“A huge takeaway from this is we really need to study this more, and in particular, it would be very helpful if we could study what it means for your physiology to use a tampon that is contaminated with heavy metals.” – Catherine Roberts, associate editor of health at Consumer Reports A new study out of UC Berkeley found that many tampons sold in the United States and Europe may contain heavy, toxic metals, such as lead and arsenic. Researchers, led by Dr. Jenni A. Shearston, looked at 30 different tampons from 14 brands. These include organic and non-organic tampons. The study did not determine whether these toxic chemicals are being passed into the body. The study itself did not conclude that tampons are unsafe. But it raises important new questions and concerns. Stigma and sexism have held back research on menstrual products, and menstruation more broadly. This study highlights the need for additional research. Up to 80% of menstruating people use tampons. How do we choose what to do in response to this report? We may want to try alternatives, such as menstrual cups, menstrual discs, period underwear, and reusable pads. Beyond individual choices as consumers, we also need studies to determine what are safe and unsafe levels of metals in tampons – and the FDA to set limits that protect us, as it does with other products. https://lnkd.in/eeaEdyPv #InTheNews #OBOSToday #OurBodiesOurselves #Tampons #Menstruation #MenstrualProducts
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Let’s talk about the recent tampon panic! 👀 A new study found toxic metals like lead and arsenic in tampons from a variety of popular brands, sparking concerns about their safety. But before you throw away all your tampons — hold on! While the thought of exposing our intimate areas to substances labeled as “toxic” can be alarming, the study didn’t directly link these findings to health issues. There are a lot of opinions on both sides with some scientists pointing out that there are many products and foods we likely use everyday that may contain trace metals. “I think it’s more of a reality check for the consumers and the public at large, that most products that you’re using do not go through rigorous testing for safety, and most products do have chemicals in there somewhere.” says Dr. Nathaniel DeNicola, an OB-GYN who served as the environmental health expert for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. As we continue this important conversation, it’s key to stay informed, make sure you’re getting your information from reputable sources, and explore all your options. Thinking about alternatives? Consider period underwear, menstrual cups, disks, or pads — just know they all have their own pros and cons. No matter what you choose, make sure your decision is based on reliable info and what feels right for you. 💪 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e6CbtNnq #MenstrualHealth #ToxicMetals #Tampons #HealthSafety #IndigoPelvicHealth
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🩸Harmful substances in menstrual products – what should I watch out for, and how can I avoid them? (part 1) Our expert Jen is back to answer your questions about #menstruation! 🤔 Which products are actually safe? It’s a complex question that doesn’t have a quick answer. This is Part 1 of our multi-part series. Stay tuned for more: in Part 2, you'll find out which words to watch out for when buying products!
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Are Tampons Safe? What Every Woman Should Know About Heavy Metals in Menstrual Products Recently, I came across research that left me deeply concerned—not just as a nutritionist, but as a woman. Heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and chromium are often associated with industrial pollution, but did you know they also appear in everyday cosmetics like mascara and lipstick? Even more troubling, a recent study revealed detectable levels of heavy metals in 14 tampon brands purchased across the UK, US, and Europe. Here’s what the researchers found: • All 16 metals assessed were detected, including arsenic, cadmium, and mercury—substances known to be carcinogenic, with no safe level of exposure. • Lead concentrations averaged 120 nanograms per gram of tampon, with higher levels in non-organic products. • Regardless of the brand, none of the products tested had consistently low levels of metals. Tampons are made from cotton, rayon, or viscose and processed with antibacterial agents and pigments, which may naturally introduce heavy metals during agricultural and manufacturing stages. Still, these findings raise significant questions about safety standards and whether they need revision. Why does this matter so much? The human vagina, like the eyes and mouth, is lined with tissue that easily absorbs substances. While data on vaginal absorption of heavy metals is limited, what we put in our bodies should be safe—no exceptions. What Can We Do? 1. Educate yourself: Look for research and reliable brands that disclose testing results. 2. Spread awareness: Share this information with your friends, family, and patients—not to alarm, but to empower informed choices. 3. Advocate for change: Push for better labeling and stricter safety standards in menstrual products. This post isn’t about fear—it’s about informed decision-making. Women deserve transparency and safety in the products we trust with our health. What are your thoughts on this? Let’s start the conversation. #WomenHealthMatters #BlueZoneNutrition #HeavyMetals #MenstrualHealth #ConsumerAwareness #AdvocateForChange
