Don't Panic About Lead in Tampons

A study in 2024, led by Dr. Jenni Shearston at University of Colorado Boulder, raised concerns about the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in tampons. In this article, Dr. Jen Gunter explains what we should take away from the study.

The study's researchers tested twenty-four types of tampons from fourteen brands. They ranged in absorbency from regular to ultra. Of the thirty tampons sampled, seven were labeled organic. The study found that every tampon tested positive for arsenic, cadmium, and lead. The organic tampons contained more arsenic, and the conventional tampons contained more lead.

The metals likely come from the soil. Plants absorb heavy metals with their micronutrients. These metals are present in some vegetables that we consume, such as kale and Brussels sprouts. They are also present in supplements. When compared to EPA standards for chemicals in bottled water, tampons are safe. However, this study highlights the need to regulate the presence of heavy metals in tampons in the same way that they are regulated in other consumer products.

Ideally, we want no arsenic, cadmium, or lead, but the reality is that they’re in the soil and will ultimately creep into all kinds of products. This is one reason we need regulation: so people can understand their cumulative risks. It’s good to test tampons and hopefully come up with standards, but it’s wrong to fearmonger and generate clickbait about this study.

SOURCE: The Vajenda • AUTHOR: Dr. Jen Gunter • LAST UPDATED: July 11, 2024