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Campaigners are demanding government action on its regulation chemicals And metals found in tamponpad and reusable period products,
Two decade old studies are ongoing poisonous substances found and heavy metals in menstrual products, from Biocidal silver from arsenic,
This year, research from the Women’s Environment Network (WEN) and the Pesticide Action Network (Pan UK) revealed pesticides 40 times the safe limit of drinking water in tampons.
Yet period products in the UK are still “less regulated than candles”, points out Helen Lynn, senior advisor and research fellow at WEN. Independent,
,[Candles] “Normal products are under safety regulations and require labeling for certain heavy metals, and tampons don’t,” she explained.
“Despite two decades of evidence, political debates and growing public outcry, regulation has barely moved forward. WEN is leading the call for change – demanding regulation that provides safer products. This is the tipping point. Without immediate action, millions of people will continue to be exposed every month.”
Currently in the UK, products fall under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, which ensure that products are safe for consumer use and must have clear warnings about the risks.
However, when it comes to the chemical safety of period products, WEN’s experts warn that there is a “regulatory void.” There are no specific laws beyond consumer law that require manufacturers to list ingredients in products or any regulations to prevent chemical residues from ending up in period products.
The chemicals and heavy metals found in tampons, pads, and period pants have been linked to hormone disruption, reduced fertility, cancer, and other serious health effects. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are particularly linked to gynecological disorders and reproductive diseases, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
A 2019 study found phthalates in UK pads, which are used to make plastics more flexible and help fragrances last longer in cosmetic products. However, it has also been linked to infertility.
Another 2023 report by Which one? Some period pants, marketed as eco-friendly, were found to contain silver-based fabric treatments as an antimicrobial to help reduce odor. But silver can also kill beneficial bacteria on the skin.
According to a report in May, researchers also found traces of glyphosate at high levels in menstrual products, including tampons.
It is the most commonly used herbicide in the world, and the World Health Organization (WHO) classified it as “probably carcinogenic” in 2015. Researchers have also linked glyphosate to other serious health conditions, such as Parkinson’s.
She says the high levels of these chemicals and metals in tampons are worrisome, because they can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the vagina.
Campaigners are now urging the government to introduce rules to ensure all period products are safe from harmful residues. They also want independent testing of period products, a legal requirement for manufacturers to disclose all ingredients and additives used, and ensuring that all period products made available in schools and public facilities are safe with the ingredients and ingredients listed.
In March, Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle introduced an amendment to the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill, calling for period products to be regulated within a year of the legislation being passed. The amendment received considerable support in the House of Lords, but was ultimately rejected.
Martin Wrigley, Liberal Democrat MP for Newton Abbot, tabled an Early Day Motion in June on harmful chemicals in period products, suggesting there should be a legal requirement for manufacturers to disclose the ingredients.
A new petition from WEN, calling for legislation to ban toxic chemicals and heavy metals in period products, has received over 44,000 signatures and will be presented to the House of Lords next week.
A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said: “We are reviewing the need for further research and testing on period product safety before launching a consultation on this issue shortly.
“Any changes will be made on a case-by-case basis and agreed by Parliament to ensure we maintain our position as a global leader in product regulation, supporting businesses and protecting consumers as part of our transition plan.”