FDA Review Finds Tampons Safe, Despite Concerns Over Metal Contaminants

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that tampon use is unlikely to be associated with harmful health outcomes, following an independent literature review in response to a study published in Environment International. The study, which raised concerns by identifying 16 metals, including lead and arsenic, in tampons, prompted the FDA to commission the review and initiate an internal laboratory study. Conducted by International Consulting Associates, the review analyzed nine studies on tampon contaminants and concluded that FDA-cleared tampons remain a safe menstrual product option.

Despite these findings, the review highlighted the need for further research, noting limitations in existing evidence, such as the pooling of different tampon brands in some studies. To address these gaps, the FDA is conducting a bench laboratory study to assess whether metals in tampon materials are released or absorbed under conditions resembling actual use. The agency plans to use the results to complete a risk assessment and provide further reassurance about tampon safety.