Health
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.”
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.”
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.
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.” (Fox News)
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.
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A highly contagious digestive virus is surging across the U.S., experts warn.
Rotavirus, a double-stranded RNA virus, causes acute gastroenteritis — inflammation of the stomach and intestines — which can lead to severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain.
The virus primarily affects infants and young children, but there have also been outbreaks in elderly populations, such as nursing homes.
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Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that in the week ending April 4, out of 2,329 rotavirus tests, 7.3% were positive for the infection. Last year’s highest infection rate was 6.77% as of the week ending April 19.
Rotavirus, a double-stranded RNA virus, causes acute gastroenteritis — inflammation of the stomach and intestines — which can lead to severe diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain. (iStock)
“We’re seeing a lot of rotavirus in the wastewater right now,” Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, confirmed to Fox News Digital. “Testing for rotavirus is way down, but the percentage of positive tests is up.”
While the virus typically peaks in the spring, it is not currently slowing down, he noted.
Why cases may be rising
Patricia Pinto-Garcia, M.D., a medical editor at GoodRx who is based in California, said there are several possible reasons for the rotavirus spike.
“Vaccine rates are down overall among young children, as they decreased during COVID,” she told Fox News Digital. “This means there’s a growing number of infants and young children who are vulnerable to infection.”
The rotavirus vaccine series must be completed by the time a child is 8 months old, she noted.
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As a result of the declining vaccinations, herd immunity isn’t protecting vulnerable children, according to Pinto-Garcia. “Children who haven’t finished the vaccine series yet, are too young to get vaccinated, or can’t get the vaccine due to medical illness are more likely to get exposed to the illness because other children aren’t vaccinated,” she said.
Siegel noted that before the vaccine became available, rotavirus resulted in 55,000 to 70,000 in the U.S. per year.
“Vaccine rates are down overall among young children, as they decreased during COVID,” a doctor told Fox News Digital. “This means there’s a growing number of infants and young children who are vulnerable to infection.” (iStock)
“I am concerned that the vaccination rate has been declining over the past seven years and is continuing to decline in the current climate of vaccine skepticism,” he said.
Surveillance methods are also much better than they used to be, Pinto-Garcia noted, which means public health experts are able to pick up and track cases better than ever before.
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“But we see that rotavirus-related healthcare visits are also up, so improved detection is not the only reason we are seeing this spike,” she said.
The COVID pandemic also disrupted the pattern of infections, according to Pinto-Garcia, so it’s “tricky” to compare the current levels against older cycles.
“It’s possible that what we are seeing is still some post-pandemic rebound, but it’s unlikely that this year’s pattern is fully explained by just this factor,” she added.
Transmission and risk
Dr. Zachary Hoy, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Pediatrix Medical Group based in Nashville, Tennessee, often sees young patients with rotavirus.
“Rotavirus is spread via the fecal-oral route, meaning that a person comes into contact with virus droplets from contact with other children or adults, or from contact with objects such as toys that have been contaminated with the virus from someone who is sick,” he told Fox News Digital. “This can lead to outbreaks, especially at schools where many young children share the same toys.”
“It’s possible that what we are seeing is still some post-pandemic rebound, but it’s unlikely that this year’s pattern is fully explained by just this factor.”
Rotavirus is associated with many dehydration cases in the hospital due to the degree of diarrhea, according to Hoy.
In some severe cases, the virus can lead to seizures due to electrolyte imbalances from dehydration and loss of electrolytes in the stool.
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“Younger children do not have the reserves that older children and adults have, so they can become more dehydrated quicker and develop more severe electrolyte imbalances, leading to more severe infections,” Hoy said.
“Patients with problems with their immune systems or on medications that can decrease their immune systems can have more severe and prolonged infections, too.”
Treatment and care
Because rotavirus is a viral infection, antibiotics are not effective against it. There is no specific antiviral treatment for the condition, with doctors typically recommending supportive care.
“The mainstay of treatment is hospitalization for rehydration via intravenous (IV) fluids,” Hoy told Fox News Digital. “Sometimes it can take up to two to three days of IV fluids to help get patients rehydrated.”
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Blood draws are often necessary to evaluate patients’ electrolyte levels, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, according to the doctor.
