A toxic Pesticides Is connected to cancer Tampon 40 times higher than the legal limit for drinking water.
Researchers found marks Glyphoset But High levels in menstrual productsaccording to a Report By pesticide action network UK (PAN UK), women environment network and pesticide cooperation.
It is the world’s most commonly used herbicide and in 2015, World Health Organization (WHO) Classified it “Carcinogenic”,
Researchers have also linked the glyphosate to other serious health conditions such as Parkinson’s.
The tampon belongs to the high levels of the pesticide as these chemicals can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the vagina.
In 2024, PAN UK tested 15 boxes of tampons from UK shops and supermarkets in a range of various brands for pesticides mark.
Despite the small scale testing, the glyphoset was found in a box, in 0.004 mg/kg – 40 times higher than the permitted level of the glyphoset in drinking water.
It is believed that the toxic pesticides are eliminated in the tampon due to videkillers used to grow cotton.
Around 300 pesticides are used globally in cotton production and one third of these is classified as highly dangerous pesticides (HHPs) such as glyphoset.
Researchers at PAN UK say these pesticides used in cotton production created a great risk for the environment, damaged pollinators and other wildlife or contaminated water and soil.
Josi Cohen, interim director in PAN UK told Mentor: “We need to reduce our overall toxic loads and do not have to worry about glyphosets and other highly dangerous pesticides in our period products.
“This is a clear difference in health and safety regulation that the government needs to address immediately.”
Previous studies have shown that period products may contain a variety of chemicals, including phthalates, diaxins, volatile organic compound (Voc), perfluorolkyl and polyphluorocill substances (‘PFAS’ or ‘Forever Chemicals’, and are included as a huge metals.
These chemicals have increased the risks of breeding and hormonal diseases such as endometriosis, infertility, and cancer researchers to warn.
Currently there is no specific rule for duration products in the UK, which makes it the responsibility of manufacturers to ensure that the product is safe.
PAN UK has suggested a regulation plan and testing should be applied to ensure that they are free from chemical remains.
It states that manufacturers should also disclose all the components and additives found in the products of the duration so that the customers can take informed decisions.