A groundbreaking study from the University of California, Berkeley has revealed the presence of harmful metals, including arsenic and lead, in commonly used tampons. These metals could pose serious health risks for users, raising concerns about product safety and the potential long-term health effects of exposure.

The study, conducted between September 2022 and March 2023, tested 30 tampon products across 14 brands and 18 product lines from various stores in New York City, Athens, London, and online retailers. Researchers found traces of 16 different metals in every tampon tested, regardless of the brand or material. These materials included cotton, rayon, and viscose, or a blend of these fibers.

“We believe this is the first study to assess metal concentrations in tampons, despite the potential for significant vaginal absorption of metals and the widespread use of tampons,” the study’s authors explained. An estimated 52 to 86% of menstruating individuals in the U.S. rely on tampons, making these findings particularly concerning.

Toxic metals, such as arsenic and lead, are particularly dangerous when they come into direct contact with the vagina, where they are absorbed more easily into the bloodstream. Chronic exposure to these metals has been linked to an increased risk of serious health issues, including dementia, cancer, infertility, and other conditions.

The level of toxic metals varied depending on the tampon’s origin. Tampons sold in the U.S., U.K., and the E.U. showed differing concentrations of metals, and organic cotton tampons sometimes contained higher levels of metals, likely due to the use of fertilizers in organic cotton fields.

Currently, tampons are regulated for product safety in the U.S., U.K., and the E.U., but there are no regulations that require chemical testing for metals. The study’s findings suggest that this may need to change, with some experts calling for manufacturers to be required to test their products for potentially harmful substances.

Despite the alarming findings, the researchers noted that more studies are needed to confirm these results, particularly regarding the absorption of metals and the potential health risks associated with tampon use. “I really hope manufacturers are required to test their products for metals, especially for toxic metals,” said Jenni Shearston, the lead author of the study.

As concerns over product safety continue to grow, it’s clear that further research and regulatory action are necessary to ensure the health and well-being of those who rely on these everyday products.