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Scientists detected toxic metals in tampons

11.07.2024 16:00
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, discovered toxic metals such as arsenic, lead, mercury, nickel, copper, iron, and others in tampons.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, detected toxic metals, including arsenic and lead, in tampons, highlighting significant health risks associated with their use due to direct exposure and absorption.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, detected toxic metals, including arsenic and lead, in tampons, highlighting significant health risks associated with their use due to direct exposure and absorption.Marta Branco/Pexels.com/CC0

Their study, published in Environment International, revealed varying levels of these metals based on the tampons' origin (US, UK, EU), organic status, and branding. Analyzing 30 tampons from 14 different brands, they found all 16 metals they tested for in each sample.

According to a publication by Berkeley Public Health, these metals are associated with an increased risk of serious health conditions, including dementia, infertility, diabetes, and cancer, and can also harm essential organs and bodily systems.

Toxic metals found in tampons. Calls for mandatory testing and further research

Lead and arsenic were notably present among the toxic metals detected, with organic tampons showing higher arsenic levels and non-organic ones containing more lead.

The presence of metals in tampons can stem from contaminated materials or intentional additives, posing serious health concerns as there is no safe level for these metals.

Lead author Jenni Shearston and her team, in their article "Tampons as a Source of Exposure to Metal(loid)s," emphasized the need for mandatory testing and improved labeling of menstrual products.

Scientists also called for further research to assess the extent to which metals can be absorbed by the body through tampon use and to investigate the presence of other chemicals in these products.

"Future research is needed to replicate our findings and determine whether metals can leach out of tampons and cross the vaginal epithelium into systemic circulation," they wrote in the publication cited by Science Direct

Source: PAP/Sky News /x.com/@UCBerleley/Science Direct/Berkeley Public Health

publichealth.columbia.edu/ Environment International

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