Women have been using tampons for almost 100 years, so why is It that we’re only just learning of concerns about their toxicity?
A UC Berkeley study which revealed the alarming presence of toxic metals in tampons from popular high-street brands has recently gone viral on TikTok.
One of the main reasons that this study has been so disturbing, aside from the fact that it appears to be the first of its kind, is that the skin in and around the vagina is far more sensitive to chemical absorption than anywhere else in the body.
While it’s certainly true that humans are exposed to low levels of toxic metals on a daily basis – whether it be through fruit and vegetables or city-standard tap water – between 50-80 per cent of those who mensurate use tampons monthly for several hours at a time, running the risk of concentrated metalloid exposure and absorption. However, future research is necessary to determine whether metals can leach out of tampons into the blood.
The UC Berkeley study was led by post-doctoral researcher Jenni A. Shearston who spoke to Berkeley Public Health and said, “Despite this large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons.” It’s currently unclear whether the metals detected in this study are contributing to any long-term malignant health effects.
Highlights of the study, which evaluated the presence of 16 metal(loid)s in different kinds of tampons include the fact that several toxic metals including lead and arsenic were detected, the highest concentration was found for zinc, and that tampon use overall serves as a potential source of exposure to metals in menstruating people.
A geometric mean lead concentration of 120ng/g was found in samples, while a geometric mean of 2.56ng/g of arsenic was detected (where ng/g stands for nanograms per gram, and a nanogram is a billionth of a gram). Metal concentrations differed by region of tampon purchase, by organic versus non-organic material, and for store versus name-brand tampons.
Interestingly, the study found that lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons while arsenic was higher in organic tampons. According to the study, this is likely due to the application of natural fertilisers in organic cotton fields. The 24 analysed tampon products and brands were not named in the study.
Once again, additional studies are required to determine whether the presence of the 16 metal(loid)s detected may have long-term negative health repercussions. In the meantime, we’ve rounded up a small selection of the best non-toxic tampons on the market. In order to make an educated decision about future tampon use, we recommend reading the study in full here.
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Deo Doc
Crafted from 100 per cent organic cotton and free from plastic and synthetic material, Deo Doc tampons have a patented “lock-in technology” which prevents fibre shedding in the vagina. They’re made without plastics or synthetics and are equipped with a biodegradable cardboard applicator. No synthetic plastics will come into contact with your skin or vagina, and the tampons are hypoallergenic to prevent any adverse reactions or skin sensitivities.
What’s more, the GOTS-certified organic cotton has been grown without chemical herbicides, fertilisers or pesticides. Designed in Sweden and made in Spain, these tampons have been developed by women doctors and have been gynecologically and dermatologically tested. They’re 100 per cent vegan and free from allergens, alcohol and parabens.
Buy now £6.00, Cult Beauty
&Sisters by Mooncup Naked Tampons
Designed and manufactured by the original creators of the Mooncup, these naked tampons by &Sisters are said to be just as absorbent as Tampax Super Plus. They’re recommended by gynaecologists to help prevent vaginal dryness and the onset of thrush and bacterial vaginosis.
Comprising of a 100 per cent organic cotton core and veil, they’re certified organic by the Soil Association and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). These tampons have also been dermatologically tested.
Buy now £3.80, Holland & Barrett
DAME Reusable Tampon Applicator Kit
Rapidly gaining cult status on Instagram where followers include Lily Allen, this reusable tampon applicator saves millions of its disposable counterparts from landfill.
Easy to use, the applicator is made from medical grade Mediprene and comes with a selection of organic regular and super tampons. You’ll also get a cotton travel pouch and a reusable bathroom tin with your first purchase.
Once you’ve used the tampons, you can continue to use the applicator with any naked tampon, so you’ll never need to choose tampons with single-use applicators ever again.
Buy now £17.85, Ocado
TOTM Organic Cotton Non-Applicator Tampons
From core to cover, TOTM’s organic cotton tampons are made from GOTS-certified materials which are free from toxic pesticides or herbicides. They are a certified B corporation and 1 per cent of all online sales are donated to EndometriosisUK. Hypoallergenic and pH neutral, they’re also free from fragrance, rayon or chlorine bleach.
Buy now £1.60, Ocado
FLO Organic Cotton Eco-Applicator Tampon (14-pack)
FLO’s organic applicator tampons are made with 100 per cent recyclable, 95 per cent plant-based (sugarcane) and biopolymer applicators. You won’t find any synthetic fibres, chemical residues, dyes, pesticides, chlorine bleach or fragrances in these tampons or applicators.
The tampons are Oeko-Tex certified, crafted from organic-certified materials and tested for harmful chemicals. Plus, 5 per cent of all profits are donated to People & Planet.
Buy now £3.20, Amazon
Grace & Green Applicator Tampons - Super 14 pack
Beloved for their soft-to-touch nature, Grace & Green’s applicator tampons are largely made from certified organic cotton – the core and security veil are both made from organic cotton, while the applicator is cardboard and wrapping paper is cellulose.
It’s worth noting, however, that the yarn connecting the veil to the tampon core is made from polycotton, which is a blend of cotton and polyester.
Buy now £4.70, Holland & Barrett
Organyc Applicator Tampons Super
Vegan, soil-association certified and 100 per cent organic, these tampons from Organyc are another solid choice for those looking to make the switch from conventional tampons.
Buy now £6.49, Naturismo
