Tampons, a staple menstrual product used by millions of women worldwide, have come under scrutiny following a study conducted by researchers at the University of California at Berkeley. The study, led by Jenni A Shearston, highlighted the presence of toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium in tampons, raising significant health concerns due to the vagina's heightened ability to absorb chemicals.
Invented in 1929 by Dr. Earle Haas in the US, tampons gained commercial availability through Gertrude Tenderich's company, Tampax, five years later. Initially hand-sewn by Tenderich herself, tampons have since become a preferred choice for menstrual hygiene, with over 80% usage reported in Western countries.
Tampons are typically made from a blend of cotton and rayon (viscose), chosen for their absorbency and biocompatibility. While some are entirely cotton or certified organic, earlier manufacturing processes involved chlorinated bleaching, which produced dioxins—recognized carcinogens. Modern methods employ hydrogen peroxide for whitening, deemed safer for consumer health.
Regulation of tampons varies globally; in the UK, US, and EU, they are classified as medical devices, subject to stringent safety standards under respective health regulatory bodies. Manufacturers are mandated to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and provide comprehensive product risk assessments.
The UC Berkeley study analyzed 30 types of tampons across 14 brands purchased from New York City, Athens, and London between 2022 and 2023. It identified traces of 16 metals, including toxic ones, without specifying brand names. Researchers underscored the need for additional studies to ascertain whether these metals can leach and be absorbed by vaginal tissue.
Contrary to expectations, organic tampons showed higher arsenic levels than non-organic counterparts. This anomaly was attributed to natural fertilizers used in organic cotton cultivation, potentially increasing arsenic bioavailability in soils, a hypothesis warranting further investigation.
While health regulatory bodies generally affirm tampon safety, the presence of metals raises critical questions about manufacturing processes and material sourcing. Jenni A Shearston emphasized the importance of mandatory metal testing by manufacturers to ensure product safety.
Separate research by consumer watchdog Mamavation revealed that 22% of tested tampons, including organic variants, contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as forever chemicals. These substances, linked to health risks by the EPA, underscore ongoing concerns over product safety and consumer awareness.
For individuals seeking alternatives to tampons, menstrual pads offer external protection without internal insertion. Obstetricians recommend menstrual cups or discs as internal options, highlighting their reusable nature and potential environmental benefits.
