Several toxic metals, including arsenic and lead, have been detected in widely used tampons, which may increase the risk of adverse health effects for users, a new study from the University of California, Berkeley discovered.
Researchers purchased tampons from September 2022 to March 2023 at stores in New York City, Athens and London and at two popular online retailers. They tested 30 tampons – made from cotton, rayon, viscose or a blend of these materials – across 14 brands and 18 product lines, and found all 16 types of metal they were testing in each product.
“To our knowledge, our study is the first to evaluate metal concentrations in tampons, despite the potential for substantial vaginal absorption of metals and the widespread and frequent use of tampons among menstruating women,” the study authors wrote.
An estimated 52 to 86 percent of American women who menstruate use tampons. There is no “safe” level for any of the metals tested by researchers, the study said.
Toxic metals are particularly dangerous if they come into direct contact with the vagina, where they are more easily absorbed. Chronic metal absorption has been associated with an increased risk of insanity, Cancer, infertilityand other health problems.
The level of metal detected in each tampon varied depending on whether they were sold in the US, UK or EU. There was also variation in metal levels depending on whether the buffers were organic or non-organic.
The authors wrote that some metals may be “more abundant” in organic cotton plugs due to the use of fertilizers prevalent in the soil of organic cotton fields.
Tampons are regulated for product safety in the US, UK and EU, but existing rules do not require chemical testing in these jurisdictions.
The study notes that more research is needed to replicate its findings. The researchers also acknowledged some limitations of the study, including the fact that metal absorption was not tested and “therefore, we cannot estimate the health risks (if any) of tampon use.”
“I really hope that manufacturers are required to test their products for metals, especially for toxic metals,” said Jenni Shearston, lead author of the study. told Sky News.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