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“Phthalates” Destroy the Reproductive System for Men & Women! Dr. Mindy Pelz. Dr. Mindy H. Pelz, D.C is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, nutrition and functional health expert who has spent more than two decades helping thousands of people successfully reclaim their health. She is a recognized leader in the alternative health field and a pioneer in the fasting movement. According to Dr. Mindy, Phthalates are a class of chemicals mainly used in scented products to lengthen the life of fragrances and used to make plastics more soft and flexible. Like in toys, plastic bottles, food packaging, shower curtains, blow-up mattresses, carpeting, vinyl flooring, cosmetics and perfumes, candles, air fresheners and sprays. Phthalates affect the reproductive system, contribute to obesity, diabetes, and thyroid irregularities. The US does not currently regulate phthalates. Over time, chronic and daily exposure to toxins add up – like tiny drops in a bucket – contributing to your body’s toxic load, eventually interfering with its ability to function optimally and subsequently leading to harmful effects on your health. Research is now showing us that toxins play much more of a driving role in creating disease than we realize. According to the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences data, environmental factors cause between 80-90% of all cancers! Writeup source: https://lnkd.in/dctr6dYe Have a wonderful day/evening dear #linkedinfamily and friends! 😎 Please feel free to connect, follow and/or DM me if you like me, to tag/remove your name, in/from my posts 🤜🤛 I appreciate the visit of all the wonderful people, who show up in my posts, and I am so grateful for the ones who share their kind comments and/or reactions 🙏🙏 Video rights/credits go to the respective owners/creators! #motivation #socialnetworking #happiness #humanity #love #life #care #kindness #respect #gratitude #health #peace #friendship #leadership #management #help #personaldevelopment #support #india #business #healthcare
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Tampons: More Harm Than Good? | Aakash Khurana Tampons are a type of menstrual product designed to absorb menstrual blood. Unlike pads, which are worn externally, tampons are inserted into the vagina. They come in various sizes and absorbencies to accommodate different menstrual flows. #tampontoxicity #tamponsafety #toxictampons #womenshealth #risk #women #men Tampons from several brands can contain toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium, a new study led by a UC Berkeley researcher has found. Tampons are of particular concern as a potential source of exposure to chemicals, including metals, because the skin of the vagina has a higher potential for chemical absorption than skin elsewhere on the body. In addition, the products are used by a large percentage of the population on a monthly basis—50 to 75 percent of women with menarche. It's important to note that this study is relatively small, and more research is needed to determine the full scope of the issue. However, the findings raise concerns about the potential health risks associated with tampon use. for more info: https://lnkd.in/g-88nBKm
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𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬 We’ve seen the news and understand your concerns. A recent study from the University of California, Berkeley, assessed the levels of 16 different metals in 30 tampons from 14 brands in the US and EU/UK, making headlines globally. The lack of transparency and potential risk in products used every day has sparked outrage and gained media attention. 𝐘𝐨𝐧𝐢'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 At Yoni, we have been leading the way in chemical free and transparent period care for 10 years now. Let us start by saying that our products have never, and will never, have any added metals or hidden ingredients. The lack of transparency in menstrual health was a primary motivation for founding Yoni. We have been advocating for more research and better care since our inception. New studies like this excite us and prove the need for further research in menstrual health. 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 Our products are repeatedly tested by third-party laborites to ensure their safety. When this study was published, we reviewed our latest tests together with external experts. The results have confirmed the safety of our products. We will always choose the safest options available for the health of our customers. