An alarming first of its kind study tonight is finding some of the world's most popular tampons have toxic heavy metals in them, like arsenic and lead. Researchers at UC Berkeley bought these tampons all over the world, in New York, in Athens, and in London over the course of about a year. We're talking 30 different kinds from a bunch of different brands, and ended up finding 16 different types of metals, including mercury, copper, iron, nickel, arsenic, lead. Now, keep in mind why this is such a big deal. 80% of women use tampons during their period. It's by far the most popular way to handle a period. The FDA put out a statement saying more research still has to be done to figure out exactly how or if the body absorbs the metals in these cases. Other studies show that over time, if a body does absorb different kinds of metals, that can up the risk of serious health issues. NBC's Doctor Natalie Azar is joining us now. This is the first study to really look at toxic metals in tampons. So let's just pause there and take a moment for that because women have been getting their periods for a very long time.

Right. What's interesting is that the study found organic tampons had more of these metals in them. What do we need to know about this study?

Yes. And so, you know, I think there's a couple of take homes, Hallie. Number one, first and foremost, while the FDA, I think, is taking this very seriously, and they are definitely planning on studying this in more detail. And specifically, are the metals just found as a contaminant? Are they actually leaching from the product? Are they entering the bloodstream? Those, you know, we don't have answers to those questions at the moment, but yes, as you mentioned, this is the first time that a study has really specifically looked at the potential harm that these products could be calling, could be causing for this reason. And it's definitely raised an alarm, as you can well imagine. I have a teenage daughter and I'm thinking about this, you know, for her as well. And so we are going to spend a bit of time talking about alternatives for people that they can consider if they are concerned about this.

Okay, well, let me tee you up on that. What are some of those alternatives? I think people know, obviously, pads are an option. There's those little cup things, too.

Exactly. So there are two things that work kind of similarly. There are menstrual cups. There are menstrual disks which essentially sort of capture or catch blood, if you will. There are period underwear that are like regular underwear, but they have an absorbent pad in them. And then, of course, reusable pads, which, you know, maybe our mothers or grandmothers used things that are made of cloth and that you can actually reuse. You know, the issue here, and you mentioned about the organic versus the non organic, I think that was the thing that was particularly alarming because most of us, when we hear organic, you know, we think that something is safe. But in fact, they did find arsenic at a higher amount in organic, but lead was found in a higher amount in non organic. So I think if you're out there and you're listening to this and you're concerned, not only can you use an alternative method, but if you're looking at the labeling, you want to look, look for things that maybe don't contain fragrances. Pick a product that has the least amount of components in it. And then there are three polys that experts are saying to stay away from, polyester, polyethylene and polypropylene, as well as other plastics.

Those are the kinds of compounds that I think you're cutting, maybe getting into that danger zone where there could be systemic absorption. It hasn't been confirmed yet, so I don't want people to panic.

Ok.

This is something I think the FDA is definitely taking seriously and will absolutely be looking into.

I'm so glad you said that. I was going to ask you, bottom line, for people who do use tamponse, this is not a freak out moment at this point, right?

It isn't. I mean, I don't think that, I don't think realistically that people are going to discontinue them overnight. The actual tampon itself is, is made of cotton and rayon. And just a point sort of to close it up, Hallie, is that the FDA technically regulates these as medical devices, but it's loose. The manufacturers are really voluntarily, you know, divulging what all of the ingredients are in all of their products. Some things may get in there intentionally, some things that might be by contamination. It is a wake up call. These products need to be safe. Women need to feel safe and comfortable if they're getting this off the counter, that it's something that will be safe and effective for them, not to mention.

Need to be able to have access to them, which is a conversation for a different day, which we will have. Doctor Natalie Azar, thank you so much.

Appreciate it.

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