Tampons may contain arsenic, lead, and other toxic heavy metals: study

• Over 100 million cisgender women in over 120 countries use tampons during their menstrual cycle.
• Most tampons are made from cotton and/or rayon, both of which are made from plants that may be exposed to heavy metal contamination in the soil.
• A new study conducted by researchers at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health has identified the presence of 16 different heavy metals in tampons from 14 different brands purchased in the U.S. and the U.K.

Researchers estimate that more than 100 million cisgender women in over 120 countries use tampons during their menstrual cycle.

Tampons are generally considered safe and healthy menstrual products. Women who use tampons may increase their risk for toxic shock syndrome if they use them incorrectly or leave them in longer than recommended.

Most tampons contain fabrics made from the natural fiber cotton and/or rayon — a man-made fabric made from cellulose fibers of certain natural plants.

The contamination of soil within the agricultural industry by toxic heavy metals — such as mercury, lead, and cadmium — is currently a large issue. These heavy metals can then leach into the plants growing within its soil.

Now, a new study conducted by researchers at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health has identified the presence of 16 different heavy metals in tampons from 14 different brands purchased in the U.S. and the U.K.

The study was recently published in the journal Environment International.