Study: Lead, Arsenic and Other Toxins Found in Tampons

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Facts

  • Researchers at the University of California, Berkley have discovered arsenic, lead, and other toxic chemicals in multiple tampons. They also found barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc in some brands.1
  • 14 tampon brands bought in the US, UK, and EU were reportedly identified. According to the study, the metals may have been added to the products through pigmentation, whitening, or antibacterial processes, or absorbed through the air, water, soil, or other contaminants near a manufacturer.2
  • Tampons are usually made with a mix of cotton and rayon, some of which are made from 100% cotton or 100% 'certified organic' cotton.3
  • Lead author of the study Jenni A. Shearston said the average tampon tested contained 25% of the lead found in an average US cigarette, with lead found more in non-organic tampons and arsenic more so in organic ones.1
  • While the researchers said this doesn't mean all tampons on the market are contaminated, 53%-86% of women across the world use them monthly, meriting a need for future study.4
  • The toxins cited have been connected to health concerns including infertility, cancer, diabetes, and liver and kidney issues.3

Sources: 1CBC, 2Independent, 3Citizen Digital and 4Sky News.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by New York Times. While toxic chemicals found in health products should be investigated and eliminated, this study should not yet deter the use of tampons. Preliminary results show that levels of lead, which were low, are also found equally in people who don't use the products. Consumers should be aware of this issue but there's no need to avoid usage yet.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Clinical Trials Arena. Chemicals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium represent a threat to health. These toxins are known to cause infertility in millions of women, not to mention cancer and dementia, and it's vital to prevent contamination. It's shameful that manufacturers show alarmingly little care about something that has such a significant impact on women's health.

Predictions