A July study found that both organic and nonorganic tampons have arsenic and lead. The FDA will now research the potential effects of these heavy metals in tampons. Getty Images
On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would investigate the presence of heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic, found in tampons. This decision follows a small-scale study published in July, which detected these metals in both organic and non-organic tampons. Although the levels were low, the presence of lead is concerning because there is no known safe level of lead exposure, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The July study only identified the metals and did not determine if they were released into the body during tampon use. The FDA has noted that it will conduct its research to examine whether these metals are released and absorbed into the bloodstream from tampons. This will involve a lab study that simulates normal tampon use and a comprehensive review of existing research to understand the potential health risks.
The FDA assures that before tampons can be sold in the U.S., they must meet strict safety and effectiveness standards. Manufacturers are required to conduct rigorous testing, including biocompatibility tests, which are reviewed by the FDA before the product reaches the market. The Consumer Healthcare Product Association, a trade group, supports ongoing research to ensure the safety of these products.
The study that triggered this investigation tested 30 tampons from 14 brands purchased from online retailers and stores in the U.S., the U.K., and Greece. It identified an average of 100 nanograms of lead per gram and 2 nanograms of arsenic per gram in the tampons. While no chromium or mercury was detected, organic tampons had higher arsenic levels, whereas non-organic ones had more lead. Although these findings are concerning, there is no definitive evidence yet on the health impacts of such exposure.
Kathrin Schilling, a senior author of the study, emphasized that there should be no detectable levels of arsenic in tampons, and that lead, which is known to affect reproductive health, poses a significant concern. However, the American Chemistry Council cautioned that the mere presence of a chemical does not necessarily indicate a health risk, citing the CDC's stance that exposure measurements alone do not confirm adverse effects.
Anna Pollack, an expert in global and community health, expressed concerns about the potential for heavy metals to be absorbed through vaginal tissue, which is more permeable than other body parts. Despite these concerns, she advised that people should not panic but stay informed about ongoing research.
For now, both tampon manufacturers and the FDA recommend safe practices to minimize risks. This includes not using tampons for more than eight hours to prevent toxic shock syndrome—a serious bacterial infection—and changing tampons regularly. Users are also advised to wash their hands before and after handling tampons and to choose the lowest absorbency required.
If users experience any unusual symptoms, such as a sudden high fever, rash, or discomfort, they should seek medical attention immediately. The FDA also advises discontinuing tampon use if any adverse reactions occur and contacting a healthcare provider.
