16 toxic metals found in sanitary tampons: a new study warns about the composition of periodic protection

A study from the University of Berkeley published in early July 2024 reveals that sixteen toxic metals are included in the composition of tampons marketed by certain brands in the United States and the European Union. In total, this would concern around 15 billion units each year.

Alarming quantities of toxic metals. This is what American researcher Jenni A Shearston discovered when she was interested in the composition of tampons marketed by several brands in the United States and Europe. His study, published at the beginning of July in the journal Environnemental international, noted the presence of more than sixteen dangerous metals.

Real health risks

On the list, established by the consortium of researchers at the University of Berkeley: cadmium, chromium, zinc, arsenic and even lead. These metals are particularly known to disrupt the endocrine system, attack the neurological system and cause or aggravate psychological illnesses. They also increase the risk of cancer and diabetes, by damaging the liver, kidneys and even the cardiovascular system. Not to mention potential infertility problems. Especially since according to Jenni A. Shearston, "the skin of the vagina has a higher potential for chemical absorption than other parts of the body.

Organic protections also concerned

Lead, in particular, worries the epidemiologist, because she found this component in all the tampons studied. However, "there is no level of exposure to lead that is safe for health" explains- she. "We don't yet know if lead can escape from the tampon, or if it can be absorbed into the body, or in what quantity". And organic protections are not spared: they contain less lead, but more arsenic than conventional protections.

How to explain it?

Several hypotheses are put forward to demonstrate the presence of its toxic products in hygienic protections, as Le Monde explains. The first, an intentional addition by manufacturers via a perfume, an antimicrobial or a product to whiten the merchandise. Another explanation could come from the method of manufacturing tampons, made from cotton or wood pulp. The metals could therefore have been absorbed by the plant during its growth.

Other dangerous components found

This is the very first study to look for toxic metals in sanitary tampons marketed in the European Union and the United States. But previous studies had already shown that these products often contained pesticides, PFAS or perennial pollutants, pesticides and volatile organic compounds. So many components which, as Les Échos reminds us, are dangerous for health.

Recent legislation

"Our results highlight the need for regulations requiring manufacturers to test for metals in tampons"< /em>, write the authors of the study. In France since April 1, 2024, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Repression has asked manufacturers to "mention on the labeling" the list of components, with "for each of& rsquo;them, the details of the substances and materials incorporated", "the mention of the terms and precautions for use", as well as "possible adverse effects (irritation, intolerance, allergies, microtrauma) or more serious ones such as menstrual toxic shock syndrome (TSS)" .