FDA Investigates Toxic Metals in Tampons Following Recent Study

The FDA has launched a research initiative to investigate the potential health risks associated with toxic metals found in tampons, following alarming findings from a recent study. This study, which tested 30 tampons from 14 different brands, discovered metals including mercury, arsenic, and lead present across both organic and nonorganic products. While the FDA acknowledged these findings, it emphasized that the study did not test for metal leaching into the body during tampon use. To address this gap, the FDA has commissioned an independent literature review and initiated laboratory studies to assess how much, if any, of these metals are absorbed by the body. The implications are particularly serious, as the vagina can absorb chemicals more readily than other skin areas, leading to systemic exposure.

Chronic exposure to toxic metals has been associated with increased risks of heart disease, infertility, diabetes, and even cancer. Despite the significant health implications, research in this area remains surprisingly limited. Lead author Jenni A. Shearston from UC Berkeley noted that further investigation is necessary to fully understand the risks posed to women from these common products.