In July 2024, a study published by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, reporting the presence of metals in tampons attracted worldwide attention. Headlines quickly spread across the media, leaving many women wondering whether the tampons they use every month could pose a health risk.
Two years later, another important study provided valuable context. In 2026, scientists from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published new research that examined not only whether metals were present in tampons, but also whether they could realistically pose a health risk during normal use.
Here is what both studies found and what the current scientific evidence suggests about metals in tampons.
Should You Be Worried About Metals in Tampons?
The answer is probably not, based on the evidence currently available.
The 2024 UC Berkeley study detected trace amounts of several metals, including lead, cadmium and arsenic, in different tampon products. However, detecting a substance in a product does not automatically mean that it enters the body in harmful amounts.
This is the key difference between the 2024 Berkeley study and the later FDA research.
What Did the 2024 UC Berkeley Study Find?
The 2024 study, published in Environmental International, examined tampon products sold in the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Researchers detected measurable amounts of various metals in all the tampons they tested, including trace amounts of lead, arsenic and cadmium. Concentrations varied between products, brands and geographic regions.
How Were the Tampons Tested?
The researchers used laboratory acids to completely break down the tampon material and measure the total amount of metals present.
This method showed which metals were contained in the products, but it did not demonstrate how much of those metals could be released during actual use.
Possible Sources of Metals in Tampons
The researchers suggested several possible sources:
- natural uptake of metals from soil by cotton plants;
- environmental pollution;
- water used during manufacturing;
- production and manufacturing processes;
- ingredients added for odor control, antimicrobial effects or easier insertion.
An Important Limitation
The Berkeley study measured the total concentration of metals in the tampon material. It did not determine whether those metals would be released, absorbed by the body or present a health risk during normal tampon use.
The study's authors acknowledged this limitation and recommended further research into real-life exposure.
What Did the 2026 FDA Study Add?
FDA scientists later analyzed commercially available tampon products and performed both a chemical analysis and a toxicological risk assessment.
Unlike the Berkeley study, the FDA researchers evaluated:
- how much metal could potentially be released during use;
- how much could theoretically be absorbed by the body;
- whether long-term exposure could pose a health risk.
A Conservative Worst-Case Assessment
To avoid underestimating any potential risk, the researchers used testing conditions that were more extreme than normal tampon use.
Tampons were kept in an acidic solution for 24 hours at a temperature higher than normal body temperature. The researchers also assumed that the body would absorb all the metals released, even though actual absorption would likely be lower.
These conservative assumptions allowed the researchers to estimate a maximum possible level of exposure.
The FDA's Conclusion
The FDA study found that although metals could be detected in tampons, only a very small fraction was released under the test conditions.
Even under highly conservative assumptions, the researchers concluded that the detected levels were not expected to pose a significant toxicological risk to women's health.
This does not mean that research should stop. Additional independent studies can continue to improve our understanding of menstrual product safety. However, the FDA findings provide important context that was not available when the Berkeley study was first published.
What Do These Studies Mean for Consumers?
Current scientific evidence suggests that there is no reason to panic about trace metals in tampons.
Metals naturally occur in soil, water, food and the wider environment. As a result, very small amounts can be found in many everyday materials and products.
The presence of a substance does not automatically indicate a health risk. Risk depends on several factors, including:
- the concentration of the substance;
- how much is released from the product;
- how much is absorbed by the body;
- how frequently and for how long a person is exposed.
The latest research suggests that only a small fraction of the metals detected in tampons is likely to be released during normal use.
How to Choose Tampons
If you choose to use tampons, look beyond broad marketing claims and consider the product's materials, ingredients and independent certifications.
- Choose products with a simple and clearly disclosed ingredient list.
- Look for tampons made from 100% organic cotton when possible.
- Check for independent certifications such as the Global Organic Textile Standard.
- Avoid unnecessary fragrances or added ingredients if you prefer a simpler product composition.
- Choose manufacturers that are transparent about their materials and production standards.
No certification can guarantee the complete absence of naturally occurring trace elements. However, independent certification can help confirm that strict environmental, chemical and manufacturing requirements have been followed.
Alternatives to Tampons
Tampons are only one of several menstrual care options. Some women prefer products that collect menstrual fluid rather than absorb it.
Depending on your needs and preferences, alternatives may include:
- menstrual cups;
- menstrual discs;
- reusable menstrual underwear;
- reusable or disposable sanitary pads.
The most suitable option depends on your comfort, lifestyle, flow and personal health needs.
The Genial Day Perspective
At Genial Day, we believe women deserve better menstrual care — supported by thoughtfully designed products, transparency, and evidence-based information. We're committed to helping women make informed choices by combining high-quality menstrual care products with clear, reliable information they can trust.
Scientific research continues to evolve, and every new study helps improve both product safety and consumer awareness. We welcome independent research into menstrual products and believe that transparency, responsible manufacturing, and informed decision-making are essential for the future of menstrual care.
Our goal is simple: to help women feel confident in the products they choose by sharing reliable scientific evidence rather than relying on alarming headlines or marketing claims.
Final Thoughts
The growing scientific interest in menstrual product safety is encouraging.
Based on the evidence currently available, the trace levels of metals detected in tampons are not expected to pose a significant health risk during normal use.
Further research will continue to improve our understanding. In the meantime, choose menstrual products from transparent manufacturers, review their materials and certifications, and rely on scientific evidence when evaluating safety concerns.
At Genial Day, we will continue following new research and sharing trustworthy information to help women make informed decisions about menstrual and intimate health.
