A research study found traces of heavy metals in 30 tampons from 14 different US and UK/EU brands. Every tampon contained lead, with higher levels in non-organic brands. Organic tampons had higher levels of arsenic. Lead is toxic at any level, but other metals like zinc are only toxic at high levels. More research is needed to determine if tampons are a health risk. Alternatives to tampons include pads and menstrual cups.

This study was the first to test tampons for heavy metals. The amounts of heavy metals found in tampons were low, measured in nanograms per gram (ng/g). The average amount of lead found in tampons was 173 parts per billion. Any amount of lead can be toxic, but more research is needed to determine if the lead in the tampons can be absorbed into the body.

Heavy metals may come from the cotton and rayon used in tampons to absorb menstrual blood. These materials come from plants which can absorb metals from the soil. Metals could also come from contaminated water used in the manufacturing process. Certain metals may be intentionally added to control odor, make tampons antimicrobial, or aid smooth insertion.

People with concerns about the safety of using tampons can use alternative products such as pads or menstrual cups. Menstrual cups have become more popular in recent years, and most are made from medical-grade silicone.

We do not know whether heavy metals present in tampons are absorbed by the body. Different studies are needed to know if and how much of these metals are absorbed through tampon use and whether they are causing harm.