Our Bodies Ourselves Today’s Post

“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

  • The graphic appears to be a newspaper. A light gray background. At the top in black “In the News” and to the left and right a gray box with dark gray blocks mimicking text. Underneath are three lines. Below are the following words: “Health, Sexuality, Justice” with globes in between. Below in black: “Are tampons safe? New study finds lead and arsenic in tampons. But don't panic, experts say.” Centered is the following text: “A new study out of UC Berkeley found that many tampons sold in the U.S. and Europe may contain heavy, toxic metals, such as lead and arsenic. The study does not determine whether these toxic chemicals are being passed into the body. The “groundbreaking” study highlights the need for additional research on menstruating products, and menstruation more broadly.” At the bottom is the white OBOS Today logo.

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