When a recent study revealed that popular tampons on the market were found to contain toxic metals like arsenic and lead, women were understandably concerned. Though experts say that there's no reason to panic, you might be looking to replace your regular tampon-of-choice with cleaner tampons made of fewer materials or an alternative that side-steps the issue completely.
What's Wrong with Tampons?
A new study found 16 different toxic metals, including lead and arsenic, in tampons from a variety of popular brands. Scientists from U.C. Berkeley, Columbia University and Michigan State University evaluated 30 tampons from across 14 different brands and 18 product lines to measure the presence of metals. All 16 were found in measurable traces, with toxic metals detectable in all of the samples.
Metal could be contaminating these tampons due to “agricultural or manufacturing processes, which could be absorbed by the vagina’s highly absorptive tissue, resulting in systemic exposure." More research is needed to know for sure if the vagina absorbs metals in this way.
For what it's worth, the levels of heavy metals found were very small, and reporting from Slate notes that researchers had to boil these tampons in acid just to be able to measure them.
The potential health implications of these findings is still unclear.
The Alternatives to Tampons
Since the recent study indicated that all tampons tested, even ones marked organic, had some amount of heavy metals, you may be wondering what the alternative is.
Sanitary pads, panty liners, period underwear and menstrual cups are all alternative options that may suit your lifestyle, but all of them have their own drawbacks. Some research indicates that pads and period underwear may contain forever chemicals, and we simply need more research to know if menstrual cups are heavy-metal free.
Clean Tampons and Feminine Products
While organic tampons were not exempt from findings of heavy metals, the Cleveland Clinic recommends avoiding tampon or pad products with fragrance. Associate editor of health at Consumer Reports, Catherine Roberts, told TODAY.com that anyone concerned with heavy metals in tampons should also consider shopping for tampons made of fewer ingredients and avoid plastic fabrics like polyester. These are the clean tampons and pads you should have on hand.
