02-06-2025
What The Toxic Pesticide Tampon Scandal Means For You And Women's Health More Broadly
In nearly every aspect of consumerism, whether it's food, skincare or household goods, we're typically afforded warnings of what goes into or on our bodies. And if that information is lacking, a quick online search usually fills in the gaps for us.
Yet, when it comes to period products used by millions of women, girls and people who menstruate, there remains a disturbing lack of transparency and regulation.
Last year, a report found that traces of toxic metals including lead had been found in tampons. On May 28 of this year, a report conducted and released by Pesticide Action Network UK, in collaboration with Women's Environmental Network and the Pesticide Collaboration found that the toxic pesticides residue levels in major tampon brands were 40 times higer than the legal limit for drinking water in the UK.
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Among its findings, the report uncovered traces of glyphosate, a pesticide classified as 'a probable human carcinogenic' by the World Health Organisation. Researchers tested 15 boxes of tampons purchased from UK retailers, spanning a mix of non-disclosed well known brands. The report suggests that the cotton used in these products had been treated with the pesticide at some point of cotton plant's growth.
As per the report, the vaginal insertion of tampons means that the chemical can directly enter the bloodstream, as it completely evade the body's waste removal systems, causing potential harm to the body. 'According to pharmaceutical research, absorption rates from internal exposure in the vagina could be 10-80 times higher than through the skin on the body,' says Josie Cohen the Interim Director, PAN UK (Pesticide Action Network UK).
'Glyphosate and AMPA have both been linked to a range of chronic health conditions, including cancer and Parkinson's,' she explains. 'We know that pesticides pose a particularly high health risk to young people whose bodies are still in development and are less able to cope with toxic chemicals. That's why we are calling for the Government to provide only certified organic single use disposables (SUDs) and additive-free period products as part of the free period products programme in schools,' she added.
The report was sparked widespread outrage online, with countless users taking to social media platforms such as TikTok to share their shock and outrage. Videos dissecting the findings and what it may mean for users of period products call for more transparency.
Currently, there is no regulation for chemicals in period products in the UK. 'We believe all period products should be regulated like cosmetics are in the European Union. In order to significantly reduce pesticide residues in period products, with the ultimate aim of making them residue-free.'
'Period products should be recognised as both a human rights and public health issue,' explains Helen Lynn, Senior Consultant and Research Fellow, Wen (Women's Environmental Network). Wen is calling for a 'Menstrual Health, Dignity and Sustainability Act' which would ensure equal access to sustainable period products, improved menstrual education,independent testing, transparent product labelling and stronger regulations.'
For now, what can you do to be more informed and protect yourself? 'Currently, the only way to avoid period products such as tampons and pads contaminated by pesticides and other harmful chemicals is to buy those certified as organic. Check the Soil Association website for options. We also encourage people to move away from single-use disposables such as tampons, and instead use sustainable, additive-free reusable products such as period pants and menstrual cups, or use a combination.'
In conclusion, the report suggests a number of viable steps for the government to take. 'Consumers are unaware of the chemical cocktail contained in many period products and so cannot make an informed choice,' reminds Cohen, and while this is fact, another step consumers can take to try to rectify this is by petitioning the Government to forbid use of harmful chemicals and pesticides in period products that so many of us use monthly.
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