Hundreds of thousands of girls the world over use tampons, pads, and different menstrual merchandise each month. Nevertheless, latest research have revealed that tampons could comprise sure doubtlessly poisonous chemical compounds and heavy metals linked to a spread of well being issues.
That being mentioned, additional analysis is required to find out the long-term influence tampons containing such substances might have on our well being.
In a recent study, researchers discovered “measurable concentrations” of 16 completely different heavy metals throughout 14 completely different natural and nonorganic tampon manufacturers. This included poisonous metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. The very best ranges of metals discovered had been calcium and zinc.
The research states that:
Lead concentrations had been increased in non-organic tampons whereas arsenic was increased in natural tampons,” with neither class displaying “persistently decrease concentrations of all or most metals.
Whereas the degrees the researchers discovered had been small, extended publicity to any quantity of lead “heightens the dangers of creating neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, or renal ailments,” based on the European Environment Agency.
This isn’t the primary time tampons and different menstrual merchandise have discovered themselves underneath the microscope for potential well being dangers. Prior to now, researchers discovered that menstrual merchandise, together with tampons, could comprise chemical compounds like perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), plasticizers (or phthalates), and risky natural compounds (VOCs).
Such chemical teams are emitted as gasoline or fragrances from shopper merchandise similar to scented menstrual aids. These chemical teams could have an effect on the physique’s endocrine system, doubtlessly disrupting its regulation of metabolism, sexual growth, temper, blood sugar, and extra.
Among the metals discovered within the tampons – similar to calcium, copper, iron, and zinc – are protected in low quantities, however could have a unfavourable impact on an individual’s endocrine features if amassed over time.
Can Poisonous Substances Take up Into the Physique?
Up to now, scientists are uncertain about whether or not heavy metals can leach from tampons into the physique. There haven’t been any conclusive research (but) concerning the potential influence of tampons on well being, and the following step for researchers is to determine if the metals and plastics can leach from the tampon into the physique.
A spokesperson for the US Meals and Drug Administration, which regulates menstrual products like tampons, informed CNN:
The research was additionally unable to find out whether or not any steel, even when launched into the physique, could be absorbed into the vaginal lining and subsequently into the bloodstream.
How Metals And Chemical substances Get Into Tampons
So, how do detectable ranges of metals and different poisonous substances get into tampons? The reply lies within the soil and water.
Most tampons are made from cotton or a cotton-rayon mix. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber constructed from wooden pulp. All of those supplies are constructed from crops, which simply soak up metals like arsenic, lead, and different heavy metals, that are pure parts and metals present in soil, water, air, and the earth’s crust.
The soil and water of many components of the world are additionally closely contaminated with chemical compounds used to provide a variety of plastic merchandise we use in our on a regular basis lives. PFAS and different chemical compounds enter the soil, air, and groundwater from shopper merchandise discarded in landfills, human waste, and byproducts from fluorochemical manufacturing crops.
What Can I Use As an alternative?
Contemplating that PFAS and different poisonous chemical compounds have also been found in menstrual pads and interval underwear, the common menstruating shopper could also be on the lookout for different choices.
Menstrual cups, that are small, versatile cups inserted into the vaginal canal to gather menstrual blood, have NOT been proven to comprise PFAS, making them a protected various to tampons and pads.
They’re made from medical-grade supplies like silicone, pure rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, or latex, which implies that there isn’t the priority of the supplies degrading or leaching into your physique. Plus, they will maintain as much as 3 times as a lot fluid as a standard tampon.
Not solely are menstrual cups considerably extra sustainable than different interval merchandise (the reusable cups can final years) they might additionally cut back your publicity to the poisonous chemical compounds and metals present in tampons. Another advantages of menstrual cups over tampons or menstrual pads embody:
- Decreased odor
- Not worrying about leakage – You may safely put on the cup for longer intervals of time earlier than having to vary it out or being concerned about leakage, as menstrual cups maintain extra liquid than tampons
- Price-effectiveness – Tampons and pads value a median of $50-$150 per yr. A menstrual cup solely prices between $20-$40, and might final from six months to 10 years, relying on the model. That’s a big amount of cash saved.
- Environmental sustainability – Tampons and pads find yourself in landfills, the place the plastics take years to degrade and should find yourself leaching into the soil.
- Decrease danger of poisonous shock syndrome – Not solely are menstrual cups made from safer supplies than different interval merchandise, additionally they decrease your danger of creating poisonous shock syndrome as a result of they accumulate slightly than soak up blood. Toxic shock syndrome is a uncommon bacterial an infection that will end result from improper tampon use.
