Many women around the world unknowingly expose themselves to a dose of toxic metals every month. Yes, you read that right. You’ve probably heard about the infamous tampon study from the University of California Berkeley, the results of which were published in July. The Trace metals in tampons, including lead and arseniccould pose serious health risks with long-term exposure. While the FDA currently insists that these are generally safe, the potential risks have earned the attention of many women. This historic study is said to be the first of its kind, or at least the first to be made public.

“The average amount of Pb (lead) We found about 25% of the lead contained in a single cigarette in one tampon,” the study states. Finally, it turned out that at least one of the tampons tested measurable concentrations of 16 toxic metals. This is dangerous for women because the vaginal tissue higher absorption potential than the skin on other parts of the body.

“Disturbingly, we found lead in all tampons tested,” the study states. “There is no safe exposure limit for lead; any amount of lead that can leak from a tampon and enter the systemic circulation can lead to adverse health consequences. Lead is stored in the bones, where it replaces Ca. (Calcium)and can remain in the body for decades.”

The implications of this research go beyond the use of tampons and show how Women’s health around the world Is little researched And underfunded.

Until recently, much of health science was based on studies that looked primarily at male body composition. Take the BMI scale, for example. For years, women were fed the information that they were overweight or underweight. Scale according to male standards.

If the birth control pill caused any of the symptoms mentioned in a man, it could easily be taken off the market.

Even one of the most successful period tracker apps, Flo, is owned by twin brothers.

It’s time we women claimed the space of women’s health for ourselves. Our biology is a distinct and inseparable facet of our femininity, and the industry should reflect that. We need to take the men out of menstruation and put the women back into the equation, because no man will ever truly know how we feel. It’s important that we take pride in our femininity and use that pride to create better solutions, such as the women-developed cycle tracking apps like OK, Stardust, FemmAnd Noticewhich are on the rise.

A recent report by the World Economic Forum and the McKinsey Health Institute finds that on Average, a woman will spend nine years in poor health, This affects their ability to work and perform in the economy as well as their general quality of life. Women’s health, especially in relation to our cycle, is often not given enough attention. Investing in better, safer products and more comprehensive research could significantly improve women’s wellbeing and reduce health inequalities.

Considering that we over 22,000 women enrolled at the UA the university – and over 1,000 female faculty members – it is important that we examine these impacts on campus. College students should not have to worry about seemingly taboo topics like menstrual cycles on top of tests and exams, but rather try to reduce some of the tension surrounding them. It is critical that we continue to push back and destigmatize the discussion and targeted marketing tactics around periods, such as the “pink tax.”

The “Pink tax“” highlights that many similar products, such as razors, cost more when marketed to women. This phenomenon can easily take hold in the feminine hygiene sector, as there are no comparable products, giving brands the opportunity to raise prices for greater profit.

While concerns are growing about the heavy metals found in each tampon in this study, there are important findings that we as women can be more confident about. While all of the tampons tested tested positive for heavy metals, the organic tampons had significantly less than the non-organic ones.

In addition, many of the organic tampons 100% cotton, This means they are free of harsh chemicals like titanium dioxide, a possible carcinogen that is often used to make the thread look whiter. With many products marketed to women, it is common for safety to be compromised in the name of aesthetics.

Another aspect is that there are other options on the market for the menstrual phase of a woman’s cycle. While traditional products (tampons, pads, panty liners) are the most popular, more and more young women are attracted to new options. Period panties, menstrual discs, menstrual cups and pads are all possible alternatives, although like tampons Menstrual cups can increase the risk of toxic shock syndromewhich can be fatal.

Gynecologists recommend changing tampons regularly when you use them. This not only reduces the chance of ingesting harmful chemicals, but can also prevent problems such as infertility or kidney and liver damage. Apps like Yuka And Intelligent label can also help assess the safety of the ingredients listed.

On a much larger scale, the industry change that will inevitably result from this study also affects the state of Alabama. Our cotton industry could be used to promote safer, more sustainable menstrual products. Supporting local, ethical production could also address safety concerns.

Women’s health is not about profit or aesthetics, but about a necessary standard of living.