FDA to Investigate Potential Risks of Toxic Metals Found in Tampons

The blind study ran tests for arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc and found “measurable concentrations” in all 16 metals.
Although the study found evidence of metals in tampons, the tests did not show whether the metals are released into the body when used, the FDA said in a statement on Tuesday.
“It also did not test for metals being released, absorbed into the vaginal lining, and getting into the bloodstream during tampon use,” the statement reads.
The FDA said it will launch an independent literature review and start an internal bench laboratory study to evaluate metals in tampons to better understand the possible health risks from the presence of the chemicals.
The FDA lab study plans to mimic the normal use of tampons and measure whether or how much metals are released into the body when used. Following the investigation’s results, the agency will perform a risk assessment and reveal any possible health risks based on a worst-case scenario of metal exposure, the FDA said.
“We want the public to know that before tampons can be legally sold in the U.S., they must meet FDA requirements for safety and effectiveness. Manufacturers must test the product and its component materials before, during, and after manufacturing.” the FDA said.
It noted that metal concentrations varied by the regions where the tampons were bought, including organic versus non-organic material and store- versus name-brand tampons.
According to the study, it showed that multiple toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic received an “elevated mean concentration” with more lead found in non-organic tampons and more arsenic found in organic tampons.
Multiple side effects from exposure to heavy metals could increase the possibility of damage to the brain, kidney, and liver, as well as the cardiovascular, reproductive, and developmental effects.
Researchers said they found high concentrations of zinc and calcium in tampons used for odor control, lubrication, and antimicrobial agents, which explains the high numbers.
Although researchers discovered metals in tampons, they said more studies and research are needed to replicate their findings to confirm whether metals can leach out from tampons and be absorbed into the vaginal lining.