First Study to Measure Toxic Metals in Tampons Shows Arsenic and Lead, Among Other Contaminants

Additional authors include: Kristen Upson of the College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University; Milo Gordon, Vivian Do, Olgica Balac, and Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou of Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health; and Khue Nguyen and Beizhan Yan of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University.

Funding was provided by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and the National Institute of Nursing Research.

In the Media:

• A study found toxic metals in popular tampon brands. Here’s what experts advise – NPR
• Lead, Arsenic, Other Toxic Metals Found in Dozens of Tampon Products – Los Angeles Magazine
• Lead and other toxic metals found in tampons, study finds – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
• Toxic Metal in Tampons Risks Brain’s Cognitive Function, Scientists Warn – Newsweek
• New study finds lead and arsenic in tampons. But don’t panic, experts say – TODAY
• Tampons contain toxic metals such as lead and arsenic, UC Berkeley study finds – San Francisco Chronicle
• Toxic Tampon Warning As Arsenic and Lead Found in Common Menstrual Products – Newsweek
• Some tampons found to contain LEAD and other toxic metals that could be absorbed into the body, alarming study suggests – Daily Mail