Medical News Today (MNT)Scientists Find Heavy Metals Such as Lead, Arsenic in Tampons: What to Know

Heavy Metal Contamination in Tampons: Agricultural Soil Pollution’s Potential Impact on Women’s Health

A recent study by researchers at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health has identified the presence of 16 different heavy metals in tampons from various brands purchased in the US and UK. This finding raises questions about the potential health implications for the millions of women who use tampons during their menstrual cycles. The study, published in Environment International, analyzed 30 tampons from 14 brands and 18 product lines, revealing measurable concentrations of all 16 heavy metals tested, including lead and arsenic.

Key Points:

• More than 100 million cisgender women in more than 120 countries use tampons during menstruation.
• The study identified 16 heavy metals in tampons, including arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium.
• Lead was found in 100% of the tampons tested.
• Non-organic tampons had the highest concentration of lead, while organic tampons had the highest amount of arsenic.
• No specific category (US. vs. UK, store-brand vs. name-brand, organic vs. non-organic) consistently showed lower amounts of all or most metals.
• The contamination may be linked to heavy metal pollution in agricultural soil, which can leach into cotton and rayon fibers used in tampon production.
• Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to understand which metals can leach out of tampons and potentially be absorbed by the body.
• Experts suggest consumers inquire about toxic metal testing from their preferred tampon brands.
• Alternative menstrual products like pads, menstrual underwear, or cups may also contain harmful additives such as PFAS.
• The study highlights the need for more research on the potential health risks associated with heavy metals in tampons.
• Experts call for increased transparency in feminine product manufacturing and safer guidelines for everyday use.

Lead exposure is estimated to account for 21.7 million years lost to disability and death (disability-adjusted life years, or DALYs) worldwide due to long-term effects on health, including 30% of the global burden of idiopathic intellectual disability, 4.6% of the global burden of cardiovascular disease and 3% of the global burden of chronic kidney diseases. (WHO)

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