Toxic tampons found to have 40x higher pesticide levels than allowed in water

A report from the Women's Environmental Network (WEN) and Pesticide Action Network UK has raised concerns about the presence of harmful chemicals in menstrual products sold in common retailers across Britain. The study found "harmful chemicals and pesticides" in these intimate products, with a particular concern on the levels of glyphosate, the world's most widely used herbicide.

Glyphosate has been classified as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organisation, indicating a potential link to cancer. Alarmingly, the levels of glyphosate detected in one box of tampons were 40 times higher than the legal limit for drinking water. It is suspected that this contamination occurs because the pesticide may be applied to the cotton crops used in tampon production. Some tampons were also found to contain Chlorpyrifos, an insecticide banned in the UK due to its neurotoxic effects.

The report emphasised the severity of the situation: "Given that there are no safe levels of certain chemicals, the safety margins for residues in period products should be below the level of detection."

Ruby Raut, Founder and CEO of WUKA, expressed serious concern over the recent findings, saying: "The vagina is one of the most absorbent parts of the body, chemicals absorbed here bypass the body's detox systems and go straight into the bloodstream, unlike when ingested through food or water. This isn't just irresponsible, it's dangerous!

"It's outrageous that in 2025, we're still finding pesticides and chemicals linked to serious health conditions in period products."

The report cited a lack of UK regulation as manufacturers are not required to disclose the ingredients and there are no specific rules to prevent pesticide residue from remaining in the final product.

Furthermore, the report shed light on how cotton farmers are being affected too: "Cotton farmers are being exposed to toxic pesticides at concerning levels.

"Many cotton farmers are women, who face the health risks of working with pesticides both on the farm and in the home on a daily basis."

Ruby emphasised the need for greater transparency in the industry, adding: "It is simply unacceptable that in this day and age, we still don't know what is inside the products we use in our most intimate areas of our bodies. We need transparency.

"We need accountability. And we need real reform in this industry - because everyone who menstruates deserves better."

The report urges the government to implement stringent testing of period products, make it a legal requirement for manufacturers to disclose ingredients and additives, and include certified organic single-use disposables in the free period products programme in schools.

WEN is also advocating for a Menstrual Health, Dignity and Sustainability Act.

Regrettably, this isn't the first alarming revelation in the period product industry.

In 2024, a pilot study revealed that numerous popular tampon brands contained toxic metals and arsenic, both linked with long-term reproductive and neurological damage.