Heavy Metals in Tampons: Everything You Need to Know

A recent study found heavy metals in tampons. 14 brands tested high for lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Are organic tampons safe? Let's take a closer look!

Do tampons have heavy metals in them?

A recent small pilot study finds that heavy metals can have high levels of lead, arsenic, and cadmium [1].Even scarier, heavy metals were in organic and inorganic tampons! More research is needed, but it’s always best to err with caution when it comes to your health. For millions of people around the world, menstruation is an inevitable part of life, making choosing period products a necessity. The vagina is a highly sensitive area of the body. It’s capable of absorbing more harmful chemicals than other areas, making the selection of non-toxic period products crucial. Let’s take a look at the presence of heavy metals in tampons and what to do about it. 

Which Heavy Metals Are In Tampons?

Are heavy metals hiding in your tampons? A recent study has raised serious concerns. Researchers tested 30 tampons from 14 different brands. 

The results of this small pilot study found measurable levels of 16 heavy metals in tampons, including toxic chemicals including lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Zinc had the highest concentration among these metals, and lead was also present at significant levels.

Which Tampons Tested High for Heavy Metals?

The test was conducted as a double-blind study, meaning that neither the researchers nor the participants knew which tampon brands were being tested for heavy metals. This method ensures that the results are unbiased and reliable. 

As of now, no one knows which brands were tested in the heavy metals in tampon study. It’s important to make informed decisions about your period product purchases. 

Which Heavy Metals Are In Tampons?

When researchers tested 30 tampons from 14 different brands, the following heavy metals were detected:

  • Arsenic
  • Barium
  • Calcium
  • Cadmium
  • Cobalt
  • Chromium
  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Manganese
  • Mercury
  • Nickel
  • Lead
  • Selenium
  • Strontium
  • Vanadium
  • Zinc

This study found that the tampons had harmful levels of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Zinc was the most concentrated among these metals, and lead was also present at worrying levels.

Are Organic Tampons Safe from Heavy Metals?

When in doubt, organic is the way to go. However, even organic can’t escape heavy metal contamination. 

Interestingly, heavy metal concentrations in tampons varied based on the materials used to make them. Non-organic tampons typically had higher lead concentrations. Organic tampons tested showed higher arsenic levels. 

Tampons purchased in the US had higher concentrations of some heavy metals compared to those bought in the EU/UK. However, no single type of tampon consistently had lower levels of all or most metals. These findings indicate that all types could potentially expose users to harmful substances.

Given these findings, it's clear we need stronger regulations and regular testing of menstrual products for metal contaminants. While the long-term health impacts of these metals in tampons are not yet fully understood, the potential for exposure through vaginal absorption is concerning. 

Stay informed. Consider researching alternative menstrual products. Take these small steps to empower a healthier you. 

Health Concerns About Tampons with Heavy Metals

Recent findings have raised serious concerns about the presence of heavy metals in tampons. It's understandable to feel worried about these potential health risks. Use this knowledge to help make informed choices. 

Vaginal tissues are highly absorptive. They can easily absorb chemicals, including the heavy metals in tampons.

Unlike other parts of the body, substances that come into contact with vaginal tissue can enter the bloodstream directly. Harmful chemicals can bypass the liver, preventing them from being filtered out of the body.

This direct absorption is even more concerning because tampons often stay in place for several hours. Long-term exposure combined with the warm and moist environment of the vagina can further help these toxic chemicals leach from the tampons.

So, what do heavy metals in tampons mean for your health? 

There are no known safe exposure levels for lead [3]. This heavy metal can cause serious problems like brain, kidney, and heart issues [2].

Arsenic is a known cancer-causing substance that can also lead to heart disease and skin problems [4]. Cadmium can damage the kidneys and is linked to heart disease [5]. These findings are alarming because they show that tampons could expose users to these dangerous substances.

What to Do About Heavy Metals in Tampons

Tampons are a convenient way to provide period care. There is no way to prevent your body from absorbing heavy metals from tampons. 

If you choose to continue using tampons, there are several steps you can take to potentially reduce your exposure to harmful metals and stay informed about product safety. First, consider choosing organic tampons whenever possible. 

Organic tampons are typically made from 100% cotton and are less likely to contain synthetic chemicals and pesticides used in non-organic farming. While the study found that organic tampons had higher levels of certain metals like arsenic, they generally had lower levels of other harmful metals such as lead and cadmium.

Ideally, you might want to consider alternative methods of period care, such as menstrual cups or reusable pads.

Toxic Chemicals in Tampons Besides Heavy Metals

Heavy metals in tampons are a cause for health concerns. However, they’re not the only toxic chemcials in tampons. Here are some other concerning chemicals in the materials that make up most tampons.

Pesticide Residues

Conventional cotton used in tampons may contain residues of pesticides used during cultivation. Common pesticides in tampons include organochlorine and organophosphate compounds. These can potentially be absorbed through vaginal tissue and may have hormonal or neurological effects with long-term exposure [6].

Parabens

Parabens are preservatives commonly added to tampons to prevent bacterial growth. Studies have found methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, and propyl paraben in tampon samples. These chemicals can mimic estrogen in the body and have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues [7].

Phthalates

Phthalates are plasticizing chemicals often found in tampon applicators and packaging. Common phthalates detected include diethyl phthalate (DEP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP). Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormone function [8]. 

Bisphenols

BPA, BPF, and BPS have been found in tampon applicators and packaging. These chemicals can leach into the tampon itself. Bisphenols are also endocrine disruptors linked to various health issues including reproductive problems and certain cancers [9].

Dioxins and Furans

These toxic chemicals are byproducts of the chlorine bleaching process used on cotton and rayon in tampons. While levels have decreased with improved bleaching methods, trace amounts may still be present. Dioxins are highly toxic and can accumulate in the body over time.

Non-Toxic Alternatives to Tampons

Set your health up for success each month by making educated decisions about your period products. Here are a few alternatives to tampons that minimize exposures to harmful chemicals.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups made from medical-grade silicone have gained popularity for their long-lasting nature and ability to hold the equivalent of multiple tampons. 

These cups can be used for up to 12 hours and are reusable for several years, making them both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Similarly, menstrual discs provide comparable benefits and are also made from body-safe silicone materials.

Reusable Pads

Reusable pads made of organic cotton offer numerous benefits that make them an excellent choice for menstrual health. Firstly, organic cotton is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, reducing the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. This makes it a safer and more comfortable option for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Additionally, reusable pads are environmentally friendly, as they significantly reduce waste compared to disposable products.

By choosing reusable pads, individuals can contribute to lessening the environmental impact associated with single-use menstrual products. Economically, although the initial investment may be higher, reusable pads can save money in the long term as they are designed to last for several years with proper care. 

Test for Harmful Chemicals Found in Tampons

The potential presence of harmful chemicals in tampons, such as bisphenols, parabens, and phthalates, is a significant concern for many individuals. These substances are known for their endocrine-disrupting properties, which can interfere with hormone functions. 

Learn about your exposures to these harmful chemicals with Million Marker's Detect & Detox Test Kit. This mail-in test gives personalized feedback on the levels of various toxic chemicals in your body, including bisphenols, parabens, and phthalates. 

Take proactive steps in minimizing contact with toxic chemicals. Enjoy better overall health. Know what’s inside your body that shouldn’t be there with Million Marker’s Detect & Detox Test Kit

Resources

[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024004355#b0205 
[2] https://www.epa.gov/lead/what-are-some-health-effects-lead
[3] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health 
[4] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/arsenic 
[5] https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/ehp.0901532 
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5464684/ 
[7] https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.17668 
[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019333859 
[9] https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1408989