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Rachel V Thomas

Can Arsenic, Lead and Other Metals In Tampons Pose A Health Risk? FDA Says No

Tampons contain trace amounts of arsenic, lead and other metals, but they are not released at levels that pose a health risk, according to a new study by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Toxicological Sciences, the study found that while 19 metals—including arsenic, cadmium and lead—were detected in tampons, “the amount released during use is too small to cause harm”.

The FDA said the findings are consistent with an earlier independent systematic literature review it commissioned.

The FDA evaluated 11 tampon products legally marketed in the United States to determine whether trace metals present in the products could be released during use and whether they posed any toxicological risk.

Researchers measured metal levels using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). To assess the maximum possible release, tampons were tested under exaggerated laboratory conditions by placing them in acidified water at 50°C (122°F) for 24 hours, simulating a worst-case exposure scenario.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/cancer-kills-over-26000-daily-cases-to-hit-35-million-by-2050-says-who-report-article-155011381" data-type="tilCustomLink">Cancer Kills Over 26,000 Daily; Cases to Hit 35 Million by 2050, Says WHO Report</a>

<ul><li>Arsenic</li><li>Cadmium</li><li>Lead</li><li>Titanium</li><li>Calcium</li><li>Iron</li><li>Lithium</li><li>Zinc</li></ul>Researchers then performed a toxicological risk assessment (TRA) and concluded that all detected metals had margins of safety, indicating negligible toxicological concern.

"Based on the in-depth toxicological risk assessment, all detected metals had margins of safety indicating that there is negligible toxicological concern from the presence of metals in tampon materials," the researchers wrote.

Read More:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/india-gets-its-first-plant-based-vitamin-d3-what-you-need-to-know-article-154993923" data-type="tilCustomLink"> India Gets Its First Plant-Based Vitamin D3: What You Need to Know</a>

<h2>How Are Metals Present In Tampons?</h2>

According to the FDA, trace metals may enter tampon materials naturally because plants such as cotton absorb minerals and metals from the soil. Some metals may also be introduced unintentionally during manufacturing.

Researchers noted that titanium dioxide, which is sometimes used to whiten tampons, may explain the presence of titanium in certain products.

In October 2025, the FDA issued a draft guidance titled, Menstrual Products — Performance Testing and Labeling Recommendations. 

This draft guidance provides recommendations to industry to support the safety and effectiveness of menstrual products, including recommendations for evaluating these products for contaminants and promoting transparency in menstrual product ingredients.  

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Tampons are typically made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two.  While rayon-based tampons generally contained higher levels of lithium and zinc, cotton-rich tampons had higher concentrations of calcium and iron.

Despite these differences, the FDA concluded that exposure from all products tested remained well below levels of health concern.

The FDA emphasized that only single-use tampons are authorized for sale in the United States. The agency discourages the use of reusable tampons because they may carry a higher risk of infections, including:

<ul><li>Yeast infections</li><li>Fungal infections</li><li>Bacterial infections</li></ul>Tampons cleared by the FDA are designed to be used once and then discarded. The agency advises that no tampon should be used more than once.

The FDA regulates menstrual products as medical devices but has limited authority over their composition. While tampons undergo a premarket review process, the agency doesn't approve individual materials used in these products.

The FDA's primary focus regarding menstrual products has been on addressing the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). They have implemented labeling requirements and educational campaigns to minimize this risk. However, the recent findings of heavy metals in tampons highlight a potential gap in regulatory oversight.

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Tampons contain trace amounts of arsenic, lead and other metals, but they are not released at levels that pose a health risk, according to a new study by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Published in the peer-reviewed journal Toxicological Sciences, the study found that while 19 metals—including arsenic, cadmium and lead—were detected in tampons, “the amount released during use is too small to cause harm”. The FDA said the findings are consistent with an earlier independent systematic literature review it commissioned.What Did The FDA Study Find?The FDA evaluated 11 tampon products legally marketed in the United States to determine whether trace metals present in the products could be released during use and whether they posed any toxicological risk.Researchers measured metal levels using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). To assess the maximum possible release, tampons were tested under exaggerated laboratory conditions by placing them in acidified water at 50°C (122°F) for 24 hours, simulating a worst-case exposure scenario.Also read: Cancer Kills Over 26,000 Daily; Cases to Hit 35 Million by 2050, Says WHO Report The study detected 19 metals, including:ArsenicCadmiumLeadTitaniumCalciumIronLithiumZincResearchers then performed a toxicological risk assessment (TRA) and concluded that all detected metals had margins of safety, indicating negligible toxicological concern."Based on the in-depth toxicological risk assessment, all detected metals had margins of safety indicating that there is negligible toxicological concern from the presence of metals in tampon materials," the researchers wrote.Read More: India Gets Its First Plant-Based Vitamin D3: What You Need to KnowHow Are Metals Present In Tampons?According to the FDA, trace metals may enter tampon materials naturally because plants such as cotton absorb minerals and metals from the soil. Some metals may also be introduced unintentionally during manufacturing.Researchers noted that titanium dioxide, which is sometimes used to whiten tampons, may explain the presence of titanium in certain products.In October 2025, the FDA issued a draft guidance titled, Menstrual Products — Performance Testing and Labeling Recommendations. This draft guidance provides recommendations to industry to support the safety and effectiveness of menstrual products, including recommendations for evaluating these products for contaminants and promoting transparency in menstrual product ingredients.  What Is a Tampon Made Of?      Tampons are typically made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two.  While rayon-based tampons generally contained higher levels of lithium and zinc, cotton-rich tampons had higher concentrations of calcium and iron.Despite these differences, the FDA concluded that exposure from all products tested remained well below levels of health concern.Single-use vs Reusable TamponsThe FDA emphasized that only single-use tampons are authorized for sale in the United States. The agency discourages the use of reusable tampons because they may carry a higher risk of infections, including:Yeast infectionsFungal infectionsBacterial infectionsTampons cleared by the FDA are designed to be used once and then discarded. The agency advises that no tampon should be used more than once.The FDA regulates menstrual products as medical devices but has limited authority over their composition. While tampons undergo a premarket review process, the agency doesn't approve individual materials used in these products.The FDA's primary focus regarding menstrual products has been on addressing the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). They have implemented labeling requirements and educational campaigns to minimize this risk. However, the recent findings of heavy metals in tampons highlight a potential gap in regulatory oversight.

do arsenic, lead and other metals in tampons pose a health risk? fda says no

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