Berkeley study finds toxic chemicals in menstrual products

Berkeley study finds toxic chemicals in menstrual products

Elizabeth Jackson, Staff Writer

   A recent study from Berkeley has revealed toxic levels of metals such as arsenic and lead in every feminine hygiene product on the market. The most prominent amounts of metal have been found in tampons, which are used by approximately 50 percent of the menstruating population.

   This research is frighteningly one of the only that have been conducted on the subject.  Jenni A. Shearston, a Berkeley professor, said, “To our knowledge, this is the first paper to measure metals in tampons. Concerningly, we found concentrations of all metals we tested for, including toxic metals like arsenic and lead.” 

   Half of the human population menstruates. The average menstruating person will spend about five years of their total reproductive lifespan using an estimated 11,000 tampons, sanitary pads, panty liners and other menstrual products, putting 50% of the population at risk.

   There are hazardous chemicals in every single product needed during periods, causing an increase in the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes, and cancer for menstruating individuals. They can damage the liver, kidneys, and brain, as well as the cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems. In addition, metals can harm maternal health and fetal development.

   The metals fall into the category of polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAs. PFAs are a class of over 12,000 chemical compounds that are used for their stain and water-resistant properties. The compounds do not decompose easily in the environment or in human bodies. 

   The chemicals are introduced to the products in a number of ways. Metals are found throughout the Earth, so plants used to make menstrual products like cotton absorb the chemicals from the soil. Manufacturing plants use PFAs to preserve products for longer, but recent studies have revealed the danger in using these to package menstrual products.

   The main concerns with these newfound chemicals is where they are, as the skin near the pubic area is the most sensitive on the human body. Anna Pollack, a professor of global health at George Mason University, says, “There is no reason for people to be afraid to use menstrual products at this time, I would just be aware of the issue and monitor any research that develops.”