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 Our tampons are made with 100% organic cotton, which is certified by the Soil Association according to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The safety of our products, and the people who use them, is of the utmost importance. 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 This new study has brought important attention to the safety of menstrual products and reminded us that there is still more research to be done. It serves as a powerful motivator for us to continuously review our products and remain at the forefront of chemical-free period care. Any media coverage on menstrual health is a good thing. We hope that this new study sparks further conversations. We are here to challenge the standard of period care. We want more regulations, more research, and more transparency. For any further questions or concerns please contact info@yoni.care Deniz Er Wiedhaup Mariah MANSVELT BECK Fabienne Walch Jessie de Boe
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Are we at a turning point for period care right now? The fallout from *that* tampon study continues with The Flex Co. the latest menstrual disc and cup start-up to report that it has seen sales rapidly increase in recent weeks. Founder Lauren Wang told Bloomberg that the start-up is now making a MILLION MORE disposable discs per week than just a month ago. And it's left us wondering: once users try alternative products will they go back to tampons - even if further research confirms that they are safe? https://lnkd.in/eRQbM8Ca ______________________________________ 📩 Want a free round-up of women's health innovation and FemTech news like this each week? Join 1,300+ others on the FutureFemHealth mailing list here: https://lnkd.in/dTrt-yYd ______________________________________
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Roughly half of the US population menstruates, using at least 10,000 menstrual products in a lifetime. But these essential items lack federal regulations to ban harmful chemicals or mandate ingredient labels. Studies reveal chemicals like phthalates, parabens, metals, and PFAS can be found in these products, potentially posing health risks. There are no studies that link chemical exposure from menstrual products to health outcomes, but research supports these substances have been linked to health harms. In the absence of federal action, 8 states have stepped up to regulate and disclose chemicals in period products. California and New York have taken proactive steps, proposing bills to limit PFAS and require ingredient transparency in menstrual products. Vermont and other states have also banned other harmful chemicals, setting a precedent for safer products nationwide. Here are some tips to minimize chemical exposure from menstrual products: ✅Support legislation promoting safety in menstrual product ingredients. ✅Contact brands to ask about their ingredients. ✅Avoid scented menstrual products, as they may contain harmful chemicals. ✅If using period underwear, wash before using. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e7iRiuRN #MenstrualHealth #WomenHealth #EnvironmentalHealth #EWG
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New study (2024) finds lethal toxins in menstrual products A study conducted by University of California, Berkeley researchers published in Environment International found that tampons from several popular brands contain toxic metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Researchers evaluated levels of 16 metals in 30 tampons from 14 different brands. 🚫 How harmful are ‘toxic tampons’ for women though? The key question is whether metals in tampons can be absorbed through the vagina, as there is limited research on this. A doctor noted that while tampons absorb, there's no evidence of the body absorbing metals from them. Another doctor emphasised that the toxic metals found were below harmful levels, with arsenic exposure from tampons being less than from eating rice. However, the study warns about potential cumulative exposure from long-term use. 👉🏼 Are Menstrual Pads less toxic than tampons? Recent studies have found harmful chemicals in menstrual pad products: • PFAS: Persistent chemicals linked to immune system effects, increased cholesterol levels, and cancer risks. • Phthalates: Linked to reproductive and developmental toxicity. • VOCs: Chemicals associated with dizziness, skin irritation, and severe health effects. • Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): Linked to reproductive toxicity How does this information make you feel as a woman? #Period #MenstrualProducts #Tampons #WomensProblem #Tampons #Berkeley
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Importance of Choosing the Right Size of Menstrual Cup Menstrual cups have become a user-friendly product in recent years. Despite having several benefits over regular sanitary products, choosing the wrong size of a menstrual cup can make your experience worse. Let’s find out the importance of choosing the right Size of Menstrual Cup. Read More Info - https://lnkd.in/grgXj7wm #SizeofMenstrualCup #VaginalCup
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