Study finds toxic metals in tampons, sparking health concerns
By Lauren Taylor (Anchor/Reporter), Emma Stoltzfus (Video Editor)
Toxic metals were found in 14 different tampon brands, according to a new study published in the scientific journal “Environment International.” Researchers found evidence of arsenic, lead, mercury, nickel and others in both organic and non-organic tampons, which the body could absorb if tampons are used during menstruation. The study did not name the tampon brands.
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Tampons found to contain concerning levels of arsenic and lead in world first study
Click to see story on The IndependentAre tampons safe or harmful? Study finds that tampons contain arsenic, lead, other metals
Click to see story on USA TodayAre tampons toxic? New study finds lead, arsenic and other metals in menstrual product
Click to see story on Hindustan TimesTampons may have ‘toxic levels’ of lead and arsenic in them, study warns – National
Click to see story on Global NewsTampons contain lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals, studies say. Here’s what to know
Click to see story on CNNToxic metals including arsenic and lead found in tampons sold in UK, study says
Click to see story on Metro NewsArsenic, lead and other toxic metals detected in tampons, study finds
Click to see story on CBS NewsTampons Contain Toxic Metals Lead and Arsenic, Researchers Find
Click to see story on BloombergToxic metals found in tampons
Click to see story on Le MondeTampons could contain some toxic metals, according to a study
Click to see story on TVA NouvellesArsenic, Lead Among Toxic Metals in Tampons, Study Says
Click to see story on Time MagazineToxic metals including lead and arsenic found in multiple tampon brands
Click to see story on Philly VoiceNew study finds lead and arsenic in tampons. Experts say don’t panic.
Click to see story on TodayToxic Metals Like Lead And Arsenic Found In Tampons In First-Of-Its-Kind Study
Click to see story on IFLScienceLead and Arsenic Found in Tampons – RetailWire
Click to see story on retailwire.comTampons contain lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals, studies say. Here’s what to know
Click to see story on KRDOTampons contain lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals, studies say. Here’s what to know
Click to see story on KIFITampons contain lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals, studies say. Here’s what to know
Click to see story on KVIAArsenic, lead and other toxic metals found in tampons
Click to see story on Sky News UKDoctor says tampons are safe after research finds toxic metals in the menstrual product
Click to see story on Washington Top NewsTampons Contain Toxic Metals Lead and Arsenic, Researchers Find
Click to see story on Live MintFirst study to measure toxic metals in tampons shows arsenic and lead, among other contaminants
Click to see story on Eurek AlertToxic chemicals found in tampons, study finds
Click to see story on Wral NewsStudy finds lead, arsenic, more toxic metals in tampons sold across US
Click to see story on Syracuse NYToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on WTENToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on PIX 11Toxic arsenic and lead detected in tampons sold in the U.K., Greece, and the U.S., according to first-ever tampon study
Click to see story on FortuneToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on WGN 9Tampons contain lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals, studies say. Here’s what to know
Click to see story on KWWLToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
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Click to see story on WHNT 19 NewsToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on Fox 2 Now St LouisToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
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Click to see story on WPRI 12Toxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on KFOR-TVToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on Fox8Toxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on WSPAToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on KHON2Toxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on Wood TVToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on MYSTATELINEToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on WHO-DTToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on CW33 Dallas / Ft. WorthTampons contain lead, arsenic, other heavy metals, study says
Click to see story on WDAM 7Arsenic, lead, and other toxic metals are detected in tampons of several US brands and some European countries.
Click to see story on abcToxic metals found in tampons, according to a study.
Click to see story on SapoStudy finds arsenic, lead and other toxic metals in menstrual tampons
Click to see story on El MundoLead, arsenic, and 14 other toxic metals found in tampons, study finds
Click to see story on Just the NewsBe careful with the tampons you use: Study finds lead and arsenic in these trademarks
Click to see story on El FinancieroRight
Untracked Bias
Study finds lead and arsenic in tampons. Is this a cause for alarm?
Click to see story on Noticias ao MinutoArsenic and other toxic metals found in menstrual pads.
Click to see story on www.larazon.esFirst study to measure toxic metals in tampons shows arsenic and lead, among other contaminants
Click to see story on Medical XpressThe new study has been released, toxic metals may be in tampons.
Click to see story on IndexNew study: Find toxic metals such as lead and arsenic in tampons.
