Panic ensued this week when a new study hit the stratosphere (or the journal Environment International, to be specific), revealing that toxic metals were found in a wide range of tampons sold in the United States and Europe.
The study analyzed 30 tampons from 14 different brands, looking for 16 heavy metals: Arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc.
Twelve of the metals were present in all of the tampons tested.
Immediately, people with periods took to social media to sound the alarm, especially upset that organic tampons — often marketed as the “safer” option — were included in this list.
According to the research, nonorganic tampons had higher levels of lead, but organic tampons had higher levels of arsenic. The paper does not name specific brands.
While the results certainly sound scary, and even one of the study’s authors said they were “shocked by the results,” many experts are attempting to tamp down public anxiety.
“Should you immediately throw out your tampons after reading this study?,” OB-GYN and public health educator Dr. Jennifer Lincoln began a TikTok video in response to the outcry.
“If this worries you, you absolutely can. I personally wouldn’t because these levels are very low, but I hear you if you say ‘there’s no acceptable level for lead.’ I totally get that.”
Dr. Lincoln shared some numbers about how much lead was found in these products (the study determined that there was an average of 0.12 micrograms of lead in the tampons examined), and how that compares to the FDA guidelines about lead levels in the blood of “females of childbearing age.”
The numbers are indeed below the FDA guidelines’ limits, and the study does not detail how much of these metals might be absorbed into the bloodstream.
That said, some still believe that there is cause for concern, especially considering the cumulative exposure people might have to these metals over the course of their lifetimes.
Ultimately, while more research is needed, and menstrual product companies do need to responsibly create products that are safe for consumers, the choice is up to individuals about what period products they want to use moving forward.
If you’re looking for alternatives to tampons following this news, here are a few options that may be a good fit.
By the way, some of the links in this article are from our partners and affiliates, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything in this article was independently and honestly written by the Good Good Good team. Thank you for your support!
Tampon-free alternatives for your next cycle
Menstrual Cup | SAALT
Menstrual cups are a period care option that can be inserted just like a tampon, where they rest in the vaginal canal below the cervix. However, instead of absorbing the flow, menstrual cups collect it. And they collect three to four times more than a standard tampon!
SAALT’s menstrual cups are made with 100% medical-grade silicone, and are marketed as odor-free, biocompatible, and free of BPA, latex, and toxins. They are not known to contain any heavy metals.
If it’s your first time switching to a menstrual cup, note that it’s important to clean your menstrual cups regularly. Some companies offer steamers or compact sanitizers, though you can always simply clean your products in boiling water right on your stove.
→ Explore menstrual cups from SAALT
Menstrual Disc | SAALT
Menstrual discs are similar to menstrual cups, collecting fluid instead of absorbing it.
Where they differ, however, is that menstrual discs don’t rely on suction to stay in place and rest around the cervix, rather than in the vaginal canal. This reportedly makes for a more flexible and comfortable experience — and can even be worn during sex.
Just like their menstrual cups, SAALT’s menstrual discs are made with 100% medical-grade silicone. They are not known to contain any heavy metals and are reportedly free of BPA, latex, and toxins.
That being said, it’s important to stay safe and sanitary by cleaning your menstrual discs regularly. SAALT offers wipes and cleaners you can use between wears, but be sure to clean your disc between cycles using boiling water.
→ Explore menstrual discs from SAALT
Period Underwear | The Period Company
Period underwear has risen in popularity among the zero-waste community — and for good reason. They are often touted as being more comfortable than traditional pads or tampons and are reusable and easy to wash again and again.
While some period underwear companies have been caught up in lawsuits for using PFAS toxins in their fabrics, The Period Company reportedly uses a polyester knit fabric that is laminated on one side with polyurethane to wick moisture away and prevent leaks during periods, which is not known to contain toxins or heavy metals.
“We prefer to use this fabric instead of water-resistant sprays and chemical treatments, which have a risk of containing PFAS toxins,” the brand explained in an FAQ page.
“Our fabrics have been rigorously tested by a third party company to ensure we are compliant with industry standards and best practices. We are proud to use fabric that is free of PFAS toxins.”
→ Explore period underwear from The Period Company
Organic Cotton Reusable Pads | Rael
If you like the idea of period underwear but don’t want to commit to a whole new garment, reusable pads are also a great option. Like a standard menstrual pad, these secure onto a pair of underwear to provide leak-free protection.
Rael offers organic cotton reusable pads in four sizes that can be used up to 120 times. They are reportedly made with 100% organic cotton layers, with one absorbent layer lined with polyurethane. They have a nickel snap closure, as well.
While this brand has been involved in a class action lawsuit for its feminine wipes, there have been no reported issues with Rael’s reusable pads.
Rael has also written about concerns with PFAS toxins in period products in the past, publishing its third-party test results to help shoppers make a decision that’s best for them.
→ Explore reusable pads from Rael
Header image courtesy of Sora Shimazaki/Pexels
