
