Germana Carillo The US Food and Drug Administration is analyzing the swabs after a study found the presence of heavy metals (raising questions about their safety)
Arsenic, nickel, lead, and a dozen other toxic metals may be present in tampons used by many for menstrual hygiene. This alarming possibility comes from a study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, recently published in Environment International. The study has caught the attention of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which plans to review the findings.
Study findings on metal levels
Researchers analyzed the levels of 16 types of metals, including lead, mercury, arsenic, and iron, in 30 tampons from 14 different brands sourced from the United States, Greece, and England.
The analysis revealed varying levels of metals in all 30 tampons, encompassing both organic and non-organic brands. However, the study’s authors noted it remains unclear whether the metal levels found in tampons pose health risks to users, indicating a need for further research.
Metal concentrations differed based on where the tampons were purchased, whether they were organic or non-organic, the store, and the brand. The findings showed that metals were present in all tampon types, with no single category having consistently lower concentrations of metals. Notably, lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons, while arsenic levels were higher in organic tampons.
FDA’s response
The FDA, which regulates tampons as medical devices in the United States, acknowledged the study’s “limitations” and is currently reviewing its results.
“All studies have limitations,” the FDA stated. “While the chemical method used indicates that these metals are present in the tampons tested in the laboratory, the study does not evaluate whether the metals are released from the tampons when used in the body. Additionally, it does not address whether any metal, if released, can be absorbed into the vaginal lining or subsequently into the bloodstream. We plan to carefully evaluate the study and take any justified action to safeguard the health of consumers using these products.”
