---
title: Tampons and Toxic Chemicals
date: 2024-12-06T21:20:00-05:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/tampons-and-toxic-chemicals"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Tampons and Toxic Chemicals

In this CNN article, Sandee LaMotte assesses concerns about the presence of chemicals in tampons and other menstrual products.

Past research has revealed that menstrual products may contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A small recent pilot study found arsenic and lead in organic and nonorganic tampons. These chemicals affect the body in different ways. They can disrupt hormones and cause reproductive health problems. Should we be worried?

While the study did not find cause for worry around the presence of arsenic and lead in tampons, it did not determine whether these chemicals can leach from tampons into the body. Additionally, the study did not determine if those chemicals would be absorbed in the bloodstream.

> Most tampons are made of cotton or a mixture of cotton and rayon, a semi-synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. Arsenic is a natural element found in soil, water and air, while lead and other heavy metals are a natural part of Earth’s crust — so plants can easily absorb metals as they develop.

[Read the full article ](https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/11/health/tampons-lead-arsenic-plastics-wellness/)

SOURCE: CNN • AUTHOR: Sandee LaMotte • LAST UPDATED: July 11, 2024

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

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

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[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[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.

![antoni-shkraba-7091850-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,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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)

[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)

[ResourcesRead

## Climate Change and Violence against Women and Girls

This fact sheet by UN Women explains the connections between violence against women and girls (VAWG) and climate change.

![Climate Change Violence](data:image/png;base64,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)

This fact sheet by UN Women explains the connections between violence against women and girls (VAWG) and climate change.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/climate-change-and-violence-against-women-and-girls)

[ResourcesRead

## Climate Change Exacerbates Violence against Women and Girls

This UN article explains the inextricable connection between climate crisis and gender-based violence.

![Pexels karolina grabowska 8106773 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

This UN article explains the inextricable connection between climate crisis and gender-based violence.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/climate-change-exacerbates-violence-against-women-and-girls)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Asking Legislators to Provide Menstrual Products in Prison

KH discusses her work lobbying and advocating for a menstrual products bill that would benefit women who are incarcerated.

![Kimberly](data:image/png;base64,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)

KH discusses her work lobbying and advocating for a menstrual products bill that would benefit women who are incarcerated.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-asking-legislators-to-provide-menstrual-products-in-prison)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Having to Make My Own Menstrual Hygiene Products in Prison

KH explains what it’s like to be a woman in prison experiencing a shortage of menstrual hygiene products.

![Kimberly](data:image/png;base64,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)

KH explains what it’s like to be a woman in prison experiencing a shortage of menstrual hygiene products.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-having-to-make-my-own-menstrual-hygiene-products-in-prison)