A recent scientific study analyzed tampons to determine if heavy metals were present and to see if they might be a route of unwanted chemical exposure for menstruating individuals. The study highlighted the issue that metals can be present in period care.
Purity of products is something that MADE SAFE works tirelessly for. The MADE SAFE Certification is a human health and ecosystem-focused product certification that does not compromise on safety. Certified products are screened to ensure that over 15,000 harmful substances have been avoided, thereby aiming to eliminate the worst hazards found in everyday products. MADE SAFE is a certification and also a philosophy of change. All MADE SAFE Certified products choose to elevate themselves to the highest standards going beyond a restricted list of substances avoided but also adhering to the ecosystem approach evaluating the known ingredients to ensure they don’t harm humans, air, water, soil, aquatic or terrestrial life. It may sound like common sense but it’s radically different in scope than is the normal.
MADE SAFE Certified tampons adhere not only to the rigorous and scientifically backed MADE SAFE standard, but are also required to meet the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) standard. Both of these standards prohibit the intentional addition of heavy metals to tampons and their applicators. To address potential heavy metal contamination, GOTS implements residue limits and requires lab testing where there is a risk for contamination.
See how Natracare, with MADE SAFE Certified period care products, has responded to this issue here.
Testing like the kind used in referenced study draws attention to the need for better legislation, increased regulation, and more understanding of how contaminants might end up in products. We partner with Consumer Reports in order to better understand the products we use regularly and what is in them. Read a recent article we wrote on children’s toothpaste to learn more about the kind of information we share. We are interested in further evaluating period care to learn more about this potential issue, as the study suggests more information is needed.