Tampons contain lead, arsenic, other heavy metals, study says

(CNN) - A new study has identified a potential health risk associated with using tampons. They could expose you to toxic metals, including arsenic and lead.

The study was published on July 3 by the journal “Environment International.”

Researchers analyzed 30 tampons from 14 tampon brands in the U.S. and the U.K.

The samples included both organic and non-organic products.

All were found to have measurable concentrations of at least 16 different metals.

Study authors say although we are regularly exposed to low levels of toxic metals, using tampons could put you at a higher risk for exposure.

That’s because the vagina has a higher potential for chemical absorption than skin on other parts of the body.

Still, they say more research is needed to determine whether the metals can affect your health.

As for how the metals got into the tampons, study authors say the cotton could have absorbed the metals from the environment or nearby contaminants.

They could also have come from additives like pigment, whiteners or antibacterial agents.

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