When researchers said they found measurable levels of toxic metals — including lead and arsenic — in some popular tampon brands in 2024, government officials were alarmed, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration launched its own study into the contents of menstrual products.
Now, a Republican Utah lawmaker is taking steps to require companies that sell menstruation supplies to more transparently disclose on packaging the materials in their product.
“The bill that we have so far creates labeling requirements for menstrual products, including tampons, sanitary napkins, menstrual cups,“ Rep. Kristen Chevrier, R-Highland, told the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Interim Committee on Wednesday.
The current version of the bill is only a draft and will likely see changes before Chevrier officially introduces it for the 2026 legislative session.
Starting in 2027, as the proposal was presented Wednesday, period product packaging would have to include labels listing all “intentionally added ingredients” in order of predominance, as well as specifically address whether they contain arsenic, lead or cadmium.
There’s limited research into chemicals present in menstrual products. The FDA began its study with a literature review, and in December published a report concluding there was not enough evidence for the agency to categorize any products as unsafe.
“While [the 2024] study reported metals in some tampons, it did not test whether metals are released from tampons when used or whether they were absorbed into the vaginal lining or getting into the bloodstream,” the FDA wrote on its website.
Its internal laboratory is now working to measure the amount of metals that may be released from tampons when they are used normally.
Several other states, mostly led by Democrats, have enacted laws to either require that menstrual product packaging disclose its components or ban certain ingredients from being included in the products.
Utah would be the first solid red state to take a step toward asking companies to be more clear about what’s in the menstrual hygiene products they are selling. And both Chevrier and committee members expressed interest in moving a bill forward.
“Is simply putting the ingredients ... on the outside enough?” asked Rep. Logan Monson, R-Blanding.
“I was wondering the same thing — if we should add more chemicals, and if there should be bans on certain things, and how far we should extend this," Chevrier responded, adding, “This is just a starting point right now.”