Click to see story on NRKLead, arsenic and other toxic metals have also been found in tampons available in Europe
Click to see story on telex.huToxic metals detected in tampons
Click to see story on in.grResearchers find metals in tampons from Europe, among others
Click to see story on rd.nlLead and arsenic found in tampons, researchers say
Click to see story on PerfilThere may be toxic substances in tampons
Click to see story on 24 HUShocking results of tampon research. Toxic metals detected
Click to see story on GazetaToxic metals found in tampons also available in the European Union
Click to see story on 444.huConcerning Levels of Arsenic And Lead Found in Tampons in World First Study
Click to see story on Science AlertToxic metals found in tampons
Click to see story on The ThaigerStudy Finds Arsenic, Lead in Tampon Products
Click to see story on HealthDayToxic Metals Like Arsenic And Lead Detected In Tampons
Click to see story on Medical DailyToxic tampons: hygiene products contaminated with toxic metals
Click to see story on www.kleinezeitung.atToxic arsenic and lead found to be common in tampons
Click to see story on New AtlasToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on KTAL NBC 6 NewsFirst study to measure toxic metals in tampons shows arsenic and lead, among other contaminants
Click to see story on BerkeleyArsenic, lead, and other toxic metals found in tampons.
Click to see story on MediafaxMetals such as arsenic and lead are detected in tampons distributed in the United Kingdom – La Opinion
Click to see story on La OpinionThere May Be Toxic Metals in Your Tampons, Study Shows
Click to see story on dagens.comTampons can contain toxic metals like lead and arsenic, study finds
Click to see story on livenowfox.comArsenic and lead found in tampons, including biological variants
Click to see story on scientias.nlThe findings prompted swift backlash from women online.
“So, if you don’t live under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard the news by now,” one TikTik user said. “Tampons and the fact that there’s lead and arsenic in this. And a lot of us have known that tampons are toxic for years but to know it to this extent is actually crazy.”
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But how concerned should women be if they use tampons? According to the study, all the tested tampons contained lead.
“There is no safe exposure level to lead,” the study reads. “Any proportion of lead that may leach out of a tampon and reach systemic circulation might contribute to negative health outcomes.”
The study states that lead “is associated with numerous adverse neurological, renal, cardiovascular, hematological, immunological, reproductive and developmental effects.” Even low exposure to lead “can result in neurobehavioral impacts in adults and children, including decreased cognitive function such as impaired attention, memory and learning ability.”
Non-organic tampons had higher levels of lead compared to their organic counterparts. However, organic tampons had higher levels of arsenic, which, according to the study, “is a known carcinogen and is associated with cardiovascular disease, dermatitis and other dermal effects, and respiratory and neurological disease.”
Researchers stated their study had some limitations, such as how much the body absorbed these metals. Because of these limitations, they could not estimate health risks, if any, from tampon use.
Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, an OB-GYN based in Portland, Oregon, posted a video on TikTok providing some context.
“So, should you throw out all your tampons right away because of this? If this worries you, you absolutely can,” she said. “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. But I do want you to understand that we are exposed to all of these metals to some degree in our daily lives.”
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Lead is present in the environment and can be found in foods, candies, spices, medicines, cosmetics and other everyday consumables.
Researchers said more testing needs to be done to determine the health risks of using tampons.
[LAUREN TAYLOR]
TOXIC METALS WERE FOUND IN 14 DIFFERENT TAMPON BRANDS – ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY PUBLISHED EARLIER THIS WEEK IN THE SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL.
RESEARCHERS FOUND EVIDENCE OF ARSENIC, LEAD, MERCURY, NICKEL AND OTHERS IN BOTH ORGANIC AND NON-ORGANIC TAMPONS – WHICH FEMALES COULD ABSORB IF THEY USE TAMPONS DURING MENSTRUATION.
THE STUDY DID NOT NAME THE TAMPON BRANDS.
ONLINE — THE FINDINGS PROMPTED SWIFT BACKLASH FROM WOMEN.
[TIKTOK]
“SO IF YOU DON’T LIVE UNDER A ROCK, I’M SURE YOU’VE HEARD THE NEWS BY NOW. TAMPONS AND THE FACT THAT THERE’S LEAD AND ARSENIC IN THIS. AND A LOT OF US HAVE KNOWN THAT TAMPONS ARE TOXIC FOR YEARS BUT TO KNOW IT TO THIS EXTENT IS ACTUALLY CRAZY.”
[LAUREN TAYLOR]
BUT HOW CONCERNED SHOULD WOMEN BE IF THEY USE TAMPONS?
