FDA Finds 19 Metals in Tampons, Says Levels Pose No Health Risk

The FDA analyzed 11 tampon products from six brands sold in the U.S. and detected 19 metals, Usa Today reported. Fifteen of those metals appeared in more than 90 percent of the samples tested. The study identified arsenic, cadmium and lead among the metals present.

Highest concentrations included calcium, zinc, arsenic and cadmium. Products made primarily from rayon showed higher levels of barium, lithium and zinc, while cotton-based products contained more calcium, iron, strontium and vanadium. The FDA concluded that the amounts of metals released during normal tampon use fall too low to pose a health risk and remain within established safety margins.

Metals can enter tampons through raw materials such as cotton and rayon, through manufacturing processes, or from environmental sources including soil, water and fertilizers. Tampons are regulated by the FDA as medical devices. Manufacturers must submit data on safety and performance before products reach the market, and the agency continues oversight through inspections and monitoring of safety reports.

The findings respond to a 2024 study that had detected metals in popular tampon brands.