Are Tampons Safe? Our Response to the Metals in Tampons Study
We want to talk about the new tampon study from University of California, Berkeley. The study, conducted in 2024, assessed the levels of 16 different metals in 30 tampons from 14 brands across the US and EU/UK. The names of the brands tested have not been disclosed. The research showed that all samples tested had some form of metals present, making headlines globally and causing panic. The researchers tested both organic and non-organic tampons. The results of the study have caused outrage at the lack of transparency and potential risk in products used every day.
When Yoni began 10 years ago, no one was talking about what was in the period products we use every day. For a decade we have been advocates for transparency and chemical free period care. Our products have never, and will never, have any added metals or hidden ingredients. New studies like this excite us and prove the need for further research in menstrual health.
Our organic products are repeatedly tested by third-party laborites to make sure they are safe. When this study was published, we reviewed our latest tests again with external experts. The lab results confirmed the safety of our Yoni tampons. We will always choose the safest options available. We care about the safety of our products and the people who use them. Yoni tampons are made with 100% organic cotton, which is certified by the Soil Association (DK24636) according to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Need for more research
We hope that this new study sparks further conversations and further research. The results from the study sound scary but need further investigation. The test conditions of the tampons were not the same as a vagina, and the study did not investigate how the metals in tampons interact with the body, if at all. We don’t have a solid answer as to why the tampons tested had metals are present – it may be from contamination of the soil or water, or may be added intentionally during the production process for things like bleaching or odour control.
There has been a lot of fear and misinformation spread about this study. Please be careful out there and try not to panic. Any media coverage on menstrual health is a good thing. This new study has brought important attention to the ingredients in menstrual products and their safety. We’re here to challenge the standard of period care. We want more regulations, more research, and more transparency. People with periods deserve to know what is in the products they’re using. That’s why with Yoni what’s in the box is on the box.
For any further questions or concerns please contact info@yoni.care
Here are some good resources to help you better understand the science behind the study:
- The study from University of California, Berkeley “Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412024004355
- Berkeley Public Health, “First study to measure toxic metals in tampons shows arsenic and lead, among other contaminants” https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/news-media/research-highlights/first-study-to-measure-toxic-metals-in-tampons-shows-arsenic-and-lead
- Hanx “Should We Be Panicking About Metals In Tampons?” https://www.hanxofficial.com/blogs/naked-truths/should-we-be-panicking-about-metals-in-tampons
- Allure “How Worried Do We Need to Be About Tampons Right Now?” https://www.allure.com/story/tampons-lead-arsenic-study
- HerMD “Concerned About Metal in Tampons? Here’s What You Need to Know”
