A groundbreaking study led by a UC Berkeley researcher has uncovered the presence of toxic metals, including lead and arsenic, in tampons from several popular brands. The findings, reported by Berkeley University, highlight potential health risks for the millions of individuals who use these products monthly.
Jenni A. Shearston, a postdoctoral scholar at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health and Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management, spearheaded the research. "Despite this large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons," Shearston told Berkeley University. "To our knowledge, this is the first paper to measure metals in tampons. Concerningly, we found concentrations of all metals we tested for, including toxic metals like arsenic and lead."
The study, which evaluated 30 tampons from 14 different brands, tested for 16 metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Researchers found that 50-80% of women use tampons, often for several hours at a time. The vaginal tissue's heightened ability to absorb chemicals compared to other areas amplifies the potential for exposure.
Kathrin Schilling, assistant professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and co-author of the study, emphasized the implications of these findings. "Although toxic metals are ubiquitous and we are exposed to low levels at any given time, our study clearly shows that metals are also present in menstrual products, and that women might be at higher risk for exposure using these products," Schilling explained to Berkeley University.
The health risks associated with metal exposure are significant. According to the study, these toxic substances can increase the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes, and cancer. They may also cause damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and brain, as well as affect the cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Moreover, metals can potentially harm maternal health and fetal development.
Interestingly, the research revealed variations in metal concentrations based on factors such as purchase location (US vs. EU/UK), organic vs. non-organic status, and store-brand vs. name-brand products. However, no single category consistently showed lower concentrations across all or most metals. Lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons, while arsenic levels were elevated in organic ones.
The study suggests multiple potential sources for metal contamination in tampons. These include absorption from water, air, or soil during cotton growth, proximity to contaminants like lead smelters, or intentional addition during manufacturing processes such as pigmentation or antibacterial treatment.
Shearston advocates for increased manufacturer responsibility and consumer awareness. "I really hope that manufacturers are required to test their products for metals, especially for toxic metals," she stated. "It would be exciting to see the public call for this, or to ask for better labeling on tampons and other menstrual products."
While the immediate health implications of these findings remain unclear, the researchers plan to conduct further studies. Future research will focus on determining the extent to which these metals can leach out of tampons and be absorbed by the body, as well as investigating the presence of other chemicals in menstrual products.
As this groundbreaking study sheds light on a previously unexplored area of concern, it underscores the need for continued research and potential regulatory action in the realm of menstrual product safety.