WELL, ACCORDING TO THE STUDY – ALL THE TESTED TAMPONS CONTAINED LEAD AND “THERE IS NO SAFE EXPOSURE LEVEL TO LEAD; ANY PROPORTION OF LEAD THAT MAY LEACH OUT OF A TAMPON AND REACH SYSTEMIC CIRCULATION MIGHT CONTRIBUTE TO NEGATIVE HEALTH OUTCOMES.”
THE STUDY STATES THAT LEAD “IS ASSOCIATED WITH NUMEROUS ADVERSE NEUROLOGICAL, RENAL, CARDIOVASCULAR, HEMATOLOGICAL, IMMUNOLOGICAL, REPRODUCTIVE, AND DEVELOPMENTAL EFFECTS,” AND EVEN LOW EXPOSURE TO LEAD “CAN RESULT IN NEUROBEHAVIORAL IMPACTS IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN, INCLUDING DECREASED COGNITIVE FUNCTION SUCH AS IMPAIRED ATTENTION, MEMORY, AND LEARNING ABILITY.”
NON-ORGANIC TAMPONS HAD HIGHER LEVELS OF LEAD COMPARED TO THEIR ORGANIC COUNTERPARTS.
HOWEVER – ORGANIC TAMPONS HAD HIGHER LEVELS OF ARSENIC – WHICH ACCORDING TO THE STUDY – “IS A KNOWN CARCINOGEN AND IS ASSOCIATED WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, DERMATITIS AND OTHER DERMAL EFFECTS, AND RESPIRATORY AND NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE.”
HOWEVER, RESEARCHERS STATED THEIR STUDY HAD SOME LIMITATIONS – SUCH AS HOW MUCH THE BODY ABSORBED THESE METALS — AND BECAUSE OF THESE LIMITATIONS THEY COULD NOT ESTIMATE HEALTH RISKS *IF ANY* FROM TAMPON USE.
JENNIFER LINCOLN IS AN OB-GYN BASED IN PORTLAND, OREGON AND POSTED A VIDEO ON TIKTOK PROVIDING SOME CONTEXT:
[JENNIFER LINCOLN]
“SO SHOULD YOU THROW OUT ALL YOUR TAMPONS RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE OF THIS? IF THIS WORRIES YOU, YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN. I PERSONALLY WOULDN’T BECAUSES THESE LEVELS ARE VERY LOW BUT I HEAR YOU IF YOU SAY ‘THERE’S NO ACCEPTABLE LEVEL FOR LEAD.’ I TOTALLY GET THAT. BUT I DO WANT YOU TO UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE EXPOSED TO ALL OF THESE METALS TO SOME DEGREE IN OUR DAILY LIVES.”
[LAUREN TAYLOR]
LEAD IS PRESENT IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND CAN BE FOUND IN FOODS, CANDIES, SPICES , MEDICINES, COSMETICS AND OTHER EVERYDAY CONSUMABLES.
RESEARCHES SAY MORE TESTING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO DETERMINE THE HEALTH RISKS OF USING TAMPONS.
FOR SAN, I’M LAUREN TAYLOR..
Media Landscape
See who else is reporting on this story and which side of the political spectrum they lean. To read other sources, click on the plus signs below. Learn more about this dataBias Distribution
Left
Tampons found to contain concerning levels of arsenic and lead in world first study
Click to see story on The IndependentAre tampons safe or harmful? Study finds that tampons contain arsenic, lead, other metals
Click to see story on USA TodayAre tampons toxic? New study finds lead, arsenic and other metals in menstrual product
Click to see story on Hindustan TimesTampons may have ‘toxic levels’ of lead and arsenic in them, study warns – National
Click to see story on Global NewsTampons contain lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals, studies say. Here’s what to know
Click to see story on CNNToxic metals including arsenic and lead found in tampons sold in UK, study says
Click to see story on Metro NewsArsenic, lead and other toxic metals detected in tampons, study finds
Click to see story on CBS NewsTampons Contain Toxic Metals Lead and Arsenic, Researchers Find
Click to see story on BloombergToxic metals found in tampons
Click to see story on Le MondeTampons could contain some toxic metals, according to a study
Click to see story on TVA NouvellesArsenic, Lead Among Toxic Metals in Tampons, Study Says
Click to see story on Time MagazineToxic metals including lead and arsenic found in multiple tampon brands
Click to see story on Philly VoiceNew study finds lead and arsenic in tampons. Experts say don’t panic.
