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Updated on August 4, 2024
Tampons have long been a staple in feminine hygiene, deemed essential for their convenience and efficacy.
However, a recent study titled “Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s” has brought to light a less discussed aspect of these products – their potential as a source of exposure to various metals and metalloids.
This article aims to provide an unbiased summary of the study, shedding light on its findings and implications for users of such products.
We will also address what we at Citron Hygiene and our partners at Aunt Flow are doing to address this issue.
Metal Content in Tampons – A Summary of the recent study
The research investigated the presence of a range of metal(loid)s in tampons, a topic that had not been extensively explored prior to this study. The methodology involved analyzing various brands and types of tampons, employing rigorous testing measures to detect the presence of metals.
The study’s results revealed that tampons do indeed contain trace amounts of metal(loid)s, a finding that has spurred a conversation about the implications for health and safety.
Among the metals detected were aluminum, chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, and lead. The levels varied across different brands and types of tampons, suggesting that the manufacturing process and the source of the raw materials could influence the metal content.
The researchers pointed out that while the levels of these metals are low, their presence in tampons, which are used internally, raises questions about potential health risks.
The study carefully avoided jumping to conclusions about the direct health implications of its findings, instead calling for further research in this area. It suggested that the cumulative exposure to these metals, considering the regular use of tampons by menstruating individuals, warrants a closer look.
The researchers emphasized the need for more comprehensive studies to understand the potential impacts of long-term exposure to these trace metals through tampons.
In response to these findings, the study advocated for more transparent labelling by manufacturers, allowing consumers to make informed choices about the products they use. It also highlights the importance of monitoring and investigating personal care products.
Although the health effects of trace metal(loid)s in tampons are not yet fully understood, this research prompts further study to safeguard consumer health.
People are advised to choose brands that are open about their production and sourcing practices, as a precautionary measure.
How does this study affect Citron Hygiene customers with Aunt Flow programs?
Citron Hygiene chose to partner with Aunt Flow for several reasons, one of the main ones being that we believe that menstruators deserve access to healthy, organic period products that are sustainably produced.
Aunt Flow has always been dedicated to ingredient transparency in their period products, and they prioritize choosing the best quality materials and manufacturers.
Their 100% organic cotton tampons and organic top sheet pads are made in facilities with the highest safety standards, research and fair trade practices, as outlined in their blog responding to this study.
Aunt Flow tampons have Dermatest certifications in order to confirm that they are:
- Dermatologically tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Gynaecologically tested
Aunt Flow tampons are also:
- FDA certified
- Organic Content Standard (OCS) certified
- Free of phthalates, chlorine, BPA, fragrances and dyes
Aunt Flow’s suppliers and manufacturers are also taking this study very seriously and pursuing the OEKO-TEX certification immediately (expected within 60 days) to test for harmful substances in their materials.
What about customers with other tampon brands in their washrooms?
Citron Hygiene has not received any responses from other manufacturers of tampons that we supply, but we will update this blog if and when we do.
This study has highlighted not only the historic lack of research into women’s health, but also the need to make a societal shift toward higher standards for everyone.
Content Disclosure
This content was partially generated by AI, using source material, and was edited by a human.
