Tampons, heavy metals, lead – oh my! Unpack the recent research on trace metals found in tampons, what’s safe, and how to choose the best tampons for teens.
Ever wonder what’s actually in the tampons you’re using? With studies finding unexpected chemicals in everything from lipstick to shampoo to produce, you’re not alone in wondering if there’s anything in your feminine hygiene products too…
Recent research by UC Berkeley found that some tampons actually contain trace amounts of heavy metals including lead, mercury, and arsenic! While only at very low levels, scientists are working to figure out what this means for long-term health. Considering how the vagina is highly absorbent, choosing your menstrual products carefully is a must.
In this article, we’ll break down the research on the good, the bad, and the Pinkie difference when it comes to tampons — and how to choose what’s best for your long-term vaginal health.
What is a tampon?
A tampon is a small, cylinder-shaped period product made of absorbent material that you insert into the vaginal canal. Once inside, it expands to absorb menstrual blood before it leaves your body, keeping you protected throughout the day.
What is a tampon made of?
Tampons are typically made of three simple components:
1. String: Usually made of cotton thread, used for easy removal
2. Absorbent core: This is where materials can vary:
- Conventional tampons: Cotton, rayon (semi-synthetic), or a blend
- Organic tampons: 100% organic cotton, no synthetic materials
3. Applicator: this is either a plastic or cardboard tube that helps with insertion.
Are tampons safe?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: are tampons bad for you? No! With good hygiene practices, tampons are a safe, easy to use option for period protection. But recent research has revealed that 16 metals – some safe, some potentially harmful – may be in your tampons.
Researchers found 16 metals in tampons, including lead
Researchers at UC Berkeley tested 14 different tampon brands, comparing organic to non-organic, store-brand to name-brand, and plastic applicator to cardboard applicator.
Their findings: Metal. In every single tampon.
The Good News? Out of the 16 metals detected, researchers noted that 9 are often added intentionally for specific benefits:
- Antimicrobial protection: Calcium (Ca), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn) help prevent bacterial overgrowth
- Odor control: All six metals above, plus Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn)
- Smooth insertion (as lubricants): Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), and Zinc (Zn)
Zinc and calcium appeared in the highest concentrations across all tampons, which makes sense since they pull triple duty. While more research is needed to confirm their long-term safety, these ones are here on purpose to help.
Organic tampons vs. non-organic tampons: 7 metals to avoid
When researchers compared organic tampons to conventional ones:
| Organic tampons had lower levels of: | Both types had similar amounts of: | Non-Organic had lower levels of: |
| Lead (Pb) | Mercury (Hg) | Arsenic (As) |
| Cadmium (Cd) | Selenium (Se) | Vanadium (V) |
| Barium (Ba) |
While arsenic in organic products might seem surprising, researchers theorize they may sneak in through contaminated soil, pesticides, water, or manufacturing equipment.
A plus? Organic farming removes the risk of exposure to synthetic pesticides (which often contain lead and cadmium). In this way, organic tampons win where it matters most!
Store-brand vs. name-brand tampons
Store-brand tampons had slightly higher levels of copper, nickel, and selenium – all potentially beneficial or low-concern metals. Name-brands had more zinc, also designed to add extra period support.
Plastic applicator vs. Cardboard applicator
No difference here! Researchers found metal concentrations were similar regardless of applicator type.
How much metal is in each tampon?
While the idea of metal in tampons can be scary, there’s no need to panic! All of these metals were found in trace amounts, on the level of nanograms per gram. For example, according to researchers, the average tampon contains about 240-600 nanograms of lead. That would be roughly 50,000 times smaller than a grain of rice. Aside from zinc and calcium (both potentially beneficial), all the other metals had even smaller amounts than that.
Important caveat: While the vagina is highly absorbent, there’s no research on how much of these trace metals are actually absorbed by the body, potentially making this a non-issue. That said, lead can displace calcium in bones and stay for decades, so any amount is more than you want – which is why choosing high-quality tampons matters.
Should you worry? The bottom line
The reality: Heavy metals were found in every tampon tested. But we’re talking trace amounts – not chunks of metal. Those 9 beneficial metals? They’re working to prevent odor and bacterial growth. And ultimately, scientists still don’t know how much of the other 7 metals your body actually absorbs.
Here’s 4 tips to choose tampons with confidence:
- Choose natural tampons with organic cotton (lower lead and cadmium)
- Always wash your hands before and after changing tampons
- Change every 4-6 hours and never go past 8 hours to reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
- Use the lightest absorbency tampon that works for your menstrual flow
Pinkie’s Organic Tampons
Organic. Toxin-free. Designed for teens.
Not all teen tampons are created equal. Here’s what makes Pinkie different:
- 100% organic cotton core (no synthetic materials, no rayon)
- Lower pesticide exposure = likely lower heavy metal contamination
- Zero toxic chemicals added during processing
- Available in light, regular, and super absorbency levels
- Smooth plastic applicators for stress-free insertion
Long story short? Pinkie’s Organic Tampons give you peace of mind — with clean, certified materials that keep you healthy, comfortable, and confident over the years.
