What did the FDA conclude about the health risk posed by heavy metals found in tampons?

The FDA concluded that 'while trace metals are present in tampons, the amount released during use is too small to cause harm.' This statement is the agency's central, authoritative assessment based on its study published in Toxicological Sciences, confirming the presence of 19 metals across 11 tampons from six unnamed brands but emphasizing that exposure levels during actual use do not pose a health concern.

What are the likely sources of heavy metals detected in tampons, according to the FDA study?

According to the FDA study, the heavy metals may have been absorbed from the soil by natural materials (e.g., cotton) used in tampon production or unintentionally introduced during manufacturing; titanium dioxide — used to whiten tampons — is specifically cited as a likely source of titanium found in the products.

Heavy Metals in Tampons Aren't Cause for Concern, Regulators Say

Jul 6, 2026

The FDA confirmed trace heavy metals exist in various tampon brands but stated release levels during use pose no health risk. The study identified 19 metals potentially absorbed from soil or added via manufacturing materials like cotton, rayon, and titanium dioxide.

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