“If these electrolyte levels are significantly low, sometimes patients need special IV solutions or individual electrolyte medications,” he added.
“The mainstay of treatment is hospitalization for rehydration via intravenous (IV) fluids,” a doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
Dr. Daniel Park, medical director of the Pediatric Emergency Department at UNC Health in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, noted that most children recover with supportive care, but parents should seek medical attention if a child shows signs of dehydration. Those include decreased urination, lethargy or inability to keep fluids down.
“While rare, rotavirus can be life-threatening in vulnerable populations, especially very young infants or children with underlying medical conditions,” Park told Fox News Digital.
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Prevention strategies
Given the lack of antiviral medications for rotavirus, doctors emphasize the importance of prevention, primarily the vaccine.
There are two rotavirus vaccines – Rotateq (a three-dose series) and Rotarix (a two-dose series). They are given starting at age 2 months as oral drops, not injections, according to Hoy.
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“It’s important to get the rotavirus vaccines on schedule, because these younger infants are at greatest risk if they get rotavirus,” he advised.
Other recommended prevention methods include handwashing with soap and water.
Every day we’re faced with a zillion small choices: Go to sleep early, or watch one more episode of that Netflix drama. Call an old friend to catch up, or cruise social media. Of course, no single action will guarantee a long, healthy life or doom you to an early grave. But those little daily decisions do add up, and over the long term they can make a difference when it comes to both your longevity and your health span, the amount of life spent in relatively good health.
Scroll through this theoretical “day in the life” and select the option that best fits your typical day. Not every situation will apply perfectly, but think about which choice you’d be most likely to make. This isn’t a formal scientific assessment. The goal here isn’t to assign you a “good” or “bad” score, but to help you understand the central factors that shape the way we age and how long we live.
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A study from Harvard Medical School indicates natural selection has favored the red hair gene, resulting in a potential increase in the number of redheaded people as humanity continues to evolve.
By analyzing nearly 16,000 ancient genomes spanning 10,000 years, researchers identified a list of traits that nature is actively pushing forward. Among the most prominent were the genetic variants for red hair.
“Perhaps having red hair was beneficial 4,000 years ago, or perhaps it came along for the ride with a more important trait,” the authors noted.
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The study, published in the journal Nature, relied on a large database of ancient DNA from West Eurasia. Using new computing methods, the team was able to filter out random fluctuations in DNA to identify what it called “directional selection.”
Directional selection happens when a particular version of a gene gives an organism a strong survival or reproductive advantage, causing it to become more common in a population faster than it would by chance, according to experts.
Directional selection is when a specific gene provides such significant benefits that it rises in frequency across a population much faster than random chance. (iStock)
Prior to this study, scientists only knew of about 21 such instances in human history, one of which was lactose tolerance. This new research uncovered hundreds more.
“With these new techniques and a large amount of ancient genomic data, we can now watch how selection shaped biology in real time,” Ali Akbari, first author of the study and senior staff scientist in the lab of Harvard geneticist David Reich, said in a press release.
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The data showed that genetic markers for red hair are among 479 gene variants that have been strongly favored over the past 10,000 years. One likely explanation, the researchers said, is a major shift in human history: the transition to farming.
Scientists have long pointed to vitamin D synthesis as a likely driver for the rise of traits like fair skin and light hair. (iStock)
As humans moved away from hunting and gathering and settled into agricultural societies, their environment and behavior changed radically, triggering an evolutionary “acceleration.”
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While the Harvard study provides the first definitive statistical proof that red hair was actively selected during the rise of farming, the researchers noted that the exact prehistoric benefit still requires more study.
However, scientists have long pointed to vitamin D synthesis as a likely driver for the rise of these light-pigmented traits in northern climates.
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While redheads remain a minority of the global population today, the Harvard study’s analysis suggests that they may not be an evolutionary accident.
While redheads remain a minority of the global population today, the Harvard study’s analysis suggests they may not be an evolutionary accident. (iStock)
Instead, the red hair trait was “boosted” by natural selection as humans adapted to the challenges of a modern world, according to the researchers.
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The researchers urged caution in how these findings are interpreted.
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“What a variant is associated with now is not necessarily why an allele propagated,” the authors noted.
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