Are Tampons Safe? What to Know About Metals

Period safety guide

Quick answer

Yes. The FDA says tampons remain a safe period product option. A 2024 study found low levels of metals, like lead and arsenic, in tampons. In 2026, an FDA study found the amount likely to come out during use is too small to cause harm.

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Tampons in a small dish on linen, for a guide on whether tampons are safe
  • The FDA regulates tampons as medical devices.
  • A 2024 study found low levels of metals in tampons.
  • A 2026 FDA study found the amounts released were far below harmful levels.
  • Change each tampon every 4 to 8 hours, the FDA says.
  • Period underwear can be a backup, or a swap on some days.
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Metals in tampons: what the 2024 study found

In 2024, a team from UC Berkeley and Columbia tested 30 tampons from 14 brands. They found metals in every tampon, including lead. They also found arsenic. Organic tampons had metals too.

But the study did not test if the metals come out of a tampon. It also did not test if they get into the body. The team said it was not clear if the metals cause any harm.

What the FDA found

In the US, the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. Makers must show their tampons are as safe and work as well as ones already sold in the US.

After the 2024 study, the FDA had an outside team review the research. Then FDA scientists ran their own lab study. They tested 11 types of tampons from six brands, for three times longer than normal use. They found lead and other metals. But the amounts that came out were far below harmful levels. The FDA says tampons remain a safe period product option.

How to use tampons safely

  • Use the lowest absorbency you need.
  • Change each tampon every 4 to 8 hours.
  • Only use tampons when you have your period.
  • Wash your hands before and after.

Want to use fewer tampons?

Period underwear can help. Wear it as backup with a tampon on heavy days. On lighter days or at night, you can wear it instead.

Kischt has three absorbent layers, made for heavier flow days. A moisture barrier helps stop leaks reaching your clothes. It comes in sizes XS to 4XL.

Kischt Noir high-waisted period underwear, a way to use fewer tampons on some days
Kischt Period Underwear, Noir (black)

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Common questions

Do tampons have heavy metals?

A 2024 study found low levels of metals, like lead and arsenic, in tampons. A 2026 FDA study found the amount likely to come out during use is too small to cause harm.

Are organic tampons safer?

The 2024 study found metals in both organic and non-organic tampons. No type had lower levels of all metals.

Are tampons toxic?

The FDA says tampons remain a safe option. Its 2026 study found that metals released during use were far below harmful levels.

How long can you leave a tampon in?

The FDA says to change each tampon every 4 to 8 hours. Never wear one for more than 8 hours at a time.

What can I use instead of tampons?

Pads, period underwear, menstrual cups and discs are all options. You can also mix them, like period underwear as backup on heavy days.

More guides

See all guides: Period Underwear Guide: Every Question Answered

Sources

  1. FDA: Menstrual Product Options, Facts, and Safe Use (updated July 2026)
  2. FDA: The Facts on Tampons and Tampon Safety (updated September 2026)
  3. FDA: Contaminants in Vaginal Tampons, a Systematic Literature Review (December 2024)
  4. Toxicological Sciences (2026): Do metals in tampons pose a health risk? A toxicological risk assessment study (FDA scientists)
  5. Environment International (2024): Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s
  6. Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health: First Study to Measure Toxic Metals in Tampons (July 2024)
  7. NIEHS: Metals in Tampons (August 2024)

Updated by the Kischt team.

This page is general information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you are worried about your health.

Returns: you have 30 days after you get your order to request a refund. Details are in the return policy.