Study: Lead, Arsenic and Other Toxins Found in Tampons

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The Facts

  • Researchers at the University of California, Berkley have discovered arsenic, lead, and other toxic chemicals in multiple tampons. They also found barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc in some brands.

  • 14 tampon brands bought in the US, UK, and EU were reportedly identified. According to the study, the metals may have been added to the products through pigmentation, whitening, or antibacterial processes, or absorbed through the air, water, soil, or other contaminants near a manufacturer.

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The Spin

Narrative A

While toxic chemicals found in health products should be investigated and eliminated, this study should not yet deter the use of tampons. Preliminary results show that levels of lead, which were low, are also found equally in people who don't use the products. Consumers should be aware of this issue but there's no need to avoid usage yet.

New York Times

Narrative B

Chemicals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium represent a threat to health. These toxins are known to cause infertility in millions of women, not to mention cancer and dementia, and it's vital to prevent contamination. It's shameful that manufacturers show alarmingly little care about something that has such a significant impact on women's health.

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