Are the toxic metals in tampons harmful? FDA launches research to learn risk
The FDA said Tuesday it's examining the possible effects of toxic metals in tampons. Previously, research found arsenic, mercury and lead in more than a dozen brands.
The Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that it has begun a research project examining the possible effects of toxic metals in tampons and that it is launching an independent review.
A study published in July found a variety of metals, including arsenic, mercury and lead, in more than a dozen brands of tampons.
“Although toxic metals are ubiquitous and we are exposed to low levels at any given time, our study clearly shows that metals are also present in menstrual products, and that women might be at higher risk for exposure using these products,” study co-author Kathrin Schilling, an assistant professor at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, wrote in a news release. Researchers from UC Berkeley School of Public Health were also involved.
While the study detected metals, it couldn’t conclude whether their existence led to any harm in the women. But the need to fully understand that potential is great: Up to 80% of women in the U.S. use tampons during their periods, according to the researchers.
The news caught the attention of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, which sent a letter asking the FDA to take a closer look at the issue.
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