Scientists make extremely worrying discovery after studying tampons and the consequences could be fatal
The US investigation found that between 52 and 86 per cent of women use tampons whilst menstruating
An alarming new study has determined that numerous toxic - and potentially fatal - chemicals have been found inside women's tampons.
According to researchers at the University of California, who examined a batch of 30 tampons from 14 different brands, a total of 16 metals were detected inside the women's hygiene products.
And being that between 52 and 86 per cent of women studied as part of the investigation claimed they used tampons regularly whilst menstruating, the research has instigated great concern in the health community.
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Amongst the numerous and extremely dangerous toxins located inside the products were arsenic, lead, mercury, nickel, copper, and iron.
Levels of each mental varied between each brand, which either derived from the US, the UK, or Europe.
Whether or not the products claimed to be organic, or whether they were sold at branded or supermarket lines also had an influence on the traces of metals detected.
Tampons that advertised themselves as 'organic' were found to have a higher level of arsenic compared to others.
When it comes to the impacts of these metals for women, it is understood that contamination can be deadly when put into contact with the vagina, being that this area of the body can absorb them more efficiently.
Metal absorption has been found to increase the risk of dementia, as well as several types of cancer, in both men and women.
These toxins can also lead to issues surrounding the liver, kidneys and brain, and are therefore linked to diabetes.
Intake of these dangerous chemicals can also result in damage to the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems.
And arguably more heartbreaking, is that metal intake can lead to both infertility, as well as harm to unborn babies.
"Despite this large potential for public health concern, very little research has been done to measure chemicals in tampons," lead author of the study, Jenni Shearton told press.
"To our knowledge, this is the first paper to measure metals in tampons. Concerningly, we found concentrations of all metals we tested for, including toxic metals like arsenic and lead."
When it comes to how these tampons become laced the various metals, it can occur through contamination with water, air or soil, or through manufacturers intentionally adding it.
"I really hope that manufacturers are required to test their products for metals, especially for toxic metals," Shearston said of the investigation.
"It would be exciting to see the public call for this, or to ask for better labelling on tampons and other menstrual products."
Topics: Science, Health, World News
Rhianna Benson