Thousands and thousands of girls all over the world use tampons, pads and different menstrual merchandise every month. Nevertheless, latest research have revealed that tampons could include sure doubtlessly poisonous chemical substances and heavy metals related to quite a lot of well being points.
That being stated, additional analysis is required to find out the long-term results of tampons containing such substances on our well being.
in Latest analysisresearchers have found “measurable concentrations” of 16 completely different heavy metals throughout 14 completely different natural and non-organic tampon manufacturers. This included poisonous metals corresponding to lead, arsenic and cadmium. The very best ranges of metals discovered had been calcium and zinc.
This examine states:
Lead concentrations had been excessive in non-organic tampons, however arsenic was greater in natural tampons, and neither class confirmed “persistently low concentrations of all or most metals.”
The degrees found by the researchers say that prolonged publicity to any quantity of lead is small, “rising the danger of growing neurodegeneration, cardiovascular or renal illness.” European Atmosphere Company.
This isn’t the primary time I’ve observed that tampons and different menstrual merchandise are beneath the microscope as a result of potential well being dangers. Up to now, Researcher It has been discovered that menstrual merchandise containing tampons could include chemical substances corresponding to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), plasticizers (or phthalates), and risky natural compounds (VOCs).
Such chemical teams are launched as gases or fragrances in shopper merchandise, corresponding to aromatic menstrual aids. These chemistry teams can have an effect on the physique Endocrine systemcan disrupt regulation of metabolism, sexual improvement, temper, blood glucose, and extra.
Among the metals present in tampons, corresponding to calcium, copper, iron, and zinc, are secure in low quantities, but when they accumulate over time, can have a adverse impact on an individual’s endocrine perform.
Can the physique take up poisonous substances?
To this point, scientists are not sure whether or not heavy metals can leach into the physique from tampons. There was no conclusive examine on the potential impression of tampons on well being. The following step for researchers is to know whether or not metals and plastics can leach into the physique from the tampon.
US Meals and Drug Administration spokesman, rules Menstrual merchandise like tamponsI stated CNN:
The examine additionally failed to find out whether or not metals could be absorbed contained in the vagina after which absorbed into the bloodstream, even when they had been launched into the physique.
How metals and chemical substances enter tampons
So how do detectable ranges of metals and different poisonous substances enter tampons? The reply lies within the soil and water.
Most tampons are produced from a mix of cotton or cotton rayon. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber produced from wood pulp. All of those supplies are produced from crops that simply take up metals corresponding to arsenic, lead and different heavy metals, that are pure parts and metals discovered within the soil, water, air and the Earth’s crust.
Soil and water in lots of components of the world are additionally closely contaminated with chemical substances used to provide a variety of plastic merchandise that we use in our each day lives. PFAS Different chemical substances are included Soil, air, groundwater From shopper merchandise discarded in landfills, human waste, and by-products from fluorescent chemical manufacturing crops.
What can I take advantage of as an alternative?
Contemplating that PFA and different poisonous chemical substances have Additionally discovered With menstrual pads and interval underwear, the typical menstrual shopper could also be on the lookout for different choices.
Menstrual cups, small, versatile cups inserted into the vaginal canal, haven’t been proven to gather menstrual blood, making them a secure different to tampons and pads.
They’re produced from medical grade supplies corresponding to silicone, pure rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, or latex. This implies there isn’t a concern that the fabric will break down or leach into your physique. Plus, it may possibly maintain as much as 3 times the liquids of an everyday tampon.
Not solely is menstrual cups rather more sustainable than different eras’ merchandise (reusable cups are nonetheless doable final yr), however they will additionally cut back publicity to poisonous chemical substances and metals present in tampons. Another advantages of menstrual cups on tampons and menstrual pads embody:
- Decreasing odor
- Don’t fret about leaks – Menstrual cups maintain extra liquid than tampons, so you’ll be able to safely put on the cup for an extended time period earlier than you modify the cup or fear about leaks.
- Price-effective – Tampons and pads common between $50 and $150 per yr. Menstrual cups value between $20-40 and $40 and may final from six months to 10 years relying on the model. It saved fairly a bit of cash.
- Environmental sustainability – Tampons and pads turn out to be landfills, and it takes years for plastic to deteriorate and may leach into the soil.
- Low threat of poisonous shock syndrome – Menstrual cups are usually not solely produced from safer supplies than different interval merchandise, but in addition accumulate blood fairly than absorbing it, lowering the danger of growing poisonous shock syndrome. Poisonous shock syndrome It’s a uncommon bacterial an infection that may be brought on by inappropriate use of tampons.
