health - Metal in Tampons - no disruptions to expect
In a US analysis, trace amounts of heavy metals were detected in various tampon brands. According to the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), the health consequences of using tampons are not to be expected, as the elements, including Arsen, Cadmium, and Lead, were only found in minute quantities. Even if all metal particles were absorbed through the mucous membrane - an unrealistic scenario - the exposure would be negligible, as it would be lower than the background exposure from food, water, household dust, traffic, and industry.
The study results are not a reason to abandon tampons, emphasizes toxicology expert Andrea Hartwig from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Elements like Lead and Arsen are present everywhere, and a detection in consumer goods or food is therefore not unusual. The detected levels were even in the worst-case scenario of complete absorption only a few percent of the daily intake from food alone.
The team from the Columbia University in New York examined 30 tampons from 14 tampon brands - the number of inspected products was therefore very small. Three of the tampons were purchased in European countries, as stated. They were specifically looking for Arsen, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, and Lead.
Every one of the 16 metals was detected in at least one tampon sample, as reported by the team in the journal "Environment International." The concentrations varied significantly depending on the region, material, and brand.
Below EU Guidelines for Textiles
In the EU, the amounts of Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, and Arsen in textile fabrics must not exceed one milligram per kilogram, as stated in the study. The tampons all fell below this limit. However, tampons come into contact with the vaginal mucous membrane, which might absorb more of these substances.
Calcium and Zinc, which were found in relatively high concentrations, are intentionally added - for fragrance control, as lubricants, and as antimicrobial agents. "Perhaps this explains why we found them in such high concentrations," explain the researchers.
It is concerning that toxic metals like Arsen and Lead are found in tampons, explains Shearston. However, the researchers themselves point out that it is unclear whether the metals are released from the tampons and whether they penetrate the vaginal epithelium into the bloodstream. At present, it cannot be determined whether the detected metals contribute to negative health effects.
Sources: Plants and Manufacturing Processes
The metals could originate from cotton fabric, which might absorb them from the soil, as explained by Shearston's team. Another source could be manufacturing processes. The researchers believe it is necessary for manufacturers to test tampons specifically for toxic metals in the future.
Toxicologist Hartwig considers this demand reasonable: The same should apply to manufacturers of other consumer goods and hygiene products.
From the BfR, it is stated that the general concentration of heavy metals should continue to be reduced through responsible raw material selection and good manufacturing practices. In the case of Lead, the concentration should be kept as low as reasonably achievable.
A main entry point for heavy metals is the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. They are also absorbed through the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, for example through cigarette smoke. Long-term, chronic exposure to heavy metals can lead to health problems. With lead and mercury, nerve damage can occur, with cadmium kidney and bone damage.
Heavy metals accumulate
Heavy metals are contained in the minerals of the Earth's crust and can enter plants and other foodstuffs as a result of natural weathering processes. In addition, they enter the environment through certain industrial processes, automobile traffic, the disposal of sewage sludge, and the application of certain pesticides, as the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) states.
Therefore, heavy metals accumulate in certain plants or organs of livestock. Higher cadmium concentrations are frequently found in poultry, mushrooms, and the internal organs of slaughtered animals, according to the BVL. Organically bound mercury predominantly comes from fish and mussels.
In the past decades, the overall contamination with metals has already decreased significantly, says KIT expert Hartwig. However, as there is no safe value for lead and arsenium, it is sensible to reduce the contamination as much as possible in all areas.
- The study conducted by the team from Columbia University in New York analyzed tampons from various brands, including three purchased in European countries.
- Andrea Hartwig, a toxicology expert from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), suggests that the detection of heavy metals in tampons is not unusual, as they are present in the environment and consumer goods.
- According to the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), the health consequences of using tampons are not significant due to the trace amounts of heavy metals, such as Arsen, Cadmium, and Lead, found.
- The team from Columbia University detected every one of the 16 metals in at least one tampon sample, with varying concentrations depending on the region, material, and brand.
- In the European Union, the limits for Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, and Arsen in textile fabrics must not exceed one milligram per kilogram, as stated in the study, and all inspected tampons fell below this limit.
- The researchers believe that the intentional addition of Calcium and Zinc, found in high concentrations in some tampons, might explain their high detection rates.
- The BfR recommends reducing the general concentration of heavy metals in consumer goods through responsible raw material selection and good manufacturing practices, aiming for the lowest possible concentration of Lead.
- Heavy metals accumulate in certain plants and foodstuffs due to natural weathering processes, industrial processes, automobile traffic, and the disposal of sewage sludge, according to the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL).
