Toxic metals found in tampons across popular brands worldwide, Berkeley University study reveals

Researchers from Berkeley University have discovered that all tampons they tested, from 14 popular brands in the EU, US, and UK, contain toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium. These metals can increase the risk of developing illnesses such as cancer, infertility, dementia, and diabetes. The study also found that organic tampons contained higher levels of arsenic compared to non-organic tampons, which had higher levels of lead.

Kathrin Schilling, one of the researchers involved in the study, clarified that the presence of these metals is not limited to any particular country or market. The researchers tested as many brands available in the market as they could find.

Louise Klintner, who has been working on standardizing menstrual products alongside a group of international researchers, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of these products. Klintner highlighted the need for regulations and standards for menstrual products, which are used by nearly half of the world’s population.

Schilling added that further research is needed to determine how much of these metals the body can absorb from tampons. Given that tampons are used in a sensitive part of the body that can easily absorb what it is exposed to, many women could become worried.

Klintner argued that the responsibility of ensuring the safety of these products falls on the state, as it is a public health issue. She also suggested that consumers could benefit from pressuring politicians and companies to take women’s health more seriously.

When contacted, the Chemicals Agency stated that they currently have no plans to conduct a review. “There are no regulations, so there are no limits to compare with,” the agency stated.

The metals found in tampons are known to have harmful effects. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, lead is toxic to humans and other organisms, even in small doses. Arsenic, which can have serious health effects, is also toxic. The study only included inorganic arsenic, which is highly toxic according to the World Health Organization. Cadmium is a carcinogenic metal that is also harmful to the environment.