Tampons are one of the most popular menstruation products in a growing market that now includes period underwear, menstrual cups, and more. They have been available since the 1930s and remain the preferred choice for many, used by up to 80% of menstruating individuals.

Safety Concerns and Research

Despite their widespread use, limited research has been conducted on the potential contaminants in tampons and their associated health risks. A groundbreaking study from UC Berkeley has raised important questions about tampon safety.

Recent Research Findings

The study conducted by UC Berkeley revealed that many tampons on the market, including both organic and non-organic varieties, may contain toxic metals such as lead and arsenic. Researchers examined tampons sold in both the United States and Europe.

“Some tampons had higher concentrations of one metal, lower concentrations of another,” said Jenni A. Shearston, Ph.D., the lead author of the study. “There wasn’t a specific tampon that we tested that seemed to have a lower concentration of all the metals.”

Shearston and her colleagues initiated this research after identifying a significant gap in the scientific literature regarding tampon components.

“There’s been this historical taboo around menstruation,” Shearston explained. “That doesn’t just impact us in our social lives. It also impacts scientific research, and I think it’s one of the reasons we haven’t had as much research on menstrual products.”

Dr. Mitchell Kramer, chair of OB-GYN at Huntington Hospital Northwell Health, described the study as “groundbreaking” and emphasized the need for tampon manufacturers to conduct more thorough testing on their products.

“It certainly requires more evaluation. I think it has potentially significant impact moving forward in terms of how tampons are produced and the effect on the users,” Kramer stated.

Unclear Health Impacts

Despite these findings, the potential health impacts of using tampons containing these metals remain unclear.

“We don’t know if any of these metals are absorbed vaginally, which is key when it comes to exposure,” said Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, an OB-GYN and author of the book "Let’s Talk about Down There: An OB-GYN Answers All of your Burning Questions Without Making You Feel Embarrassed for Asking."

Shearston, a postdoctoral scholar at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health and Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, acknowledged that a limitation of the study is the lack of data on whether these metals can leach out of the tampons.

“We only tested whether or not these metals are present in tampons,” she said. “We don’t know whether they come out.”

Study Details

The research, published in the journal *Environment International*, examined 30 different tampons from 14 brands to determine their metal content. The study found “measurable concentrations” of all 16 metals tested for, including toxic metals like lead and arsenic, in all the tampons examined.

However, the research does not conclude that the tested tampons, or others on the market, are unsafe. Shearston hopes people will not “panic” about the study.

“We just need more information,” she emphasized. “What I would like to encourage people to do is support more research and ask more questions about this to try to make research on menstrual products and menstruation a priority.”

The metal levels varied based on the tampon type, where they were purchased, and whether they were generic or name-brand.

“These metals were found in different amounts, with some higher in organic tampons (like arsenic) and others in conventional tampons (such as lead),” Lincoln said. “We don’t know what brands were tested as this was blinded in the study, which I know is frustrating.”

Lincoln, who was not involved in the study, noted that although it is surprising that this study is the first of its kind, the findings make sense.

“I was not surprised that metals were found in organic tampons as well, since they can be absorbed from the soil, and organic farming still uses pesticides,” she explained.

Are Tampons Safe?

According to experts, tampons are still safe to use.

“People do not need to panic,” Kramer reassured. “We haven’t established that these products are dangerous or causing people to get really sick. I don’t think that’s the case. I think these levels of these heavy metals are very low.”

A news release about the study also noted that “it’s unclear if the metals detected by this study are contributing to any negative health effects.” Shearston stated that she and her colleagues are currently investigating “if metals can come out of the tampons.”

“We’re doing some leaching experiments,” she said. “We’re also testing tampons, these same products, for other chemicals.”

Lincoln stressed that it’s too soon to determine what the findings mean for consumers seeking the safest tampons.

“Per this study, the average amount of lead found in tampons was actually very small and far lower than what is considered concerning in our food or water,” she said. “This doesn’t negate the study’s findings, but it’s an important perspective when people are deciding if they want to continue using tampons or not.”

Catherine Roberts, an associate editor of health at Consumer Reports who has covered organic tampons, emphasized that the study highlights the need for further investigation into tampons.

“This is not an actionable takeaway for an individual consumer,” Roberts stated. “A huge takeaway from this is we really need to study this more, and in particular, it would be very helpful if we could study what it means for your physiology to use a tampon that is contaminated with heavy metals.”

Are Nontoxic and Organic Tampons Safer?

All tampons tested contained some degree of toxic metals, including those marketed as non-toxic and organic. In fact, organic tampons were found to have higher levels of arsenic compared to conventional tampons.

“I do hope this demonstrates for people that organic is not always necessarily better, especially with period products,” Lincoln said.

An organic label on a tampon does not carry as much significance as it might on food products.

“It doesn’t carry a lot of information to have a tampon that’s labeled as organic,” Roberts noted. “It can mean a lot of different things.”

Lincoln added that consumers should choose period products based on what works best for them.

“This study shouldn’t be the reason we all throw out our tampons ASAP, but it is important that people decide what feels right for them,” she said. “It’s important to realize what period products you use is a personal choice. Not everyone feels comfortable with pads or cups or period underwear, and for them, tampons are essential.”

Using Tampons Safely

For tampon users concerned about exposure to metals, Kramer suggested using tampons less frequently and alternating with other menstrual products.

“Instead of wearing tampons 24/7 during the period, maybe alternate between that and a sanitary pad,” he advised. “There are certain things you can try to mitigate some of the exposure.”

There are other considerations consumers can make when selecting tampons to avoid unknown ingredients.

“Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like shopping for particular brands or looking at particular labels is necessarily going to help you avoid heavy metals,” Roberts explained.

Roberts suggested purchasing fragrance-free tampons, choosing tampons with fewer components, and avoiding tampons containing polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, or other plastic materials.

“Fragrances are a big black box regulatorily,” Roberts said. “You can add fragrance, and you don’t have to disclose what’s in them.”

Kramer hopes consumers do not panic about the findings.

“Tampons have been around for a very long time. We haven’t seen people coming in with heavy metal toxicity, and this is very different from the toxic shock syndrome issue,” he said. “That was a bacterial issue that had nothing to do with heavy metals.”

Tampon Alternatives

For those interested in exploring other types of period products, here are some tampon alternatives:

- Menstrual Cups: One popular brand is the Diva Cup. These cups are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid.

- Menstrual Discs: Similar to a cup, these products use a bag with a rim to collect period fluid.

- Period Underwear: These resemble normal underwear but contain extra material to absorb menstrual fluid.

- Reusable Pads: These are cloth pads that can be worn in underwear to absorb menstrual fluid and can be washed and reused, unlike standard disposable pads.