Consider the use of tampons. Data from AHPMA shows that women use 4.3 billion sanitary protection products each year in the UK. Women rate these products as just as important to their overall well-being as access to electricity! Statista shares that about 4.5 million women in Great Britain use tampons regularly.
It’s critical to note that menstrual stigma remains prevalent today. The American Medical Association notes why this is a problem, sharing the shame that’s associated with periods, which often prevents people from talking about it, learning about it, and protecting their own physical health when choosing products.
Health Risks Associated with Tampon Use
That’s a very real risk due to conditions like toxic shock syndrome (TTS), which is a life-threatening illness caused by toxins found in tampons that could spread into the bloodstream. Research from US Berkeley is shedding light on why women are in danger when they use tampons.
The fact is, hygiene and tampon product regulations are not nearly as comprehensive and clear as you may expect. There is very little oversight on the production of tampons and period products, and yet they are being placed in an area that’s easily able to absorb toxins.
Toxic Chemicals Found in Tampons
In a study released by the University of California, Berkeley, researchers found few studies have been done to measure the chemicals in tampons. After conducting their study, which they state is likely one of the first extensive papers on the topic, researchers were startled to learn exactly what was in these products.
They found 16 metals in tampons, including the following, which are considered toxic and dangerous to health and well-being. Here’s what they found:
Arsenic
Arsenic is a natural substance often found in high levels in groundwater in some countries. It is highly toxic, according to the World Health Organization, in its inorganic form. Long-term exposure can lead to cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and in younger people, it can contribute to cognitive development delays.
Barium
Barium is a silvery-white metal that turns yellowish when exposed to air. It’s made of numerous compounds. In less-than-ideal situations, it’s sometimes found in food and drinking water. The CDC clarifies that barium is harmful to humans.
It can be absorbed by the body and, when used in large doses, can lead to changes in heart rhythm or cause paralysis in some people. It has also been shown to lead to high blood pressure.
Cadmium
Another toxic metal found in some brands of tampons is cadmium, a soft, bluish-white metal found in zinc ores. Cadmium is often used in industrial applications, including batteries and coatings.
It’s even used in nuclear reactors because it absorbs neutrons. However, according to OSHA, it’s problematic for human health. It has been found to cause cancer, including neurological, reproductive, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Chromium
Another warning comes from the presence of chromium, which OSHA labels as carrying a high risk of asthma, damage to eardrums, respiratory irritation when breathed in, and potential for kidney and liver damage as well.
If you are breathing it in, your health could be exposed to some types of respiratory cancers. It can also cause skin irritation and erosion of the teeth.
Mercury
The UC Berkeley study also found mercury in tampons. All mercury is toxic and should never be something you are exposed to. The World Health Organization notes that it can cause nervous, digestive, and immune system risks while also causing kidney and lung damage.
In high doses, it is fatal. Even in smaller doses, it can be threatening to your health. The WHO shares that mercury is one of the top 10 most dangerous chemicals that creates public health concerns.
About 50 to 80% of women use tampons around the globe. The study from UC Berkeley shows that very little actual research has been done to determine how these metals impact a woman’s health, especially when they are using them for such long periods of time.
Metals detected in the study could have a negative impact on health, and yet many people have no idea they could be exposed.
Women simply do not know what is in the products they use, and due to the continued stigma surrounding tampon use and menstruation conversations, it’s critical that something changes to start raising awareness of real risks.
How to Choose Safer Menstrual Products
Women can use other products during their periods, including pads and liners. There is also an increased number of women are also turning to reusable menstrual hygiene products. Research is critical for those who wish to continue to use tampons or plan to use any other product.
It’s complex to know what’s in a product, like a tampon, and even reading the packaging description may not be enough.
Use the Think Dirty App to help you find a cleaner alternative. Once you download the app, you will be able to see options that range from 0–10 in terms of risks to you. The lower the rating the better! All you have to do is scan the product to find alternatives that are safe to use.
Read more from us here: “How you can Support your Hormones” and “Improve Your Fertility by Avoiding These Hormone Disrupting Toxins”.
Disclosure: We are a professional review and product rating website and mobile app that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review and rate. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own interpretations of a trusted source.
Study Reveals Health Risks: Toxic Chemicals in Tampons Including Arsenic and Lead was originally published in Think Dirty on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.