Female hygiene becomes a long-term threat

Recently, a scientific article was published and exposed the measurable amounts of existing substances in feminine hygiene products such as tampons. In Spain, this menstrual hygiene measure is among the most used due to it being a safe and comfortable alternative when used responsibly; otherwise, it could cause toxic shock syndrome.

The study conducted by Columbia University tested various brands of tampons from different places, including Europe and America, and also analyzed tampons made from 100% organic materials and synthetic ones. Up to 16 types of heavy metals were detected, including arsenic, lead, nickel, mercury, and cadmium. The impact of these metals on the body is speculative, but a woman who uses tampons as her main menstrual hygiene product will put her body in intimate contact with these toxic substances for at least 2 to 5 days every month for 12 months.

Considering that the average person starts menstruating at age 13 and reaches menopause between 40-45 years old, menstruating an average of 4 days monthly translates to 48 days per year for approximately 27-32 years (from 13 to 45). In this generalized case, a person will use tampons for about three and a half years of their life, leading to excessive exposure to heavy metals in direct contact with internal mucous membranes. Is that enough time to demand transparency and quality in feminine hygiene products, or should we keep waiting to see the potential effects of the toxic substances being sold to us? Personally, I believe that if these products were intended for a different audience, preventive measures would have already been taken.

As a woman, it is frustrating the lack of regulation on feminine products. Until 2022, feminine hygiene products in Spain were subject to a 10% VAT compared to male hygiene products, which fortunately was reduced to 4%. However, now after years of tampon use by millions of people, these somewhat alarming data are revealed, as the potential health effects are unknown.

I hope this experience serves to demand transparency about the product being sold to us. The use of tampons is inevitable due to the comfort they provide for carrying out daily activities during those days of the month, which is indispensable for, as I mentioned, millions of people. Therefore, responsible production that complies with safety standards ensuring consumption without adverse effects is required.

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