Metals found in Tampons - What You Need to Know
Recent reports that a study has uncovered contaminants such as lead and arsenic in tampons has left us reeling. The study is the first of its kind to be carried out, and the findings have understandably been met with shock across the globe. So what do we know about the study, and do we need to be concerned? WUKA experts discuss.
What is the study?
The first of it’s kind, the study was led by scholar Jenni A. Shearston at the UC Berkeley School of Environmental Science, Policy & Management, and assistant professor Kathryn Shilling at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. The aim of the study was to evaluate levels of metals in tampons.
The researchers studied 30 tampons from 14 different brands purchased from varying locations - including the US and the UK.
What did the study find?
Of the tampons tested, the researchers found 16 metals present - arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc.
The researchers discovered 16 different types of metals, depending on where the tampons were bought. They also compared organic vs non-organic, and own-brand vs named-brand. Metal Wass found to be present in all the tampons tested, and no specific types were found to have lower levels.
That said, levels of lead were higher in non-organic tampons - but arsenic was found in higher levels in organic tampons. Each tampon was tested twice.
How did metal get into tampons?
So you might be wondering how on earth this happened? Us too. According to the researchers, metals can find their way into tampons in a few different ways:
- Tampons could absorb metals from water, air, soil or through a contaminant near by.
- Some metals could be added intentionally during manufacturing- for example as part of a pigment, whiter or as an antibacterial agent.
- Some metals could be added during other processes in the factory.
Are metals present in WUKA period pants too?
Naturally, you might be wondering if WUKA period pants also contain metals. You might also remember the recent Which? study that found traces of silver in period pants too. And just as we reassured you then, we’d like to reassure again now.
As our founder and CEO, Ruby says:
“From day one, each and every WUKA product has been free from any toxins or chemicals, including no lead or arsenic. WUKA’s commitment to providing safe, healthy, effective, and environmentally responsible menstrual products sets a sustainable standard in the industry. It is simply unacceptable that in this day and age, we still don’t know what is inside the products we use in our most intimate areas of our bodies.”
We will never waver in our commitment to helping our customers make an informed decision on the period products they buy, and we’re always happy to help you make the right choices for your body and for the planet.
What are the effects of exposure to these contaminants?
At the moment, we don’t really know much about the effects of lead and arsenic in tampons, but people are understandably concerned about the long term implications. Previous studies do show that long-term exposure to metals can lead to an array of health issues, but as this study is the first of it’s kind, there is no real evidence to show that contaminated tampons pose a risk.
It seems more research is now needed - to find out how much metal can be leached out of the tampons and absorbed by the body, or indeed if there are other chemicals present too.
What should you do if you use tampons?
So are tampons safe? First of all - if you use tampons, don’t panic. As already mentioned, we don’t have solid evidence which shows tampons are harmful to your health, and there are questions over whether or not the vagina is able to absorb any of these harmful substances.
But if you are looking to swap from tampons, there are other options for you that might feel safer.
- Reusable period pants - all WUKA reusable period pants are independently tested for PFAS, silver and other toxins. We use natural, breathable materials that are not only kind to skin, but to the planet too. We also have a very strict supplier due-diligence process, which ensures regular checks take place, and we’re more than happy to provide copies of our certificates to anyone who wishes to view them.
- Reusable period pads - a much safer (and eco-friendly alternative to tampons and disposable pads. WUKA x Mooncup reusable pads are made using GOTS certified organic cotton and are also independently tested.
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Menstrual cup - worn inside the vagina to collect, rather than absorb, your menstrual flow. As ever, do your research and shop around for a brand that you feel aligned with.
Shop WUKA period pants
We want to make it easier than ever for anyone to switch to reusable period pants - no matter what your budget, body shape or bloody flow. We believe that nothing should hold you back in life, especially your period. You deserve to be able to make the choice of safe and reliable period products that don’t harm your health or the planet.
Our innovative Stretch™️ collection enables us to be the most inclusive period brand on the planet - thanks to our multi-sizing ranging from XS to 6XL, and our absorbency levels ranging from Light to Super Heavy Flow. They’re designed for every body - stretching up to 4 sizes in one pair to accommodate bloating or growth spurts with a seamless, second-skin fit. And yes, they are 100% toxin-free, so safe to use for all ages.
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