VOCs are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids, and prolonged exposure to high levels of VOCs can have various health impacts, including headaches, nausea, and in severe cases, liver and kidney damage, as well as potential carcinogenic effects.
Study finds metals in tampons
The University of Berkeley conducted a study testing
, and the data they collected was alarming. Different to pads, tampons are regarded as a bit more concerning because of the fact that they are inserted into the vagina, and that area of the body has higher potential for chemical absorption, different to other body parts.
The researchers at Berkeley evaluated 16 different metals found in over 30 tampons from 14 different brands. These metals consisted of:
- Arsenic
- Barium
- Calcium
- Cadmium
- Cobalt
- Chromium
- Copper
- Iron
- Manganese
- Mercury
- Nickel
- Lead
- Selenium
- Strontium
- Vanadium
- Zinc
Metals such as these have been found to heighten the risk of developing diabetes, infertility, dementia and cancer. In addition, they can also damage the kidney, liver, brain and the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems.
According to the Berkeley study, there are numerous ways metals could make their way into tampons. Cotton, which is the head of the tampon, is a compound that absorbs metals from air, water and soil. During the manufacturing process, these tampons could be exposed to any one of those elements. Metals might also be added intentionally by these manufacturers to whiten the tampons and add an antibacterial agent.