Tens of millions of ladies the world over use tampons, pads, and different menstrual merchandise each month. Nonetheless, latest research have revealed that tampons might comprise sure probably poisonous chemical compounds and heavy metals linked to a variety of well being issues.
That being mentioned, additional analysis is required to find out the long-term impression tampons containing such substances may have on our well being.
In a latest examine, 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 best ranges of metals discovered have been calcium and zinc.
The examine states that:
Lead concentrations have been greater in non-organic tampons whereas arsenic was greater in natural tampons,” with neither class displaying “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 ailments,” in line with the European Atmosphere Company.
This isn’t the primary time tampons and different menstrual merchandise have discovered themselves beneath the microscope for potential well being dangers. Previously, researchers discovered that menstrual merchandise, together with tampons, might comprise chemical compounds like perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), plasticizers (or phthalates), and unstable natural compounds (VOCs).
Such chemical teams are emitted as fuel or fragrances from client merchandise similar to 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.
Among the metals discovered within the tampons – similar to calcium, copper, iron, and zinc – are secure in low quantities, however might have a unfavourable impact on an individual’s endocrine capabilities if accrued over time.
Can Poisonous Substances Soak up Into the Physique?
Thus far, 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 impression of tampons on well being, and the subsequent 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 examine was additionally unable to find out whether or not any metallic, 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 fabricated from cotton or a cotton-rayon mix. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber comprised of wooden pulp. All of those supplies are comprised of vegetation, which simply take 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 elements of the world are additionally closely contaminated with chemical compounds used to supply 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 client merchandise discarded in landfills, human waste, and byproducts from fluorochemical manufacturing vegetation.
What Can I Use As a substitute?
Contemplating that PFAS and different poisonous chemical compounds 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 secure different to tampons and pads.
They’re fabricated 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 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 compounds and metals present in tampons. Another advantages of menstrual cups over tampons or menstrual pads embrace:
- Decreased odor
- Not worrying about leakage – You may safely put on the cup for longer durations of time earlier than having to alter it out or being concerned about leakage, as menstrual cups maintain extra liquid than tampons
- Value-effectiveness – Tampons and pads price 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 fabricated from safer supplies than different interval merchandise, additionally they decrease your danger of creating poisonous shock syndrome as a result of they gather relatively than take up blood. Poisonous shock syndrome is a uncommon bacterial an infection that will consequence from improper tampon use.
