Metals in Tampons: What the FDA's Own Testing Found
PeriodsArticleA 2024 study set off worry about lead and arsenic in tampons. The FDA has since reviewed the research and tested tampons itself. Here is what it concluded, and whether organic is worth paying extra for.
In this article
In 2024, headlines about lead and arsenic in tampons led some women to switch to organic or “clean” alternatives, which often cost more. If you still use tampons for heavier days in perimenopause, here is what the FDA1 has found since then.
What the FDA tested
The FDA2 tested 11 types of tampons from six brands in its own laboratory. It soaked them under conditions meant to mimic use, but for three times longer than recommended wear. Scientists detected lead and 20 other metals, at levels far below what would be considered harmful.2
The FDA’s1 conclusion, published in a peer-reviewed study in 2026 and backed by an independent review it commissioned in 2024, is that the amount of metals likely to be released during use is too small to cause harm.12
Organic or conventional?
The FDA1 says very small amounts of metals can be detected in both conventional and organic tampons, just as they can in many everyday materials.1 Its testing doesn’t support paying more for organic tampons to avoid metals. You may still prefer them for other reasons, and that’s a personal choice.
What matters more day to day
Tampons are regulated by the FDA2 as medical devices.2 The FDA’s everyday safety advice is:12
- Use the lowest absorbency you need. If you can wear one tampon for up to 8 hours without needing to change it, the absorbency may be too high.
- Change every 4 to 8 hours, and never wear one tampon for more than 8 hours.
- Wash your hands before and after.
Know the warning signs of toxic shock syndrome
The FDA1 lists sudden fever, usually 102°F or higher, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting or nearly fainting when standing, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn. If these happen during or soon after your period, remove the tampon and get medical care right away.1
When heavy days need a visit
If your periods have become much heavier, longer or closer together, talk with a clinician about the cause. Our article on how to tell if a period is too heavy lists the signs.
Try: “My periods have become much heavier and I’m going through tampons fast. Can we look at what’s causing it and what my options are?”
Period, Handled includes a Period Scorecard and a visit script. Use them to record how many products you use on heavy days, so your clinician sees the full picture. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you have symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, such as sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, dizziness or a sunburn-like rash during or after your period, remove the tampon and seek medical care right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, brand, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026The Facts on Tampons and Tampon Safety (opens in a new tab)abcdefgh
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026Menstrual Product Options, Facts, and Safe Use (opens in a new tab)abcdef
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