Toxins in Sanitary Products

Written By SHE .

Category: Research & Consumer Safety
Estimated read time: 4–5 minutes

Original Sources

 

What the research found

Recent scientific investigations have found that some menstrual products contain measurable levels of potentially harmful substances, including toxic metals, pesticide residues and other chemical contaminants.

Heavy metals:
Studies testing tampons from multiple brands detected all 16 metals measured, including toxins like lead, arsenic and cadmium. These metals are known to have harmful effects on the nervous, reproductive, cardiovascular and endocrine systems when exposure is significant, although current research has not shown direct health effects from tampon exposure specifically.

Pesticides:
Investigations by environmental organisations in the UK found traces of the herbicide glyphosate, a chemical the World Health Organisation classifies as “probably carcinogenic to humans”, at levels reported up to 40 times higher than the maximum permitted limit for drinking water in some tampon samples. These findings raise concerns because vaginal tissue is highly absorbent, and any chemicals encountered may more easily enter the bloodstream than through external skin contact.

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals:
A systematic review of research on menstrual products found detectable levels of substances such as phthalates, phenols and parabens — compounds known to interfere with hormone signalling in some contexts, in pads and tampons.

Why this matters

Period products are used regularly for several days each month, often over many decades. Because vaginal tissue is more permeable than regular skin and highly vascularised, chemicals in products that come into contact with this tissue may be absorbed more readily into the body than if the same chemicals were encountered externally.

Although heavy metals and pesticides are detectable, research so far does not conclusively link tampon or pad use to specific illnesses, and measured levels vary widely by product, origin and manufacturing.

However, toxins such as lead and arsenic have no known safe exposure level, and pesticides like glyphosate are classed as “probably carcinogenic,” which makes even low-level exposure a concern for many health experts.

What we don’t yet know

  • How much of these detected chemicals actually enter the body during normal use.

  • Whether occasional or chronic exposure from period products contributes meaningfully to long-term health outcomes.

  • Whether some products or materials consistently carry a lower risk than others.

No current safety standards in many countries require routine testing of period products for these contaminants, and regulators differ widely on requirements.

What this means for you

At this stage, the science is still emerging; detectable contaminants do not automatically mean immediate harm. But awareness and informed choice are key.

Consider:

  • Choosing products with transparent ingredient sourcing and testing.

  • Exploring organic or certified products that undergo pesticide testing (e.g., GOTS-certified cotton).

  • Being aware that “natural” or “organic” labels do not guarantee freedom from all contaminants.

And if you have specific health concerns or symptoms you think might be linked to menstrual product use, discuss them with a healthcare professional.

 

SHE takeaway:
Scientific studies show that menstrual products can contain low levels of toxic metals and pesticide residues. While we don’t yet have evidence that typical use causes disease, the findings highlight a gap in safety regulation and support the case for better testing, transparency and exposure research in women’s health products.

Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with concerns about your health.

SHE .
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