Toxic metals have been found in tampons sold in the UK, according to a recent investigation. A study conducted on 30 products purchased in New York, Athens, and London revealed that some tampons contained dangerous levels of arsenic, chromium, and lead. All 16 metals tested were detected in at least one tampon, raising concerns about potential health risks for women.

Exposure to lead can impair brain development, while other metals can trigger life-threatening blood clotting and increase the risk of certain cancers. Researchers in the US emphasized that tampons could be a source of metal exposure for women, highlighting the need for further research into the safety of these products.

Despite the alarming findings, experts advised women not to panic and emphasized the necessity of conducting more studies to determine the extent of any potential danger to users. While some of the implicated products are available in the US, UK, and EU, researchers opted not to disclose the specific items or brands involved in the study.

Dr. Jenni Shearston, an expert in the epidemiology of air pollution at the University of California, Berkeley, commented on the lack of research on chemicals in tampons, stating, ‘Despite the significant public health implications, there has been limited research on measuring chemicals in tampons. Our study is among the first to analyze metals in tampons, revealing the presence of toxic metals like arsenic and lead.’

Professor Kathrin Schilling, an assistant professor and geochemist at Columbia University, highlighted the ubiquity of toxic metals and the heightened risk of exposure for women using menstrual products. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the presence of metals in these products and the potential health risks associated with their use.