Natracare, the world's leading brand of sustainable period
care, believes this new study will educate consumers and encourage
better worldwide regulations—both of which the brand has pursued
since its outset.
CHICAGO, July 9, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- A study led by University of
California Berkeley researchers and published in the August
issue of Environment International evaluated levels of
16 metals in 30 tampons from 14 brands and 18 product lines sold
across the US and Europe. The
study found measurable concentrations of all 16 metals assessed,
including toxic metals such as lead, arsenic and cadmium. In
response to this alarming report, and with concern for full
transparency and to help to allay consumer concerns,
Natracare, the world's leading brand of sustainable period
care products, is making their independent testing publicly
available.
"As a precautionary principle and as part of Natracare's annual
organic certification audit, tests for detecting heavy metals as
well as PFAS are commissioned to a third-party accredited
laboratory," said Natracare Founder Susie
Hewson. "These test results of our GOTS certified organic
cotton tampons show no detectable traces of heavy metals or other
chemicals of concern and are publicly available to
offer peace of mind and full transparency."
The new study published in Environment International
highlights the presence of toxic metals in many tampons, raising
concerns about potential health risks—something Natracare has given
voice to for over three decades. "We believe people who bleed
deserve safe, natural options for their periods," Hewson said.
"Thirty years ago, we were concerned by what certain companies put
in period products, and we actively supported Congresswoman
Carolyn Maloney's Tampon Safety
and Research Act of 1997, now called the Robin Danielson Menstrual Product and
Intimate Care Product Safety Act, for this very reason. It
was our outrage that led to the founding of Natracare and the last
34 years of campaigning for safe period care."
"The findings of this study are tremendously valuable because
they will not only drive pressure for better regulatory measures,
but also give people the information they need to choose what is
best for their bodies and to hold more companies accountable to
doing the same, both of which we have advocated for since our
inception in 1989," said Hewson.
As a campaigning brand for over 30 years, Natracare's founding
philosophy has always been to make certified organic 100% cotton
tampons to reduce unnecessary exposure to chemicals of concern.
Natracare has earned several certifications for exceptional
environmental and ethical quality. In fact, Natracare tampons are
certified to the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS)—the gold
standard for organic tampons—adding an extra precaution to
guarantee the safety and quality of Natracare tampons. The GOTS
certification underscores Natracare's commitment to health and
sustainability.
GOTS has stringent regulations for testing and controlling
residuals. The standard clearly defines "explicitly banned or
prohibited for environmental and/or toxicological reasons in all
processing stages of GOTS Goods," and further states that "inputs
shall be 'heavy metal free.' Impurities shall not exceed the limit
values as defined."
"Just as we fought for regulatory authorities to require tampon
manufacturers to test for dioxin residuals, we continue to strongly
support the need for regulations that require manufacturers to test
accordingly for chemicals of concern and heavy metal residuals in
tampons, for transparency," said Hewson. "We share consumers'
concerns for the discovery of heavy metals found in some brands of
tampons, and we fully support regulatory intervention of some
determination to measure and establish levels of chemicals of
concern and heavy metals detected in tampons. Such a framework
exists for cosmetics; why not tampons?"
Helen Lynn, Environmenstrual
campaign manager for Women's Environmental Network (WEN),
responded, "Dozens of metals, including lead, arsenic and cadmium,
were found in tampon samples from brands purchased in the UK, US
and the EU. The researchers tested both organic and non-organic
samples but do not list the brands chosen."
"We are exposed to background levels of metals through our diets
and pollution," Lynn continued, "but the researchers suggested
additives to tampons like antimicrobials and/or anti-odor
chemicals, whiteners or lubricants could be the source. Zinc and
calcium were found in high concentrations, and these can be used
for odor control, lubrication and as antimicrobial agents. But none
of the tampons studied listed zinc as an additive, even those
purchased in New York State, where
there is a requirement, by law, to list all ingredients."
Consumers can trust that Natracare tampons meet rigorous
environmental and health standards. Natracare encourages consumers
to stay informed and make choices that prioritize their health and
the environment. The brand remains committed to continuous
improvement and transparency. Project #BeKind is Natracare's
foundational company mission to do their part to help the
environment. Take the #BeKind pledge and join the movement
at www.natracare.com/be-kind. Green Your Life.
PERIOD.
To learn more about Natracare and find products near you, visit
https://www.natracare.com.
About Natracare
Natracare has been championing
certified organic, plastic-free and toxin-free period products
since 1989. Natracare's mission is to empower consumers while
safeguarding their health and a healthy environment. Join Natracare
in advocating for a cleaner, safer period experience. Natracare is
not just a brand; it's a movement.
About Women's Environment Network
Women's Environment
Network (WEN) is a UK-based charity working to support women and
their communities to take action for a healthier planet. They have
national campaigns and also work at the community level in
London to support women and
grassroots movements to take environmental action. They are
responsible for the Environmenstrual campaign to raise awareness of
hidden plastic and toxic chemicals in conventional menstrual
products and promote more environmentally responsible
alternatives.
About Global Organic Textile Standard
Global Organic
Textile Standard (GOTS) was developed by leading standard setters
in the organic industry to define globally recognized requirements
for organic textiles. They audit all aspects of organic: from the
harvesting of the raw materials, to the processing of fibers, to
environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing to labeling.
Textiles certified to GOTS provide a validated assurance to the
consumer.
Contact:
Dana
Swinney
379818@email4pr.com
312-291-1099
References
- Environment International, 2024 – Tampons as a source of
exposure to metal(loid)s
- Eurofins BLC, 2023 – AA234-1181-1 Tech Report for presence of
heavy metals in Natracare tampons [PDF]
- Natracare – Natracare's organic certifications
- GOTS, 2023 – GOTS Standard and Manual Version 7.1
- WEN – Why we need a menstrual health, dignity and
sustainability act
- Medical Xpress, 2024 – First study to measure toxic metals
in tampons shows arsenic and lead, among other contaminants
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SOURCE Natracare