Calls for government to crack down on chemicals and metals found in period products
Campaigners are calling for pressure on the government to regulate chemicals and metals found in tampons, pads and reusable menstrual products.
Studies dating back two decades have found toxic substances and heavy metals, from arsenic to biocidal silver, in menstrual products.
This year, research by the Women’s Environmental Network (WEN) and Pesticide Action Network (PAN UK) revealed pesticides in tampons were 40 times the safe limit for drinking water.
Despite this, period products are still “less regulated than candles” in the UK, said Helen Lynn, senior consultant and research fellow at WEN. Independent.
“[Candles] “They are covered by the General Product Safety Regulations and there is a requirement to label certain heavy metals in them, but tampons do not have that,” he explained.
“Despite two decades of evidence, political debate and growing public outrage, regulation has barely moved. WEN is leading the call for change; demanding regulation that delivers safe products. This is the tipping point. Without urgent action, millions will be exposed every month.”
Currently in the UK, products are covered by the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, which ensure that products are safe for consumer use and must have clear warnings about risks.
But WEN experts warn there is a “regulatory gap” when it comes to the chemical safety of period products. Other than consumer legislation requiring manufacturers to list ingredients in products, there are no specific laws or rules to prevent chemical residues from remaining in menstrual products.
Chemicals and heavy metals detected in tampons, pads and menstrual pants have been linked to hormone disruption, reduced fertility, cancers and other serious health effects. Chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system are particularly linked to gynecological disorders and reproductive diseases such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
A 2019 study found phthalates used in pads in the UK to make plastic more flexible and to help fragrances last longer in cosmetic products. But it is also linked to infertility.
Another 2023 report Which? It found that some period pants marketed as environmentally friendly contained antimicrobial silver-based textile treatments to help reduce odors. But silver can also kill beneficial bacteria on the skin.
Researchers also found traces of glyphosate at high levels in menstrual products, including tampons, according to a report published in May.
It is the world’s most widely used herbal medicine, 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.
The high levels of these chemicals and metals in tampons are concerning because they can be absorbed through the vagina and directly into the bloodstream.
Campaigners are now calling on the government to introduce regulations to ensure all period products are protected from harmful residues. They also want period products to be independently tested, a legal requirement for manufacturers to disclose all ingredients and additives used, and to ensure that all period products provided in schools and public facilities are safe for listed ingredients and ingredients.
In March, Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle proposed an amendment to the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill calling for period products to be regulated within a year of the bill being passed. The amendment received significant support in the House of Lords, but was ultimately rejected.
Martin Wrigley, the Liberal Democrat MP for Newton Abbot, tabled an Early Day Motion on harmful chemicals in period products in June, suggesting there should be a legal obligation for manufacturers to disclose the ingredients.
WEN’s new petition calling for legislation to ban toxic chemicals and heavy metals in period products has gathered more than 44,000 signatures and will be presented to the House of Lords next week.
A Department for Business and Trade spokesman said: “We are reviewing the need for further research and testing into period product safety before launching a consultation on this issue shortly.
“As part of our Change Plan, any changes will be made on a case-by-case basis and agreed by parliament to ensure we maintain our status as a global leader in product regulation, supporting businesses and protecting consumers.”
