Alarming Discovery in Everyday Essentials
A recent report has uncovered shocking levels of a pesticide linked to cancer in tampons sold in the UK, raising urgent public health concerns. The investigation — conducted by the Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK), the Women’s Environmental Network, and the Pesticide Collaboration — found that a popular UK tampon brand contained glyphosate levels 40 times higher than the legal safety limit for drinking water.
What Is Glyphosate and Why Is It Harmful?
Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides globally and is the main active ingredient in products like Roundup. Although originally designed to kill weeds, glyphosate has come under intense scrutiny over the years due to growing evidence linking it to cancer, especially non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified glyphosate as a “probable human carcinogen.”
How Did It End Up in Tampons?
Most commercial tampons are made from cotton, a crop often treated with heavy doses of pesticides. If the cotton is not thoroughly processed or tested for residues, these harmful chemicals can remain in the final product — a product that is then inserted into one of the most absorbent and sensitive parts of the human body. With repeated monthly use over years or decades, the risks of cumulative chemical exposure become deeply concerning.
A Second Blow: More Toxins Discovered Within a Year
This is not the first warning this year regarding toxins in menstrual products. A previous study in early 2024 identified dangerous levels of PFAS (forever chemicals) in sanitary items, sparking calls for more transparency and tighter controls. The discovery of glyphosate so soon after suggests a broader systemic problem in how these products are regulated, produced, and marketed.
Gaps in Regulation and Labelling
One of the core issues highlighted in the report is the lack of proper regulation for tampons and sanitary products. In the UK, tampons are still classed as medical devices, which means they are not subject to the same level of chemical testing as cosmetics or food products. Furthermore, manufacturers are not legally required to disclose all ingredients used in these products — leaving consumers unaware of potential risks.
Health Campaigners Demand Reform
Health professionals and environmental campaigners are now demanding swift regulatory reform. Dr. Stephanie Williamson from PAN UK stated:
“It is unacceptable that products coming into contact with the most vulnerable parts of the human body are allowed to contain hazardous chemicals. The government must act now to protect public health.”
Campaigners are calling for:
- Mandatory testing for pesticides and toxins in all menstrual products
- Full transparency on product ingredients
- Regulatory reclassification to allow for stricter safety standards
- Public awareness campaigns to help people make informed choices
What Can Consumers Do?
Until better regulations are in place, consumers can take action by:
- Choosing organic, pesticide-free, or unbleached tampons
- Avoiding fragranced products, which may contain additional irritants
- Supporting brands with full ingredient disclosure
- Contacting their local MPs to demand action and transparency
It is also advised to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience unusual symptoms such as chronic irritation, allergic reactions, or pelvic discomfort that could be linked to tampon use.
Conclusion: Time to Protect Women’s Health
The discovery of cancer-linked glyphosate in tampons is a stark reminder that women’s health has been neglected in product safety discussions for far too long. When intimate care products contain substances that would be banned in drinking water, urgent action is not just necessary — it’s long overdue. The government, manufacturers, and health agencies must prioritise transparency, regulation, and accountability. Our bodies are not test sites, and menstruating individuals deserve to know exactly what they’re putting inside their bodies each month.
Resources:
- IARC – INTERNATIONAL AGENCY FOR RESEARCH ON CANCER
- TOXIC PESTICIDE FOUND IN UK TAMPONS AT 40 TIMES THE DRINKING WATER LIMIT, REPORT REVEALS – Wen
- Pesticides in period products – Pesticide Action Network UK
- Tampons found in UK shops containing pesticides at levels 40 times more dangerous than drinking water
- Toxic pesticide levels in tampons 40 times higher than allowed in drinking water
- UK tampons found with pesticide levels 40 times higher than drinking water limits – The Mirror
- Study finds tampons with higher pesticide levels than allowed in water | Express.co.uk
- Urgent warning to British women as scientists discover toxic pesticides in UK TAMPONS at 40 times the drinking water limit | Daily Mail Online
- Six best non-toxic tampons that cost less than a fiver as pesticides found – The Mirror
- Toxic pesticides found in UK tampons – a gynaecologist explains the health risks
Andrew Jones is a seasoned journalist renowned for his expertise in current affairs, politics, economics and health reporting. With a career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as a trusted voice in the field, providing insightful analysis and thought-provoking commentary on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
