Tens of millions of ladies internationally use tampons, pads, and different menstrual merchandise each month. Nevertheless, latest research have revealed that tampons might comprise sure probably poisonous chemical substances and heavy metals linked to a spread of well being issues.
That being stated, additional analysis is required to find out the long-term affect tampons containing such substances might have on our well being.
In a latest research, researchers discovered “measurable concentrations” of 16 totally different heavy metals throughout 14 totally different natural and nonorganic tampon manufacturers. This included poisonous metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. The very best ranges of metals discovered have been calcium and zinc.
The research states that:
Lead concentrations have been increased in non-organic tampons whereas arsenic was increased in natural tampons,” with neither class exhibiting “constantly decrease concentrations of all or most metals.
Whereas the degrees the researchers discovered have been small, extended publicity to any quantity of lead “heightens the dangers of creating neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, or renal illnesses,” in response to the European Atmosphere Company.
This isn’t the primary time tampons and different menstrual merchandise have discovered themselves underneath the microscope for potential well being dangers. Up to now, researchers discovered that menstrual merchandise, together with tampons, might comprise chemical substances like perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), plasticizers (or phthalates), and unstable natural compounds (VOCs).
Such chemical teams are emitted as gasoline or fragrances from client merchandise reminiscent of scented menstrual aids. These chemical teams might have an effect on the physique’s endocrine system, probably disrupting its regulation of metabolism, sexual growth, temper, blood sugar, and extra.
A number of the metals discovered within the tampons – reminiscent of calcium, copper, iron, and zinc – are protected in low quantities, however might have a adverse impact on an individual’s endocrine capabilities if amassed over time.
Can Poisonous Substances Take up Into the Physique?
Up to now, scientists are not sure about whether or not heavy metals can leach from tampons into the physique. There haven’t been any conclusive research (but) concerning the potential affect 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 merchandise like tampons, instructed CNN:
The research was additionally unable to find out whether or not any metallic, even when launched into the physique, may be absorbed into the vaginal lining and subsequently into the bloodstream.
How Metals And Chemical compounds 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 manufactured from cotton or a cotton-rayon mix. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made out of wooden pulp. All of those supplies are made out of vegetation, which simply take in 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 elements of the world are additionally closely contaminated with chemical substances used to provide a variety of plastic merchandise we use in our on a regular basis lives. PFAS and different chemical substances enter the soil, air, and groundwater from client merchandise discarded in landfills, human waste, and byproducts from fluorochemical manufacturing vegetation.
What Can I Use As an alternative?
Contemplating that PFAS and different poisonous chemical substances have additionally been discovered in menstrual pads and interval underwear, the common menstruating client 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 different to tampons and pads.
They’re manufactured 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’ll maintain as much as thrice 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 could additionally cut back your publicity to the poisonous chemical substances and metals present in tampons. Another advantages of menstrual cups over tampons or menstrual pads embrace:
- Decreased odor
- Not worrying about leakage – You possibly can safely put on the cup for longer durations of time earlier than having to alter it out or worrying about leakage, as menstrual cups maintain extra liquid than tampons
- Value-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 threat of poisonous shock syndrome – Not solely are menstrual cups manufactured from safer supplies than different interval merchandise, additionally they decrease your threat of creating poisonous shock syndrome as a result of they accumulate reasonably than take in blood. Poisonous shock syndrome is a uncommon bacterial an infection that will outcome from improper tampon use.
