Keep Toxic Metals Out Of Tampons
1,128 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Breast Cancer Site
Toxic metals like lead and arsenic found in tampons put millions at risk. Call for safer menstrual products now!
Every month, millions of people use tampons without a second thought. But recent studies have unveiled a shocking truth: many popular tampon brands contain toxic metals like lead and arsenic, posing serious health risks1.
These findings have raised urgent questions about the safety of menstrual products that have been trusted for decades.
The Hidden Threats in Menstrual Products
A comprehensive study tested 30 tampons from 14 different brands, sourced from the U.S., U.K., and Greece. The results were alarming—16 different metals, including highly toxic substances like lead and arsenic, were found in all samples2. Non-organic tampons were shown to contain higher levels of lead, while organic tampons had more arsenic3.
These metals can enter the body directly through the highly permeable vaginal tissue, bypassing the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Lead exposure has no safe threshold and is linked to severe health issues, including neurological damage, cardiovascular problems, and increased cancer risk4. Arsenic and other toxic metals can also damage the liver, kidneys, and endocrine systems.
Given the intimate nature of tampon use, these findings are not just concerning—they are a public health crisis waiting to happen.
Why This Matters to You
For years, we’ve been told that tampons are safe and reliable. But the presence of these toxic metals challenges that belief. With millions of individuals using tampons regularly, the risk of harmful exposure is real and pressing.
The FDA currently regulates tampons as medical devices but does not mandate testing for chemical contaminants, including metals5. This regulatory gap leaves consumers vulnerable and uninformed about the potential dangers lurking in their menstrual products.
The Need for Action
We can no longer ignore the risks posed by these toxic metals. It’s time to demand transparency and accountability from tampon manufacturers. By implementing mandatory testing and clearer labeling, we can ensure that consumers are fully aware of what they are putting into their bodies. Furthermore, holding companies accountable for the presence of harmful substances in their products will drive better industry practices and protect public health.
Sign the Petition to Demand Safer Tampons
We urge you to join us in calling on the FDA to take immediate action. By signing our petition, you can help ensure that all menstrual products are rigorously tested for toxic metals and other harmful substances. Your voice is crucial in making this change possible.
Let’s protect our health and the health of future generations. Sign the petition today and demand safer, healthier menstrual products.
- Isabel Cameron, Newsweek (4 July 2024), "Tampon Toxic Metal Warning After Scientists Find Lead, Arsenic."
- Anna Edney, Bloomberg (5 July 2024), "Tampons Contain the Toxic Metals Lead and Arsenic, Researchers Find."
- Elise Proulx, UC Berkeley Public Health (3 July 2024), "First Study to Measure Toxic Metals in Tampons Shows Arsenic and Lead."
- Elise Proulx, Medical News Today (12 July 2024), "Scientists Find Heavy Metals Such as Lead, Arsenic in Tampons: What to Know."
- Rachel Treisman, NPR (11 July 2024), "A Study Found Toxic Metals in Popular Tampon Brands. Here's What Experts Advise."
The Petition:
To the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
We, the undersigned, urgently call for immediate action to protect public health by enforcing stricter regulations on tampon safety. Recent studies have revealed alarming levels of toxic metals, including lead and arsenic, in widely used tampon brands. These toxic metals pose serious health risks, particularly because the vaginal tissue is highly permeable, allowing chemicals to enter the bloodstream directly without detoxification.
Lead exposure has no safe threshold and is linked to severe health issues, including neurological damage, cardiovascular diseases, and increased cancer risk. Arsenic and other toxic metals found in tampons can also harm the liver, kidneys, and endocrine systems. Given the frequency and duration of tampon use by millions of individuals, the potential for harmful exposure is significant and warrants immediate regulatory attention.
We urge the FDA to:
- Implement mandatory testing for toxic metals in all menstrual products, including tampons.
- Require clear and accurate labeling of all ingredients and chemicals present in these products.
- Hold manufacturers accountable for the presence of harmful substances in their products.
- Conduct further research and investigations into the long-term health impacts of toxic metals in tampons.
Taking these actions will prioritize consumer safety, ensure transparency, and hold companies accountable for the health of their customers. By addressing this urgent issue, the FDA can safeguard the well-being of millions and ensure a healthier future for all.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Sincerely,
