The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Tampons
A startling new research article, funded by prominent US institutes such as the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the National Institute of Nursing Research, has brought to light some alarming findings about the contaminants found in tampons. This is significant given that millions of women globally use tampons; in the United States alone, 52-86% of menstruators rely on tampons every month.
Tampons: A Source of Heavy Metal Exposure
The research highlights tampons as a potential source of chemical exposure, including metals, which could be absorbed by the vagina’s highly absorptive tissue, leading to systemic exposure. Jenni A. Shearston, the lead author and a postdoctoral scholar at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, notes, “Despite this large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to measure metals in tampons. Concerningly, we found concentrations of all metals we tested for, including toxic metals like arsenic and lead.”The Prevalence and Impact
Menstruators may use more than 7,400 tampons over their reproductive years, with each tampon retained in the vagina for several hours. In Australia alone, an estimated 300 million tampons are sold annually, and the tampon industry is worth billions of dollars. Kathrin Schilling, a co-author and assistant professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, adds, “Although toxic metals are ubiquitous and we are exposed to low levels at any given time, our study clearly shows that metals are also present in menstrual products, and that women might be at higher risk for exposure using these products.”Heavy Metals Present in All Tampons, Even Organic Tampons
The study evaluated the levels of 16 metals in 30 tampons from 14 different brands, revealing that metals were present in all types of tampons. This included tampons purchased in the US and the EU/UK, as well as both organic and non-organic varieties. While lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons, arsenic levels were found to be higher in organic tampons. This indicates that no tampon category is consistently safer than another. The most prevalent heavy metals in tampons were lead, cadmium, and arsenic.How Do Metals End Up in Tampons?
Metals can infiltrate tampons through various channels, such as the cotton material used or intentional addition during manufacturing processes involving pigments, whiteners, or antibacterial agents. The report's authors hope that manufacturers will be mandated to test their products for metals, especially toxic ones, and disclose these results on their product labels. They also call on the public to demand such transparency.In conclusion, Dr. Shearston emphasises the need for future research to determine how much of these metals can leach out of tampons and be absorbed by the body, as well as to measure the presence of other chemicals in tampons. The findings underscore the importance of awareness and proactive measures to safeguard your health against the hidden dangers in everyday menstrual products.
The Dangers of Heavy Metal Toxicity
The toxicity of heavy metals like lead and cadmium poses significant health risks, including:- Anaemia
- Autoimmune diseases
- Brain disorders
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular issues
- Dental problems
- Diabetes type 2
- Digestive system disorders
- Emphysema (specific to cadmium)
- Endocrine imbalances
- Enzyme interference
- Fatigue and low energy
- Weakened immune system
- Kidney issues
- Liver dysfunction
- Mental health, emotional, and behavioural problems
- Weakened musculoskeletal system
- Nervous system malfunctions
- Reproductive system weaknesses and lack of libido
- Skin problems