Do You Really Need to Throw Out Your Tampons?
TimeJUL 2024
The Spin
Narrative A
The discovery of glyphosate in tampons at such high levels represents an unacceptable risk to women's health. The direct absorption of chemicals through vaginal tissue makes this exposure particularly concerning, especially given the regular, long-term use of these products. The lack of ingredient transparency and proper safety regulations for menstrual products shows a systemic failure to protect women's health.
Narrative B
The detected levels of glyphosate, while higher than drinking water limits, do not necessarily indicate a safety risk. The testing methodology doesn't reflect real-world conditions, and current evidence doesn't demonstrate that these trace amounts pose any significant health threat. Manufacturers already conduct extensive safety testing to ensure the safety of their products.