FDA Investigating Toxic Metals in Tampons: Senator

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is studying metals found in tampons after lawmakers raised safety concerns, a senator said on Thursday.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said that the FDA initiated an independent review of the literature on the metals’ health effects in response to a letter she sent in July, which urged the FDA to examine the findings of a recent study concerning the heavy metals in tampons.

That study, published in the science journal Environmental International in August, found measurable concentrations of 16 metals—such as lead and arsenic—in tampon products made by 14 common brands.

“These are products millions of women are using on any given day, so it’s important we absolutely put to rest any concerns about their safety,” Murray said in a statement on Sept. 5.

Murray said the FDA has commissioned an independent contractor to undertake the literature review to assess any possible links between tampon use and adverse health effects.

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