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A recent study from Berkeley Public Health found toxic metals including arsenic and lead in tampons.
The study tested 30 tampons from 14 brands and found that although the concentration of metals varied, all the tampons tested, tested positive for the metals.
“Despite this large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons,” said postdoctoral scholar at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and UC Berkeley’s Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management and the lead author, Jenni A. Shearston. Shearston goes on to say this is the first study on the chemicals in tampons.
The study tested the tampons for 16 metals and some of the metals can increase the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes, and cancer, according to the study.
Vaginas have a higher chance of absorbing chemicals than skin elsewhere.
Jenni A. Shearston (credit: jenni-shearston.github.io)
“I really hope that manufacturers are required to test their products for metals, especially for toxic metals,” says Shearston.
As of right now, they are not sure if the metals found in tampons are the cause of any negative health effects and Berkeley is planning to do further research to see how much of the metals found in tampons are being absorbed.
To rearch paper visit: First study to measure toxic metals in tampons shows arsenic and lead, among other contaminants | Berkeley Public Health
