Tampons STILL toxic in 2024, study revealed. A call for change and support for menstruators.

Hey everyone, I hope you're doing well and are having a flare-free day.
Today's video is slightly different for me. I'm heated and I'm angry at what I've read this morning in the news. A 2024 study (out of the University of Berkely California) revealed that certain tampon products on the market contain "toxic levels" of lead and arsenic (as well as other harmful chemicals). 30 tampons were tested from 14 unique brands - including organic and non-organic products - and all were shown to have concerning levels of toxins, including arsenic and lead.
Now, am I surprised that tampons and period products have chemicals in them STILL in 2024? Well, no. I feel like society is still behind on funding and research when it comes to investigating menstrual health and wellness, including the impacts that period products may have on individuals' health / wellbeing. I'm frustrated because there isn't a spectrum when talking about period / menstrual health. Either we can't talk about periods in society because they're "gross" or "taboo" OR if we talk about them, it's to reveal that the products menstruators use are riddled with toxic levels of chemicals (without a proper solution to addressing the problem or educating menstruators on how to protect themselves from said chemicals). It's as if it's the menstruators problem to now solve - when the problem actually sits with companies and a lack of regulatory oversight.
The article was great to inform the public on the issue - public awareness on these issues are vital. However, more needed to be said. More needed to be provided and supported to the individual reading. Washing your hands before using the product is important, not wearing them for a long period of time is important. But these are general rules that come with using the period product (something that can be read on the back of packaging). How do we address the chemicals still left in these products? Why are we continuing to promote said product without introducing or promoting alternatives? It felt as though the consumer is still expected to use these products - knowing the risks without proper alternatives presented - while they wait for research on the risks in the coming years. It isn't fair.
I'd love to hear your thoughts down below and whether you've heard about this issue in the past. I'd also be curious to know if you have a period brand top of mind that is leading the way on addressing toxic chemicals found in products.
Companies in the period market. You're in business to support menstruators - to provide safe and effective options for them monthly. You make a profit off of selling these products to consumers. Let's change the way business is done. I challenge you to be the first - or at least the leading company - to update the standard on what society expects on these products.
Article: www.ctvnews.ca/health/tampons...
Research: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35302...
Study: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37743...
#toxicperiod #toxictampons #periodeducation #periodnews #tampons #tampon #health #periodawareness #periodbrand #menstrualeducation #menstrualproducts

[@aidenalamo6262]

I recommend cloth pads. As a a transgender man, I used to use disposable pads for my period. It was horrible and I later found cloth pads to be chemical-free, easy to clean in the laundry machines, and easy to take care of when it comes to storing them. That is why I recommend cloth pads. Also, they are free from toxins.

[@catturner23]

Stopped using tampons. Used them all my life. Saw some vids on women that almost died using them. I finally just made the choice to use pads. Even though it's kind of annoying it's better for you. Also been meaning to try the period panties but they make them a little expensive, but I def want to try them out.

[@lucianaqui8846]

Menstrual cups and discs are great alternatives. Personally, I'm using a lily cup and I love it. The risk of getting TSS is almost non existent and they can last for years.

[@user-vs5no6wb7j]

Period underwear is a great option! its the best out there in my opinion! it is sustainable and more expensive up front but SO worth every penny! Everie woman is a good brand too!

[@leekshikapinnamneni4835]

I forgot to mention that nothing we do will be truly safe because I heard that there were forever chemicals and heavy metals in period panties as well.
I highly recommend watching the video by Dr. Jennifer Lincoln about toxic chemical exposure in pants and tampons. She does a pretty thorough job of explaining the data..

[@leekshikapinnamneni4835]

Unfortunately, sanitary pads are made from the same material as tampons and pads and tampons are the most convenient option for most people.
I’ve considered a menstrual, but I don’t know if it’s practical for me to clean and store it correctly as a blind person.
Thankfully, I’m not afraid and I’m feeling great so far
I think the toxic metal exposure mainly comes from the cotton crap and the soil that it’s grown in as well as proprietary ingredients that the manufacturer adds. I think that strict regulations needed and we need to hold these companies accountable just like we do for manufacturers who produce food..

[@Ardita777]

ua-cam.com/video/NB4jZCxRkTw/v-deo.html&si=8ksofYoWkjJmVXIW
She ⬆️ almost died from tampon. I personally don’t use tampons but even pads have harsh chemicals. I use the organic pads but I’m afraid that even the organic ones aren’t as organic as we think they are but they’re a better choice.

[@143purple]

A new study said most pads have lead and the organic ones have arsonic iv been trying period panties resently

[@VannaMae]

​@@143purplePeriod panties also have toxins!

[@143purple]

Just resently have been trying period panties i cant find much research tho