Toxic Metals in Tampons Detected
Tampons allow women to be flexible during their period. Swimming, Yoga or Wellness are not a problem. However, the application of menstrual hygiene products containing absorbent menstrual fibers could be concerning in terms of their content, as a first scientific study now shows.
Tampons may contain toxic metals such as Arsen, Lead and Cadmium. A research team led by Jenni A. Sheraston discovered this. "Our knowledge is the first study to measure the content of metals in tampons. Surprisingly, we found concentrations of all metals, including toxic metals like Arsen and Lead," said Jenni A. Sheraston according to a press release from the University of California, Berkeley.
Certain metals can lead to various unhealthy reactions up to life-threatening poisoning in the body. They can increase the risk for the development of Dementia, Diabetes and Cancer. Certain metals damage organs such as the liver, kidneys and brain. The cardiovascular, nervous and hormonal system, as well as fertility and fetal development can also be significantly affected by these substances.
Regardless of Bio- or normal Tampons
The researchers therefore tested a total of 30 tampons from 14 different brands, which were bought in Great Britain, the USA and Europe, for 16 metals, including Arsen, Cadmium and Lead. The result: they found metals in all tampons, but in different concentrations. No tampon showed consistently low concentrations of all or most of the tested metals. For example, the lead concentrations in regular tampons were higher than in Bio-Tampons. In Bio-Tampons, on the other hand, the arsenic content was higher than in regular tampons.
Particularly alarming for the study authors, whose results were published in the scientific journal "Environmental International", was the presence of Lead with an average concentration of 120 nanograms per gram of tampon, Cadmium with 6.74 nanograms per gram, and Arsen with 2.56 nanograms per gram. All three metals are known poisons, which can lead to serious health restrictions at certain concentrations. For example, according to the Federal Environment Agency, the limit value in drinking water for Lead was further reduced.
Origin of the metals in the tested tampons is unclear
"Our study clearly shows that metals are present in menstrual products and women may be exposed to higher risks when using these products," said Kathrin Schilling from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, who was involved in the study. For this reason, the structure of the vaginal skin is particularly concerning. This skin is known to be highly absorbent. Toxic substances, such as the poisonous metals, can therefore penetrate the body more easily than at other skin sites and completely unfiltered.
Researchers are aware that it needs to be clarified in further studies if and to what extent metals get into the body from tampons and what health effects these concentrations have on women. Based on the results of the investigation and the millions of women using them worldwide, the main author Sheraston nevertheless finds clear words: "I really hope that manufacturers will be obliged to test their products for metals, especially for toxic metals."
The presence of toxic metals like Arsen, Lead, and Cadmium in tampons could negatively impact women's health. Exposure to these metals can increase the risk of developing diseases such as Dementia, Diabetes, and Cancer, and can damage organs like the liver, kidneys, and brain.
To reduce women's exposure to these harmful substances, it's crucial for tampon manufacturers to conduct thorough testing of their products for the presence of toxic metals.