Click to see story on TodayToxic Metals Like Lead And Arsenic Found In Tampons In First-Of-Its-Kind Study
Click to see story on IFLScienceLead and Arsenic Found in Tampons – RetailWire
Click to see story on retailwire.comTampons contain lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals, studies say. Here’s what to know
Click to see story on KRDOTampons contain lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals, studies say. Here’s what to know
Click to see story on KIFITampons contain lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals, studies say. Here’s what to know
Click to see story on KVIAArsenic, lead and other toxic metals found in tampons
Click to see story on Sky News UKDoctor says tampons are safe after research finds toxic metals in the menstrual product
Click to see story on Washington Top NewsTampons Contain Toxic Metals Lead and Arsenic, Researchers Find
Click to see story on Live MintFirst study to measure toxic metals in tampons shows arsenic and lead, among other contaminants
Click to see story on Eurek AlertToxic chemicals found in tampons, study finds
Click to see story on Wral NewsStudy finds lead, arsenic, more toxic metals in tampons sold across US
Click to see story on Syracuse NYToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on WTENToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on PIX 11Toxic arsenic and lead detected in tampons sold in the U.K., Greece, and the U.S., according to first-ever tampon study
Click to see story on FortuneToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on WGN 9Tampons contain lead, arsenic and potentially toxic chemicals, studies say. Here’s what to know
Click to see story on KWWLToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on Fox8Toxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on Kron 4 NewsToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on WHNT 19 NewsToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on Fox 2 Now St LouisToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on WCBDToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on WPRI 12Toxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on KFOR-TVToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on Fox8Toxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on WSPAToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on KHON2Toxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on Wood TVToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on MYSTATELINEToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on WHO-DTToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on CW33 Dallas / Ft. WorthTampons contain lead, arsenic, other heavy metals, study says
Click to see story on WDAM 7Arsenic, lead, and other toxic metals are detected in tampons of several US brands and some European countries.
Click to see story on abcToxic metals found in tampons, according to a study.
Click to see story on SapoStudy finds arsenic, lead and other toxic metals in menstrual tampons
Click to see story on El MundoLead, arsenic, and 14 other toxic metals found in tampons, study finds
Click to see story on Just the NewsBe careful with the tampons you use: Study finds lead and arsenic in these trademarks
Click to see story on El FinancieroRight
Untracked Bias
Study finds lead and arsenic in tampons. Is this a cause for alarm?
Click to see story on Noticias ao MinutoArsenic and other toxic metals found in menstrual pads.
Click to see story on www.larazon.esFirst study to measure toxic metals in tampons shows arsenic and lead, among other contaminants
Click to see story on Medical XpressThe new study has been released, toxic metals may be in tampons.
Click to see story on IndexNew study: Find toxic metals such as lead and arsenic in tampons.
Click to see story on NRKLead, arsenic and other toxic metals have also been found in tampons available in Europe
Click to see story on telex.huToxic metals detected in tampons
Click to see story on in.grResearchers find metals in tampons from Europe, among others
Click to see story on rd.nlLead and arsenic found in tampons, researchers say
Click to see story on PerfilThere may be toxic substances in tampons
Click to see story on 24 HUShocking results of tampon research. Toxic metals detected
Click to see story on GazetaToxic metals found in tampons also available in the European Union
Click to see story on 444.huConcerning Levels of Arsenic And Lead Found in Tampons in World First Study
Click to see story on Science AlertToxic metals found in tampons
Click to see story on The ThaigerStudy Finds Arsenic, Lead in Tampon Products
Click to see story on HealthDayToxic Metals Like Arsenic And Lead Detected In Tampons
Click to see story on Medical DailyToxic tampons: hygiene products contaminated with toxic metals
Click to see story on www.kleinezeitung.atToxic arsenic and lead found to be common in tampons
Click to see story on New AtlasToxic metals detected in tampons in first-of-its-kind study
Click to see story on KTAL NBC 6 NewsFirst study to measure toxic metals in tampons shows arsenic and lead, among other contaminants
Click to see story on BerkeleyArsenic, lead, and other toxic metals found in tampons.
Click to see story on MediafaxMetals such as arsenic and lead are detected in tampons distributed in the United Kingdom – La Opinion
Click to see story on La OpinionThere May Be Toxic Metals in Your Tampons, Study Shows
Click to see story on dagens.comTampons can contain toxic metals like lead and arsenic, study finds
Click to see story on livenowfox.comArsenic and lead found in tampons, including biological variants
Click to see story on scientias.nlVOTE WITH THE UNBIASED, STRAIGHT FACTS.™
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