A recent study from the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), has uncovered the presence of toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium in tampons from several popular brands, raising public health concerns. The study, which tested 30 tampons across 14 brands, found detectable levels of 16 metals, sparking calls for stronger regulations and ingredient transparency for menstrual products.
The research, led by Dr. Jenni A. Shearston from UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health, found that organic and non-organic tampons contained metals linked to serious health issues. Lead levels were higher in non-organic tampons, while organic products showed elevated arsenic concentrations. Metals like these can have far-reaching effects on health, contributing to neurological damage, reproductive issues, and even cancer.
The study has heightened concerns because tampons come into contact with highly absorbent vaginal tissue, and regular use could increase the risk of prolonged exposure. “I think it’s important that we ask for clear labeling on our products so people can make informed decisions,” Dr. Shearston said to NPR.
In response to the findings, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would conduct an independent review and laboratory study to determine whether these metals could leak out of tampons and be absorbed by the body. The FDA has acknowledged the study but stressed that more testing is needed to understand the potential risks fully. “The FDA’s laboratory study will measure the amount of metals that come out of tampons under conditions that more closely mimic normal use,” the agency stated. The FDA will release its findings once they have been peer-reviewed.
Following the study’s release, consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers have intensified their calls for stricter regulation of menstrual products. It has been reported that members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus wrote to the FDA, urging the agency to update its safety standards for tampons and ensure clear labeling of all ingredients. “We urge the FDA to take swift action to ensure that women are safe from harmful and toxic substances in tampons,” read the letter signed by lawmakers such as Representatives Summer Lee of Pennsylvania and Grace Meng of New York.
These concerns are not new. Advocacy organizations like Women’s Voices for the Earth have long pushed for ingredient transparency in menstrual products. While some states, including New York and California, have passed laws requiring the disclosure of ingredients in period products, there is still no federal mandate ensuring such transparency. Pennsylvania does not have specific laws mandating tampon material transparency or ingredient disclosure for menstrual products.
The UC Berkeley study has brought renewed urgency to the conversation around menstrual product safety. While the FDA’s investigation is underway, states continue to lead the charge for regulation, with new laws aimed at banning harmful substances like PFAS from menstrual products. Advocates and consumers alike are calling for a more comprehensive federal approach that would mandate ingredient testing and full disclosure on packaging. The growing demand for safer menstrual products and clearer labeling reflects a larger trend of consumers wanting more control over what they are putting into their bodies. As public pressure builds, the FDA’s upcoming findings could shape the future of menstrual product safety and regulation in the U.S.
The discovery of toxic metals in tampons has ignited a national debate about the safety and transparency of menstrual products. With ongoing investigations by the FDA and increasing advocacy for stricter regulations, consumers are hopeful that future changes will prioritize health and safety over profit. Until then, state-level reforms and consumer awareness are pushing the conversation forward, bringing much-needed attention to the issue of menstrual product safety.
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