Alarming Findings from UC Berkeley Study
A recent study from the University of Berkeley, California, has raised significant concerns about the safety of tampons sold under various popular brands. Published in the latest volume of *Environmental International*, the study reveals that all 30 tampons tested from 14 brands contained lead, with some showing concerning levels of other toxic metals like arsenic.
“We selected several different products and tested them for a panel of 16 different metals. And we found concentrations of every single one of the metals we tested. For some of the metals, like lead, which is toxic, we found a presence in every single one of the tampons we tested. So we found a lot of metals,” stated lead author Jenni Shearston, a postdoctoral student at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health.
Health Implications and Regulatory Oversight
Menstruators may use more than 7,400 tampons over their reproductive years, with each tampon being retained in the vagina for several hours. This prolonged exposure increases the potential health risks posed by these toxic metals. Dr. Eboni January, a U.S.-based obstetrician-gynecologist, emphasized, “Lead was found in pretty much every tampon, and lead is not safe at any level.”
In Canada, Health Canada regulates tampons as medical devices. The health regulator’s website assures that tampons sold in Canada are safe, effective, and of high quality. However, this study’s findings challenge the adequacy of current regulations. Health Canada has acknowledged the study and stated it will assess the findings and take action if necessary.
High Absorption Risk and Potential Health Issues
The study underscores that the skin of the vagina has a higher potential for chemical absorption than skin elsewhere on the body, making tampons a significant concern. Metals like lead and arsenic are known to increase the risk of severe health issues, including dementia, infertility, diabetes, cancer, and damage to vital organs and systems.
“Arsenic is a known carcinogen, period,” Dr. January pointed out. “It can cause lung cancer, skin cancer, bladder cancer, and fertility issues.”
Comprehensive Metal Testing
The researchers evaluated levels of 16 metals in 30 tampons from 14 brands across the United States and Europe. They purchased the tampons between September 2022 and March 2023 from stores in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Spain, and two major online retailers. Despite not specifying which brands were tested, the study found that metal concentrations varied depending on the country of purchase and whether the tampons were organic or non-organic.
“What’s important is the consistency of our results, the fact that we found metals in everything that we tested, regardless of its brand or characteristics,” Shearston said.
Sources of Metal Contamination
Shearston explained that metals could enter tampons through several avenues. Cotton, a primary material in tampons, can absorb metals from soil, water, or fertilizers used during cultivation. Additionally, cotton grown near pollution sources such as roads or lead smelters may accumulate metals from these environments.
A Call for Further Research and Regulation
The study highlights a critical public health concern that requires immediate attention. Dr. January hopes this study will lead to more research on the topic and stricter regulations to ensure the safety of menstrual products.
As we await further research and regulatory action, staying informed and cautious about the products we use is crucial.