Tampons are one of the most commonly used menstrual 🩸 hygiene aids and are rarely considered a potential source of harmful substances🦠. However, the risk of using tampons probably lies in the increased absorption of substances in the vagina.
Tampons are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood. Due to its rich blood supply, the vagina is suitable for the transfer of drugs 💊 into the systemic blood circulation. This suggests that, in this way, it could also transfer, for example, toxic chemical substances into the blood 🧪.
Most tampons are made of cotton🥼 or cotton blends. Agricultural 👩🏼🌾 soil contains metals and pesticides that come from the use of fertilizers. Studies have shown that 🌱 cotton plants can bioaccumulate different metals in different parts of the plant. For example, cadmium, lead or mercury, which are also toxic to the environment. Another problem can be chlorine bleaching, which can contribute to dioxins and furans in tampons.
Mercury🌡, according to a 2019 study, negatively affects human reproduction👩❤️💋👨 and affects the reproductive and endocrine system. Data suggest that exposure to mercury in female mice 🐭 can lead to mercury accumulation in the ovaries. This can cause changes in reproductive behavior and contribute to infertility.
According to another 2019 study, associations were observed between tampon use and increased levels of biomarkers of mercury and oxidative stress. The results indicate that tampons may be a source of chemical 🧑🏻🔬 substances that may be associated with health🏥 consequences.
Verra team💕