BAHP Statement on the Safety of Tampons

Update to July 2024 Statement- September 2024

The Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene products (BAHP) and its member companies stand behind the safety and quality of tampon products. People use tampons around the world, and they should feel confident that they are safe to use.

BAHP is encouraged by reports that the FDA has commissioned a comprehensive literature review to better understand the available data on tampon safety. BAHP supports the FDA’s further research on the safety of tampons in real world use and the agency’s ongoing commitment to public health.

Our member companies will continue delivering products that empower people to take control of their periods and live life on their own terms.

July 2024 Statement

The Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene products (BAHP) and its member companies stand behind the safety and quality of our tampon products. Tampons are safe and have been used by people globally for many years. 

BAHP is aware of the July 2024 study reporting that tampons contain trace amounts of metals. 

It is important to understand that the trace amounts of metals reported in the study are so low that they fall within the FDA safe food intake recommendations. These amounts are also naturally found in water, soil, and air, and do not pose a health risk. In fact, a larger amount of these metals are found naturally in a serving of dried fruit than in a tampon1. Tampons are classified as medical devices and are therefore rigorously regulated by the FDA, ensuring that the materials used to make them and the tampons themselves are safe and effective. Manufacturers carefully select raw materials for quality, and they undergo extensive safety evaluations before being used in products.  

People who use tampons should feel confident that they are safe to use, and the results of the recent study do not contradict this. The authors acknowledge the limitations of the study and the need for further research. BAHP member companies are committed to the safety and quality of their tampon products and to providing accurate and useful information regarding the ingredients in menstrual products.  

For inquiries, please contact: 

BAHP Executive Director, Eric Stewart (Eric@bahp.com) 

BAHP Deputy Director, Gia Komst (gia@bahp.com)  

1 Rusin, M., Domagalska, J., Rogala, D. et al. Concentration of cadmium and lead in vegetables and fruits. Sci Rep 11, 11913 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91554-z