A research study from the University of California, Berkeley, revealed findings of toxic metals in all tampon brands. The study was first available online June 22. The tested samples included 14 brands, 18 product lines and five different variations of absorbency, all of which contained toxic metals. Given this data, tampons are not safe for women to use.
The remaining options are sanitary pads, menstrual cups and menstrual discs. Cups and discs are not as widely used as tampons out of the convenience of tampons and variations to accommodate different needs. According to the study, 52-86% of people who menstruate use tampons. The effects of this study on tampon sales are not yet clear, but with this information now public, women need more accessible, affordable, safe products.
In addition to toxicity, tampons and all period products bear financial weight. The average woman in a developed nation spends around $18,000 in her lifetime on period products. Additionally, prices of period products have increased by 41% since 2019. For women in developing nations or those living in poverty, this expense takes a toll on women’s lives and financial stability. The other options, like sanitary pads, still exist, but women should not have to put their lives on hold or have their period get in the way of daily comfort. We deserve more safe options.
The study on toxic metals in tampons found concentrations of barium, calcium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, vanadium and zinc. It also found several severely toxic metals, including lead, cadmium and arsenic. The study compared organic to inorganic brands, tampons sold by global regions and variations in tampon size or absorbency.
“Lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons, while arsenic was higher in organic tampons,” researchers said.
According to the study, it didn’t matter where they were from or how they were made, all tampons had a toxic concoction of metals. Some metals are organic from the soil where cotton is grown, but metals like lead have no “safe” exposure level.
Regarding where the metal came from, cotton plants contain metals from soil. This metal comes from atmospheric deposition, application of wastewater, metal-containing pesticides and fertilizers (arsenic is in phosphate-fertilizer). Manufacturers also add their own metal for “product whitening, antimicrobial purposes, odor reduction, lubrication and as pigments in applicators,” researchers said.
Researchers don’t yet know how absorbent these metals are into the systemic circulation, but the study said it is known that vaginally absorbed chemicals “do not undergo first-pass metabolism and detoxification via the liver.” Anything absorbed in this manner goes directly into circulation.
Looking back on the effects of tampons, many women are aware of toxic shock syndrome. Bacteria produced by tampons get into the blood and circulate in women’s bodies. It threatens vital organs and can be fatal. The study said there was an outbreak of this syndrome in the early 80s, and we now know it was likely linked to toxic metals.
Most women are aware of threats against their health with the use of various products but have no choice but to take risks for affordable, convenient care. Toxic shock syndrome has been spoken of for a long time, but it was never established or well known to be consistently toxic with tampon use. With this study of all tampons containing toxic metals, there is no avoiding the fact of a threat to health and safety. Resorting to other options is more important now than ever.
It is safe to predict a significant decline in future tampon sales, along with the exploration of women into alternative options. In the meantime, tampon and menstrual product companies need regulations and required testing of metals in their products for women’s safety.
It’s saddening to think these manufacturers might have already been aware of their products’ toxicity and chose to do nothing about it, putting millions at risk for the sake of their businesses. In addition, this study begs the question of how many other commonly used products are toxic. Ignorance is bliss as we put trust into financially biased consumerism to provide products necessary for daily life.
Libby Evans is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Libby know by emailing her at le422021@ohio.edu.
