A recent study from Jenni A. Shearston at the University of California Berkeley discovered that several brands of tampons can contain metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium. These tampons were purchased from physical stores in the US, meaning that they were likely from brands that millions of women use each year. These findings are highly disturbing because, according to the UC Berkley School of Public Health, "Metals have been found to increase the risk of dementia, infertility, diabetes, and cancer. They can damage the liver, kidneys, and brain, as well as the cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems. In addition, metals can harm maternal health and fetal development". In addition, "...the skin of the vagina has a higher potential for chemical absorption than skin elsewhere on the body". This means that not only are these toxic metals present in tampons, but they are more easily absorbed into women's bodies. 

In our modern world, it is ridiculous that women should be worrying about the safety of the products they use to regulate their cycles. The fact that these toxic metal concentrations have gone unnoticed for so many years is an insult to the women of America and the world. This is yet another example of how women's healthcare is diminished in America, but this is also the time to act! When this petition reaches its signature goal, it will be sent to several state representatives and senators with a history of advocating for women's rights. We encourage you to sign this petition, regardless of your gender. This is not only a call for protecting the women of America, but our population's health as a whole. We deserve the peace of mind that the products necessary to our health are not harmful to us! We are entitled to stricter regulations on the concentrations of metals that can be allowed in our menstrual health necessities. Sign this petition and join our fight today!