Is there lead in tampons?
A 2024 study found some in every tampon it tested. Researchers measured 16 metals in 30 tampons from 14 brands, and lead turned up in all of them, organic ones included. The organic tampons had more arsenic, not less. Source 1
What did the FDA’s 2026 study find?
That almost none of it leaches out: the FDA tested how much gets out of a tampon and called the amount “negligible”. Source 2 The 2024 study had measured what’s in a tampon, not what gets into your body.
So “organic” doesn’t fix metals. Organic cotton avoids pesticide residue and fragrance, which is a different question.
What can you use instead?
A silicone cup is reusable and cuts waste.
Most people take a few cycles to get comfortable, so wear a liner at first. Rare but serious: cups and tampons have both been linked to toxic shock syndrome. Follow the maker’s wear time. For tampons, use the lowest absorbency you need. Take it out and get medical help right away if you get a sudden fever, vomiting or diarrhea, a sunburn-like rash, or dizziness. The cup is silicone. There’s no well-rated natural-rubber cup yet. Organic tampons had more arsenic, not less, and period underwear has its own PFAS lawsuits.