Millions of women around the world use tampons, pads and other menstrual products each month. However, recent studies have revealed that tampons may contain certain potentially toxic chemicals and heavy metals associated with a variety of health issues.
That being said, further research is needed to determine the long-term effects of tampons containing such substances on our health.
in Recent researchresearchers have discovered “measurable concentrations” of 16 different heavy metals across 14 different organic and non-organic tampon brands. This included toxic metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium. The highest levels of metals found were calcium and zinc.
This study states:
Lead concentrations were high in non-organic tampons, but arsenic was higher in organic tampons, and neither category showed “consistently low concentrations of all or most metals.”
The levels discovered by the researchers say that extended exposure to any amount of lead is small, “increasing the risk of developing neurodegeneration, cardiovascular or renal disease.” European Environment Agency.
This is not the first time I’ve noticed that tampons and other menstrual products are under the microscope due to potential health risks. In the past, Researcher It has been found that menstrual products containing tampons may contain chemicals such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), plasticizers (or phthalates), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Such chemical groups are released as gases or fragrances in consumer products, such as fragrant menstrual aids. These chemistry groups can affect the body Endocrine systemcan disrupt regulation of metabolism, sexual development, mood, blood glucose, and more.
Some of the metals found in tampons, such as calcium, copper, iron, and zinc, are safe in low amounts, but if they accumulate over time, can have a negative effect on a person’s endocrine function.
Can the body absorb toxic substances?
So far, scientists are unsure whether heavy metals can leach into the body from tampons. There was no conclusive study on the potential impact of tampons on health. The next step for researchers is to know whether metals and plastics can leach into the body from the tampon.
US Food and Drug Administration spokesman, regulations Menstrual products like tamponsI said CNN:
The study also failed to determine whether metals would be absorbed inside the vagina and then absorbed into the bloodstream, even if they were released into the body.
How metals and chemicals enter tampons
So how do detectable levels of metals and other toxic substances enter tampons? The answer lies in the soil and water.
Most tampons are made from a blend of cotton or cotton rayon. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made from wooden pulp. All of these materials are made from plants that easily absorb metals such as arsenic, lead and other heavy metals, which are natural elements and metals found in the soil, water, air and the Earth’s crust.
Soil and water in many parts of the world are also heavily contaminated with chemicals used to produce a wide range of plastic products that we use in our daily lives. PFAS Other chemicals are included Soil, air, groundwater From consumer products discarded in landfills, human waste, and by-products from fluorescent chemical manufacturing plants.
What can I use instead?
Considering that PFA and other toxic chemicals have Also found With menstrual pads and period underwear, the average menstrual consumer may be looking for other options.
Menstrual cups, small, flexible cups inserted into the vaginal canal, have not been shown to collect menstrual blood, making them a safe alternative to tampons and pads.
They are made from medical grade materials such as silicone, natural rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, or latex. This means there is no concern that the material will break down or leach into your body. Plus, it can hold up to three times the liquids of a regular tampon.
Not only is menstrual cups much more sustainable than other eras’ products (reusable cups are still possible last year), but they can also reduce exposure to toxic chemicals and metals found in tampons. Some other benefits of menstrual cups on tampons and menstrual pads include:
- Reducing odor
- Don’t worry about leaks – Menstrual cups hold more liquid than tampons, so you can safely wear the cup for a long period of time before you change the cup or worry about leaks.
- Cost-effective – Tampons and pads average between $50 and $150 per year. Menstrual cups cost between $20-40 and $40 and can last from six months to ten years depending on the brand. It saved quite a bit of money.
- Environmental sustainability – Tampons and pads become landfills, and it takes years for plastic to deteriorate and can leach into the soil.
- Low risk of toxic shock syndrome – Menstrual cups are not only made from safer materials than other period products, but also collect blood rather than absorbing it, reducing the risk of developing toxic shock syndrome. Toxic shock syndrome It is a rare bacterial infection that can be caused by inappropriate use of tampons.
