Tampons may Contain Various Heavy Metals, Study Reveals
Shub & Johns LLC launches investigation into tampon products across 14 different brands after a University of California, Berkeley study published in the Environmental International discovered 16 types of metals in approximately 30 tampon products currently sold and marketed across the US, England, and Greece.
According to the study, 16 different types of heavy metals have been discovered on or in tampon materials of 14 different brands of tampons, whether made of organic or non-organic materials. These heavy metals include:
- Arsenic
- Barium
- Calcium
- Cadmium
- Cobalt
- Chromium
- Copper
- Iron
- Manganese
- Mercury
- Nickel
- Lead
- Selenium
- Strontium
- Vanadium
- Zinc
This investigation is not without its limitations, however. While the study did discover these different, and potentially harmful heavy metals in the materials that make up the tampons, it is not yet known if the metals on the tampon material are released when in use and, if the metals are released, if they are at risk of entering the body’s bloodstream. The researcher also indicated that the metals found on the tampons can be commonly found throughout the environment and it is unknown if the products were contaminated during manufacturing or anywhere else in its journey.
The study conducted by a postdoctoral scholar at the University indicated that though this topic needs to studied further, what they did find should be of public interest and concern. Tampon manufacturers should engage in regulatory tests for their tampon products to ensure that toxic metals do not become a part of the tampon during the manufacturing process, the scholar suggests.
It is unknown yet if the tampons tested are dangerous for human use or if the heavy metals found in the tampons are released and enter the users bloodstream. The FDA continues its investigation into the findings of this study.
If you have purchased products and are worried that you have been exposed to heavy metals, let us know. Fill out the attached form and join the Shub & Johns investigation today!
