Poisonous Metals In Your Tampons?
Hi, Bestie! Last week, we talked about some of the common issues plaguing postpartum moms. I had promised that this week, we would continue that discussion because there are truly SO MANY THINGS postpartum moms deal with that are rarely talked about. However, in light of the recently published research on tampon safety, I think it’s important that we talk about that first and circle back to postpartum issues next week. I hope you’ll forgive this interruption to our scheduled conversation! Tampon safety just feels a bit more pressing in light of the new studies coming out. If your entire “For You” page on social media is about women’s health (like mine), you’ll already be well aware of this issue and if not, buckle up! Here we go.
The issue with tampons:
So, what is going on with tampons? In a recent study, researchers tested a sample of 30 tampons from 14 different tampon brands for 16 metal(loids) including arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc (1). They tested both organic and non-organic tampons and found that 12 out of those 16 metal(loid)s were present in all of the tampons tested (1). Are you horrified yet? The non-organic tampons had higher levels of lead, while the organic tampons had higher levels of arsenic (1). The researchers of this study chose not to disclose the brands of tampons tested in an attempt to showcase the findings that 100% of the tampons tested had detectable levels of metals (1).
Why does this matter?
This study says everything when it comes to women’s health. It seems like something as basic as checking whether tampons contain toxic metals should have been studied a long time ago, since half of the global population has experienced or will experience menstruation at some point in their lives. This really reminds me of the time researchers first tested menstrual pads with actual blood, instead of water/saline solution. This occurred LAST YEAR (2023) — prior to that, menstrual pads, which are created for the purpose of absorbing blood, had never been tested with actual blood (2).
It is estimated that up to 86% of people who menstruate in the United States use tampons (1). Tampons are easy to use and change, small enough to carry around, and typically viewed as more comfortable/convenient than pads. They have always been associated with some risks, including toxic shock syndrome (TSS), but the presence of toxic metals provides renewed cause for concern. Many of the metals the researchers tested in their study are toxic in large amounts, but some of them, such as lead, have no “safe” level. Not only this, but tampons are placed within the vaginal canal, which is a mucous membrane, making the potential absorption of these metals more likely. Further studies will need to be conducted in order to determine if and how these tampon metals are affecting users. However, we know from other studies that exposure to toxic metals can lead to diabetes, cancer, damage to the liver and kidneys, developmental anomalies, and more (3). Exposure to some of these, such as arsenic, can have adverse effects on practically all organ systems (3).
What’s next?
It’s hard to know what comes next. More research needs to be completed in order to fully understand what this means for tampon safety. Tampon users should make their own conclusions and proceed in whatever way gives them peace of mind. The study that found toxic metals in tampons is referenced below and is free to access for anyone who wants to read it through and decide on the best course of action for themself.
For those who no longer feel comfortable using tampons, there are a ton of other options available. I am personally a fan of the menstrual cup and/or the menstrual disc. These come in reusable options so they are super environmentally friendly and cost-effective. They can also remain in place for up to 12 hours, so you don’t have to worry about packing pads or tampons when you go out and there’s no risk for TSS, like there is with tampons. If you’re worried about inserting the disc and/or cup, you can purchase an applicator device that helps you place it just right. Otherwise, I’ve found that a little practice makes a big difference. Menstrual discs also have non-reusable options that you can use once and toss, if that’s more your style. Another option is menstrual pads, which come in all different thicknesses depending on your flow. It’s definitely worth trying a few options to find what works best for you, especially since menstruating folks can spend as much as a quarter of their fertile years menstruating!
If you’re like me, you found this new research disturbing, but not surprising. Women’s health has historically not been studied in depth and we deserve so much better. Be careful out there and see you next week for another chat on postpartum-hood!
XOXO,
Your Pelvic Bestie
References:
Jenni A. Shearston, Kristen Upson, Milo Gordon, Vivian Do, Olgica Balac, Khue Nguyen, Beizhan Yan, Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou, Kathrin Schilling, Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s, Environment International, Volume 190, 2024, 108849, ISSN 0160-4120, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108849.
DeLoughery E, Colwill AC, Edelman A, et alRed blood cell capacity of modern menstrual products: considerations for assessing heavy menstrual bleedingBMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health 2024;50:21-26.
Tchounwou PB, Yedjou CG, Patlolla AK, Sutton DJ. Heavy metal toxicity and the environment. Exp Suppl. 2012;101:133-64. doi: 10.1007/978-3-7643-8340-4_6. PMID: 22945569; PMCID: PMC4144270.
*The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives
