Health

Some tampon products found to contain toxic metals in first-time study: 'Harmful ingredients'

Published

1 year ago

July 12, 2024

Some tampon products found to contain toxic metals in first-time study: 'Harmful ingredients'

A first-ever study about the presence of toxic metals in tampons is raising concerns about women’s health.

University of California, Berkeley Public Health released the results of this first-time research on July 3, revealing that tampons from several brands may contain toxic metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium.

Millions of people — between 52% and 86% of menstruating women in the U.S. — use tampons for several hours at a time each month, according to UC Berkeley.

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As the researchers noted in their paper, which was published in the journal Environment International, the numbers are particularly troubling because the vagina has a higher potential for chemical absorption than any other part of the body.

Exposure to metals can increase the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes and cancer, according to the university.

Between 52% and 86% of menstruating women use tampons on a regular basis, according to the researchers. (iStock)

Toxic metals can also damage the liver, kidney and brain, as well as the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems, researchers warned.

Metals can also harm maternal health and fetal development.

“It’s time to make America healthy again and to protect consumers.”
— Dr. Nicole Saphier
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Lead author Jenni A. Shearston, a postdoctoral scholar at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, wrote in a statement that despite public health concerns, “very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons.”

She continued, “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.”

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The study measured levels of 16 metals – arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium and zinc – in 30 tampons from 14 different (unspecified) brands.

Metal concentrations varied depending on whether tampons were purchased in the U.S. or Europe/U.K., whether they were organic or non-organic, and whether they were a store brand or a name brand.

Metal concentration levels varied by brand, location of purchase and type of tampon (organic versus non-organic), according to new research. (iStock)

Higher lead concentrations were present in non-organic tampons, while arsenic levels were higher in organic tampons.

Regardless of levels, “measurable concentrations” of all 16 metals were found in all types of tampons.

“No category had consistently lower concentrations of all or most metals,” the study said.

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“We detected all 16 metals in at least one sampled tampon, including some toxic metals, like lead, which has no ‘safe’ exposure level.”

Tampons can absorb metals in a variety of ways, such as through water, air, soil or a nearby contaminant, according to UC Berkeley.

“We detected all 16 metals in at least one sampled tampon.”
— UC Berkeley researchers

Some metals could be added intentionally by manufacturers “as part of a pigment, whitener, antibacterial agent or some other process in the factory.”

The researchers confirmed that it is unclear whether the presence of these metals contributes to negative health effects or not.

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“Future research will test how much of these metals can leach out of the tampons and be absorbed by the body, as well as measure the presence of other chemicals in tampons,” the researchers stated.

Women’s health experts weigh in

Dr. Jillian LoPiano, a Miami-based OB-GYN and also chief health officer at the reproductive telehealth platform Wisp, confirmed in a conversation with Fox News Digital the danger posed by high levels of toxic metals like lead. She was not involved in the tampon study.

“Because they are ubiquitous in the environment, there are levels established for each type of metal that are considered acceptable exposure and are not known to cause dangerous side effects,” said the doctor.

Doctors agreed that manufacturers should test for toxic metals in their tampon products. (iStock)

The levels noted in the study were below the thresholds of concern, according to LoPiano, although the study has not investigated the effects of absorption.

Regardless, the OB-GYN stressed that manufacturers should “100%” test for toxic metals and should know which components and contaminants are in their products.

“It is extremely important for women to know what is in their products.”

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Fox News medical contributor Dr. Nicole Saphier, M.D., director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, told Fox News Digital that the results of this study are “concerning.”

“The vaginal lining is extremely absorptive, so any harmful chemicals or substances that are exposed to this region are likely to be absorbed through the tissue, potentially reaching the systemic (circulation) system,” warned Saphier, who also was not involved in the research.

As cases of cancer and autoimmune diseases are on the rise, Saphier said it’s “apparent” that environmental exposures “largely contribute” to the increased prevalence of disease.

“Some exposures we cannot do much to avoid, like air and microplastics,” she continued.

“However, women should be able to trust the menstrual and other health products being sold to them, as these are vital for women’s health.”

“Companies should be required to test for harmful toxins in products that are being sold for human consumption and bodily use.”

Health products that may be harmful is “unfortunately not novel,” Saphier mentioned, as other everyday products have been proven to contain chemicals that lead to disease.

“No wonder we have so many young people with cancer and autoimmune diseases these days,” she said. “Companies should be required to test for harmful toxins in products that are being sold for human consumption and bodily use.”

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She added, “The U.S. should look around the world at places that have already begun to ban products containing harmful ingredients. It’s time to make America healthy again and to protect consumers.”

For women who feel uncomfortable about using tampons based on this research, one doctor suggested some alternatives, including menstrual cups, discs, pads and period underwear. (iStock)

For women who feel uncomfortable about using tampons based on this research, LoPiano suggested some alternatives, including menstrual cups, discs, pads and period underwear.

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LoPiano commended UC Berkeley on directing research toward understanding safety in women’s health.

“As with most research in women’s health, it is a good start and jumping-off point to collect more quality data, with which we can begin to draw conclusions and make recommendations to improve women’s lives and safety,” she said.

What to know about tampon regulations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates tampons as medical devices, according to its website.

“FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two,” the agency states on the site. “The absorbent fibers used in FDA-cleared tampons sold today are made with a bleaching process that is free from elemental chlorine, which also prevents products from having dangerous levels of dioxin (a type of pollutant found in the environment).”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates tampons as medical devices. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo)

Before tampons can be sold in the U.S., “they must go through the FDA’s review to determine whether they are as safe and effective as (substantially equivalent to) legally marketed tampons,” according to the agency.

When contacted by Fox News Digital, an FDA spokesperson provided a statement about the study.

“The FDA is reviewing the study,” the agency said. “All studies have limitations. While the chemical method used indicates these metals are present in the tampons tested in the laboratory, the study does not assess whether any metals are released from tampons when used in the body. It also does not address whether any metal, if released, can be absorbed into the vaginal lining or, subsequently, into the bloodstream. We plan to evaluate the study closely, and take any action warranted to safeguard the health of consumers who use these products.”

Fox News Digital also reached out to the UC Berkeley researchers and several tampon manufacturers for additional comment.

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.

Health

‘Weight Loss Has Never Been About Calories’: How This Low-Insulin Diet Helped Lillie, 58, Drop 70 Lbs!

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45 minutes ago

January 9, 2026

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‘Weight Loss Has Never Been About Calories’: How This Low-Insulin Diet Helped Lillie, 58, Drop 70 Lbs!

Low-Insulin Diet Helped Lillie, 58, Drop 70 Lbs, No Calorie Counting! | Woman’s World

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Health

Weight-loss experts predict 5 major treatment changes likely to emerge in 2026

Published

2 hours ago

January 9, 2026

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Weight-loss experts predict 5 major treatment changes likely to emerge in 2026

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Big moves are continuing in the weight loss landscape in the new year following breakthrough research of GLP-1 medications and other methods.

Weight-loss experts spoke with Fox News Digital about their predictions for the most major changes to come in 2026.

No. 1: Shift to whole-body treatment

Dr. Peter Balazs, a hormone and weight loss specialist in New York and New Jersey, shared that the most important shift is likely to label GLP-1 drugs as “multi-system metabolic modulators” rather than “simple weight loss drugs.”

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“The treatment goal is no longer just BMI reduction, but total cardiometabolic risk mitigation, with effects now documented across the liver, heart, kidneys and vasculature,” he said.

“We are seeing a significant reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events … and progression of renal disease,” he went on.

The focus of GLP-1 drugs will widen beyond weight loss and diabetes, according to experts’ predictions. (iStock)

Philip Rabito, M.D., a specialist in endocrinology, weight loss and wellness in New York City, also shared that “exciting” advancements lie ahead for weight-loss drugs, including GLP-1s and GIPs.

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“These next‑generation agents, along with novel combinations that include glucagon and amylin agonists, are demonstrating even more impressive weight‑loss outcomes than currently available therapies, with the potential for better tolerability and sustained results,” he told Fox News Digital.

“There is also tremendous optimism around new federal agreements with manufacturers that aim to make these medications more widely accessible and affordable for the broad population of patients who need them most.”

No. 2: More convenient dosing

The typical prescription for a GLP-1 medication is a weekly injection, but delivery and dosing may be changing to more convenient methods in 2026, according to Balazs.

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A daily 25 mg pill version of Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, a semaglutide designed to treat obesity, is now approved and available for chronic weight management, offering a non-injectable option for some patients.

A once-weekly oral GLP-1 is currently in phase 2 trials, as well as an implant that aims for three to six months of drug delivery, Balazs noted.

Incisionless weight-loss procedures will rise as a lower-risk option, according to experts. (iStock)

No. 3: Less invasive surgery

In addition to decreased risk during surgery for GLP-1 users, Balazs also predicted that metabolic surgery without incision will rise as a better option.

“Incisionless endoscopic procedures — like endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (non-surgical weight-loss procedure that makes the stomach smaller from the inside) and duodenal mucosal resurfacing (non-surgical procedure that resets part of the small intestine to help the body better handle blood sugar) — [may become] more durable and widely available,” he said.

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“These offer significant metabolic benefits with shorter recovery and lower risk than traditional surgery.”

Rabito agreed that “rapid progress” in minimally invasive weight‑loss procedures is “opening powerful new options for patients who are hesitant to pursue traditional bariatric surgery.”

Bariatric surgery remains the most effective weight loss method, one specialist says. (iStock)

This avenue offers “meaningful and durable weight reduction with less risk, shorter recovery times and no external incisions,” the expert added.

Dr. Muhammad Ghanem, bariatric surgeon at the Orlando Health Weight Loss & Bariatric Surgery Institute, reiterated that surgery remains “the most successful modality for the treatment of obesity … with the highest weight loss and most durable outcomes as of yet.”

No. 4: Younger GLP-1 users

As Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy has been indicated for adolescents over 12 years old as an obesity treatment, Balazs commented that pediatric use of weight-loss drugs is “now a clinical reality.”

He predicted that other alternatives are likely to be approved in 2026 for younger users.

No. 5: High-tech, personalized access

Amid the growth of artificial intelligence, Balazs predicted an expansion in the clinical implementation of AI-driven weight-loss methods.

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This could include categorizing obesity into sub-types like “hungry brain,” “emotional hunger” and “slow burn” to personalize how therapy is prescribed while moving away from “trial and error,” he said.

Ghanem agreed that there will likely be a “big focus” on individualized testing for causes of obesity in 2026, as it’s a disease that can have “different causes in different people,” thus requiring different treatments.

AI and other digital opportunities will drive more access for weight-loss patients, experts say. (iStock)

The doctor anticipates that more patients will seek combinations of comprehensive treatments and programs.

“Patients are more aware that now we have a few weapons in our arsenal to combat obesity, and [they] are seeking a multidisciplinary and holistic approach,” Ghanem said.

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Treatment options will also turn digital with the rise of prescription digital therapeutics (PDTs) for weight loss, Balazs predicted.

“These are software applications delivering cognitive behavioral therapy, personalized nutrition and metabolic coaching through algorithms, often integrated with continuous glucose monitors, and reimbursed as medical treatments,” he said.

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Ghanem added that body composition analyzers, like DEXA scans, will likely be more widely used as awareness grows about the limitations of BMI and weight in assessing obesity.

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.

Health

Brain Health Challenge: Doctor Appointments for Your Mind and Body

Published

13 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Brain Health Challenge: Doctor Appointments for Your Mind and Body

Congratulations, you’ve reached the final day of the Brain Health Challenge! Today, we’re asking you to do a few things that might feel a bit out of left field — like getting your blood pressure checked.

No, it isn’t as fun as playing Pips, but experts say it’s one of the most important things you can do for your brain. That’s because heart health and brain health are intrinsically linked.

High blood pressure, in particular, can damage brain cells, and it’s a significant risk factor for stroke and dementia. When blood pressure is too high, it places stress on the walls of arteries in the brain. Over time, that added stress can cause the blood vessel walls to thicken, obstructing blood flow. In other cases, the increased pressure causes the artery walls to thin and leak blood into the brain.

These changes to the blood vessels can sometimes cause a large stroke to occur. More commonly, the damage leads to micro-strokes and micro-hemorrhages, which cause fewer immediate problems and often go unnoticed. But if someone has hypertension for years or decades, these injuries can build up, and the person may start to experience cognitive impairment.

High blood pressure “is known as a silent killer for lots of reasons,” said Dr. Shyam Prabhakaran, the chair of neurology at the University of Chicago. “It doesn’t cause you any symptoms until it does.”

Because the damage accumulates over many years, experts say that managing blood pressure in midlife matters most for brain health. Hypertension can be addressed with medication or lifestyle changes, as directed by your doctor. But the first thing you need to do is know your numbers. If your blood pressure comes back higher than 120/80, it’s important to take it seriously, Dr. Prabhakaran said.

While you’re at it, there are a few other aspects of your physical health that you should check on.

Your eyes and ears are two of them. Hearing and vision loss have both been shown to increase the risk of dementia. Experts think that with less sensory information coming in to stimulate the brain, the regions that process hearing and vision can start to atrophy. What’s more, people with sensory loss often withdraw or are left out of social interactions, further depriving them of cognitive stimulation.

Oral health can also affect your brain health. Research has found a connection between regular flossing and reduced odds of having a stroke. That may be because good oral health can help to reduce inflammation in the body. The bacteria that cause gum disease have also been tied to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s.

And have you gotten your shingles vaccine? There is mounting evidence that it’s a powerful weapon for protecting against dementia. One study found that it lowered people’s odds of developing the condition by as much as 20 percent.

To wrap up this challenge, we want you to schedule a few medical appointments that benefit your brain, as well as your body.

After five days of feeding, exercising and challenging your brain, you are well on your way to better cognitive health. Thanks for joining me this week, and keep up the good habits!