Tampons, hidden danger

Tampons can sometimes contain trace amounts of heavy metals, primarily from the manufacturing process, but these levels are generally very low and within safety regulations. Some studies have suggested that certain brands may contain detectable levels of metals like lead or cadmium, often due to environmental contamination or the materials used.

If you're concerned about heavy metals in tampons, consider looking for brands that emphasize organic materials or have been tested for contaminants. Always check product labels and consult independent studies or consumer reports for more detailed information on specific brands.

A new study that detected variable levels of heavy metals, including lead, in tampons currently on the market is being reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a spokesperson for the agency told ABC News.

The study published in Environmental International by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, evaluated the levels of 16 types of metals, including lead as well as mercury, arsenic and iron, in 30 tampons from 14 different brands obtained in the U.S., Greece and England.

Differing levels of metals were found on materials of all 30 tampons, which included both organic and non-organic brands, according to the study, published July 3.

The study's authors noted that it is not clear whether the metal levels found in the tampons would contribute any negative health effects to users but called for more research to be done.

"Despite this large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons," the study's lead author, Jenni A. Shearston, a postdoctoral scholar at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and UC Berkeley's Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management, said in a statement. "To our knowledge, this is the first paper to measure metals in tampons."

Shearston added, "I really hope that manufacturers are required to test their products for metals, especially for toxic metals. It would be exciting to see the public call for this, or to ask for better labeling on tampons and other menstrual products."

Kotex recalls some tampons after reports of 'unraveling' and 'pieces left in the body.

Kimberly-Clark issued a voluntary recall yesterday for some of their U by Kotex tampons, amid reports from consumers of them "unraveling and/or coming apart upon removal," according to a statement on their website.