What The FDA Actually Found When It Tested Metals In Tampons

(KMDL-FM) The Food and Drug Administration has confirmed details uncovered in a previous study of tampons. That study assessed the toxic risk of using tampons as it relates to the presence of these metals.

Presence of 19 Metals Confirmed in Tampons Sold in United States

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According to the initial study, 19 metals were detected, including ICH Class I metals—arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). The purpose of the study was to determine if the amount of each metal present in the menstrual hygiene product posed a significant risk to the user.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has approved only single-use tampons in the United States. There are multi-use products, but according to FDA literature, there are significant health concerns associated with using a reusable product.

How Many Different Tampon Products Were Tested for the Presence of Metals?

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For this study, 11 different tampon products were tested and studied. Each of those products is legally sold and legally marketed in the United States. Researchers also confirmed that results of the tests were obtained under exaggerated conditions.

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While the study did confirm the presence of the metals described above, it was also confirmed that their presence was only detected in trace amounts. And the users of these products are not at elevated risk when using the product as described by label directions.

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The feminine hygiene products category remains a lucrative one for American companies. Procter & Gamble controls 20% of the market through its Tampax brand. Johnson and Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, and Edgewell Personal Care, that's Playtex and Carefree, round out the industry's top manufacturers.