Tampons may be a potential source of metal exposure for menstruating women, a new study suggests.
Researchers have found toxic metals such as arsenic and lead in tampons, a menstrual hygiene product used by more than half of menstruating women.
The findings came from an analysis of 30 tampons from 14 different brands, which tested for 16 metals: arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium , strontium, vanadium and zinc.
According to the survey results study The study, published in the journal Environment International, showed that all tampons tested contained measurable amounts of each metal, but at varying concentrations.
“Metal concentrations varied depending on where the tampons were purchased (US vs. EU/UK), organic vs. inorganic, store vs. name brand. However, they found that metals were present in all types of tampons; no category was found in all or large Concentrations of most metals were consistently lower, with higher concentrations of lead in non-organic tampons, but higher levels of arsenic in organic tampons. Press Releases pointed out.
While the exact effects of tampon exposure to metal are unknown, the findings are concerning because vaginal skin has a higher potential to absorb chemicals than other parts of the body.
These metals are often linked to increased risks of dementia, infertility, diabetes and cancer. They can also damage the liver, kidneys, brain, cardiovascular, neurological and endocrine systems, and impair maternal health and fetal development.
“Despite the potential for huge public health concerns, very few studies have measured chemicals in tampons. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to measure metals in tampons. Worryingly, We found concentrations of all the metals we tested, including toxic metals like arsenic and lead, said lead author Jenni A. Shearston. “
The metal may reach the tampon through the cotton, which may have absorbed the metal from water, air, soil, or nearby contaminants such as a lead smelter. Additionally, some metals may be intentionally added during the manufacturing process in the form of pigments, whitening agents, and antimicrobial agents.
“I really hope manufacturers are required to test their products for metal content, especially toxic metals. It would be exciting to see the public call for this, or for better labeling on tampons and other menstrual products. ,” Hilton added.