---
title: "Don't Panic About Lead in Tampons"
date: 2025-10-02T11:13:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/dont-panic-about-lead-in-tampons"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# 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.

[Read the full article ](https://vajenda.substack.com/p/dont-panic-about-lead-in-tampons)

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

![A blue table with a glass jar with tampons in it and a cotton plant in the background](data:image/png;base64,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) fotofabrika/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [ using period products](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/using-period-products)
- [menstrual products](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menstrual-products)
- [environmental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/environmental-health)

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Our Bodies Ourselves menstrual cycle context experts Sasha Goodfriend and Sarah Pillone, interview Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah about her research looking at the intersection of environmental and reproductive health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-conversation-about-environmental-reproductive-and-womens-health-with-dr-shruthi-mahalingaiah)

[ResourcesRead

## Tampons and Toxic Chemicals

This article assesses concerns about the presence of chemicals in tampons and other menstrual products.

![A pink background with a pile of tampons](data:image/png;base64,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)

This article assesses concerns about the presence of chemicals in tampons and other menstrual products.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/tampons-and-toxic-chemicals)

[ResourcesRead

## Scarlet Murmurations: Advancing Global Menstrual Justice

This report, commissioned by Irise International and the Global Menstrual Collective, defines menstrual justice and addresses other areas of justice that overlap with menstrual justice. It provides case studies and recommendations for activists.

![Graphic hands guide a bird](data:image/png;base64,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)

This report, commissioned by Irise International and the Global Menstrual Collective, defines menstrual justice and addresses other areas of justice that overlap with menstrual justice. It provides case studies and recommendations for activists.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/scarlet-murmurations-advancing-global-menstrual-justice)

[ResourcesRead

## Is Your Period Underwear Toxic?

Do you know what's in your menstrual products? This article invesigates allegations that period underwear contains harmful PFAS.

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Do you know what's in your menstrual products? This article invesigates allegations that period underwear contains harmful PFAS.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/is-your-period-underwear-toxic)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Giving Advice to Anyone Who Menstruates

XY gives advice to anyone who may be experiencing their period for the first time. She addresses both puberty and menstruation.

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XY gives advice to anyone who may be experiencing their period for the first time. She addresses both puberty and menstruation.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-giving-advice-to-anyone-who-menstruates)

[ResourcesRead

## The Menstrual Cycle: Get Involved

Find organizations and groups who are working to challenge menstrual taboos and fighting for safe and accessible menstrual products and medical care.

![Two smiling girls wearing white headscarves hold menstrual products in their hands.](data:image/png;base64,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)

Find organizations and groups who are working to challenge menstrual taboos and fighting for safe and accessible menstrual products and medical care.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/menstruation-get-involved)

[ResourcesLook

## A Brief History of Periods/Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.

![A Brief History of Periods:Vagina Museum Period Exhibition Print](data:image/png;base64,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)

Illustrator Hazel Mead created A Brief History of Periods to teach about menstruation throughout history.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-brief-history-of-periods-vagina-museum-period-exhibition-print)

[ResourcesRead

## A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period

An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it.

![A Menstrual Expert's Surprising Tips On How To Talk About Your Period](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAETklEQVRIiVWWXXbjuBKDP6DopDc+z3cRs8dJt1ss3IeiHCeH0ZFtCSDqB0X9879/IUnYO31xXf33mb/P/fzTf35fv79mPb++/v739fz68/z9fD7389KV2uuRj099ftavX/X56/Hrc318PD4+1uNRa1VZ8kIQBPMfkMh8AgmJ+0dJc5WFhEXmG94e+/m3PDAEKSIigypiRbJky+Uq7eVa7k5D0C6lhLFVwvcSHGpYy4KkNd8NqIzm2XJea1WvymOHUCi2nSWWXNiUXxwxh2aNBEgQKFGXut1l3YtVrOJRdMHC8o7jtrvMkpZcKmPzLYVIWo8SmfgI1KW0utRlz3oUXdpFlrKl2KpOxa1qm/XN8UYQC5H1YQEJSEFBHSfey9XeXdew9TLbtI3L1VlhU+1KmbIWKlyyo5OJSFof9U7g4I66Xe29yl3ucpazzbbaxsur+2o1brvtyZbqJE/+LpT1sURuAqk1HO54xzu1X+i0HZfq8u5eYeMeEfoOjQpZnJAzCpSEJjtND3q/VY+zTZvYKavKu/sKHe3ZkI2cV5EaSdMU62N5GjlS5MiNm9rpoja1U1eW1Vbb2SVv7+5KdjQPt2rePcWiU6TAerwp6CbzAu24KaeUJdpqKTbXlrevbid1ouSmgjOxx5FhPEDrsUxIctoYN9kppzetLKVNiaUjEpXU7U5HZkQ4VOMwHMqtYq0ygSSmN6GaCDeltNJKwYJIYYqkPQQ7CHU0CprKWQbnmwDSSTAMuuKdk1dSpElDMjtr0b0TgqJGPfEcjgz6MYtVo+BkYQyplJCmD3TSRYcUiUZYJyEcT4uFQ+lGD56fVtnMQOjbBRPsuFKdOG27Uu2kiU8qOhPYadhJw6ExeVPgupMMDU5ScZx27LZVk4xS5eX/kjUhQo4beTYe85YA0JKLZPzO0IkS2fccOL2PTRsXgUyyxn6Vu7vO9s/eJ0Qs+VQR3XFI1GEQbTQeP+ieYkt37CQ55WiQ8HC8fRSwkM84GM9TcGPx7ViOdPd5IlpqiE5VTXPBGVLc83Qm5cooIBE4dCK/0Kc5G7fcTF/QSkOjPg5/h3Gm4LkeM1rIs/lTQOpIjeY6QPe9Ntp4ky11GOv9Rr+vkj2lAKtlIGTKMzrtPtrfab7RyUYtNeYGtWtqQbIlywKhFYwIHbmVnnCf9w/6jnbY6HVzZeIzxmS5JGdmvyxrDg6SRkESB6I07p/oszY3NFxDhnOPGKtk24Ut+zSKZLFO/6r7NZPfoHe0ow33xnNFF2zcGVu2MbJVR4Et6+ZhRSYJDnnbO406vGh6OKKdXNE+JfSqy+ozcIxrimhUrEaI44woEOaeHyHKiOA62dYo8PTXPQ3jQpbECRRrzqUDeopybnLIOrxJoUcH6nOW1bHPe2TyQrckrcA4ymvjP27Gkl80oSdc0AhOnU7+jgUNjYfsKDjoc6DOfTDOj6VvlWfSnNF4tsg5CZ2D+DSa+D+ywGqmeUH5fwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==)

An interview with Dr. Inga Winkler about menstrual stigma – what it is, how it is perpetuated, and ways to combat it.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-menstrual-experts-surprising-tips-on-how-to-talk-about-your-period)