Why Switch? Metals in Tampons & Best Alternative

Hey there, lovely readers! Let’s dive into some pretty shocking news that's been making waves recently. It turns out that tampons, a staple in many women's menstrual care routines, have been found to contain metals. Yep, you read that right. This revelation has sparked quite a bit of concern among women who use these products regularly. So, let's break down what this means and explore alternatives.

Traces of Arsenic and Lead in Tampons

A groundbreaking study from the University of California, Berkeley, has revealed that various tampon brands contain traces of arsenic, lead, and other toxic metals. Researchers examined 30 tampons from 14 brands across the U.S., U.K., and Greece, finding all 16 tested metals in at least one sample. Surprisingly, lead was found in every tampon tested, with higher levels in non-organic tampons, while organic ones showed elevated arsenic levels (CBC News, 2024).

Lead author Jenni A. Shearston was astonished by these findings, particularly the ubiquity of lead. While some metal presence is expected due to environmental factors, finding lead in every single tampon was unexpected. To put it in perspective, a tampon contains about a quarter of the lead found in a typical U.S. cigarette, which is pretty alarming (CBC News, 2024).

Health Risks of Metals in Tampons

The presence of lead in tampons is particularly concerning because there is no safe exposure level for lead (United States Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2020). Even small amounts can be harmful, potentially leading to a range of health issues. Lead can accumulate in the body, particularly in bones, and can stay there for decades, replacing calcium and causing long-term health problems (United States Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2020).

Other metals found, like arsenic and cadmium, also pose significant health risks. Arsenic is a known carcinogen and can affect cardiovascular health, skin, and respiratory systems (United States Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2007). Cadmium, on the other hand, primarily targets the kidneys and can lead to cardiovascular issues (United States Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2012).

Regulatory Gaps and Usage Statistics

One of the reasons these metals are present in tampons is the lack of stringent regulations. In the U.S., EU, and UK, tampons are not regularly tested for harmful chemicals, including metals. This means consumers are not fully protected from potential contaminants (United States Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2020).

Tampons are widely used, with a significant percentage of menstruators: 52–86 % of menstruators in the United States (Dodson et al., 2021, Scranton, 2013) and 43–46 % of menstruators in Spain (Medina-Perucha et al., 2022) and France (Parent et al., 2022) use tampons. Over a lifetime, a typical user may use more than 7,400 tampons, with each one being in place for several hours. This prolonged exposure raises concerns about the potential health impacts of these metals (Dodson et al., 2021; Scranton, 2013; Medina-Perucha et al., 2022; Parent et al., 2022).

Exploring Safer Tampon Alternatives

With all this information, it’s no wonder many women are looking for safer menstrual care options. There are several alternatives to tampons, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. These include menstrual cups, reusable cloth pads, period panties, and sea sponges. However, one alternative stands out for its unique benefits: the menstrual disc.

The Bodyotics Reusable Menstrual Disc, made from 100% medical-grade silicone. These discs offer a reusable option that’s both safer and convenient, even allowing for leak-proof intimate moments. Choosing tampon alternatives like reusable menstrual discs can provide peace of mind. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and sustainable, making them a win-win for both you and the environment.

Why Menstrual Discs are the Best Alternative

Compared to other menstrual products, discs provide a balance of comfort, convenience, and capacity. Unlike menstrual cups, discs do not create suction and are easier to insert and remove for some users. They are also more comfortable than reusable pads and period panties for many people, as they do not feel bulky or restrictive.

Conclusion

The discovery of metals in tampons has understandably raised concerns among users. While some experts suggest that there's no need for immediate alarm, it's clear that more research and awareness are needed. For those looking to take a cautious approach, Bodyotics Reusable Menstrual Discs offer a sustainable alternative: they can hold up to 6 tampons’ worth of fluid, are compatible with intimate moments and more economical for your wallet on the long term, since they last up to 5 years. 

By staying informed and considering other options, you can better protect your health and well-being during your menstrual cycle. Choose Bodyotics for a more conscious period experience and take a step towards improved menstrual health today.

Sources:

• Jenni A. Shearston, Kristen Upson, Milo Gordon, Vivian Do, Olgica Balac, Khue Nguyen, Beizhan Yan, Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou, Kathrin Schilling, Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s, Environment International, Volume 190, 2024, 108849, ISSN 0160-4120, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108849.
• Dana G. Smith and Katie Mogg (2024). Concerned About Metals in Tampons? Here’s What to Know., New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/11/well/tampons-arsenic-lead-heavy-metals-toxic.html
• CBC News. (2024). Traces of arsenic and lead found in tampons. https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/tampons-heavy-metals-study-1.7262950
• Bocca, B., Pino, A., Alimonti, A., & Forte, G. (2014). Toxic metals contained in cosmetics: A status report. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 68(3), 447-467​ (Sci-Hub)​​ (SCIRP)​.
• United States Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Arsenic. August 2007.
• United States Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Cadmium. September 2012.
• United States Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Lead. US Department of Health and Human Services;2020.
• Dodson et al., 202, R.E. Dodson, B. Cardona, A.R. Zota, J. Robinson Flint, S. Navarro, B. Shamasunder, Personal care product use among diverse women in California: Taking Stock Study, J. Eposure Sci. Environ. Epidemiol., 31 (3) (2021), pp. 487-502
• Irnawati et al., 2022, I. Irnawati, R. Idroes, M. Akmal, E. Suhartono, A. Rusyana, I. Seriana, The effect and activity of free radical enzymes due to arsenic exposure through the vulva and vagina, Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences., 10 (B) (2022), pp. 2279-2285
• Kim and De Jesus, 2022, J. Kim, O. De Jesus, Medication routes of administration, StatPearls [internet], StatPearls Publishing (2022)
• Medina-Perucha et al., 2022
• L. Medina-Perucha, T. López-Jiménez, A.S. Holst, et al., Use and perceptions on reusable and non-reusable menstrual products in Spain: a mixed-methods study, PLoS One, 17 (3) (2022), p. e0265646
• C. Parent, C. Tetu, C. Barbe, et al., Menstrual hygiene products: A practice evaluation, Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction., 51 (1) (2022), Article 102261
• A. Scranton, Chem fatale: Potential health effects of toxic chemicals in feminine care products, Women's Voices for the Earth. (2013)
• B. Bocca, A. Pino, A. Alimonti, G. Forte, Toxic metals contained in cosmetics: A status report, Regul. Toxicol. Pharm., 68 (3) (2014), pp. 447-467