Sixteen potentially harmful metals can be found in tampons sold by two dozen unique brands, a new study finds, highlighting concerns about exposure for people who use them.
The levels of the metals found in the 30 different tampons sampled were low. But 12 of the 16 metals identified were detected in all of the tampons. The study, by researchers with Columbia University, the University of California Berkeley and Michigan State University, was published in the peer-reviewed journal Environment International.
Absorbing metals in our bodies
It’s possible the metals in tampons can be absorbed through contact, since the skin of and around the vagina is more sensitive than other parts of the body. A separate peer-reviewed paper noted that tampons can cause tiny tears in the vagina, which may allow chemicals to enter the body.
The study’s 30 tampons included those made from cotton, rayon or a mix of cotton, rayon and viscose. There’s limited data on this risk, but one 2019 study published in Environmental Health observed that concentrations of blood mercury were higher among tampon users. This suggests metals may enter the body as a result of tampon use.
The cotton used to make tampons commonly contains heavy metals from the soil in which it was grown. Authors of the Environmental International study also say some metals are added intentionally for odor control, lubrication or color or as preservatives, citing several tampon patents that mention the addition of metals in their design.
EDC exposure in tampons
Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury are also endocrine disruptors, or EDCs. Exposure to these chemicals is linked to a suite of health problems, including adverse reproductive effects and cardiometabolic consequences.
Metals are not the only EDCs detected in tampons and other menstrual products: Studies have also reported levels of the “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, in addition to phthalates and parabens.
Adolescents are starting to menstruate earlier and earlier, and EDC exposure during this time may be more harmful than later in life.
Despite the low levels of metals found in tampons, stricter regulation is necessary, given the mixture of chemicals found in the products and concerns about their impact – especially during critical periods of development like adolescence.
How tampons are regulated
Tampons are regulated as medical devices in the U.S., so manufacturers don’t have to disclose their chemical ingredients. Labeling requirements for tampons include warnings about toxic shock syndrome and absorbency information, but not ingredients.
Tampons from vending machines are exempt from any federal labeling requirements.
The Food and Drug Administration advises tampon companies to avoid use of pesticides and certain dioxins. But it hasn’t explicitly banned harmful chemicals for use in tampons.
Nor does the FDA require ingredients used in menstrual products like tampons to meet any kind of safety standard.
That’s why it can be difficult to know which products are safer. The FDA should pursue new rules to keep harmful chemicals out of menstrual products, require ingredient disclosure and set safety standards for ingredients.
And although the metal levels detected in the new study were low, the findings suggest a potential need to also revisit safety standards for metals in tampon material
What you can do
Until there are adequate tampon labeling requirements, consumers’ best option is to contact brands directly to ask what ingredients they use. It’s also important to support calls for new federal and state regulations to improve the safety of menstrual products.
