There have been a number of widespread concerns about the materials used in tampons and their manufacturing process. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA)Center for Devices and Radiological Healthhas been regulating and providing consumer information about the safety and efficacy of medical devices produced and sold in the United States, including tampons. In general, tampons are very safe, but it’s imperative that they are used properly.

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Tampons Safety Concerns

Rayon

There are warnings that rayon fibers used in tampons causetoxic shock syndrome (TSS), a serious blood infection. The materials used in tampons don’t cause TSS, but high-absorbency tampons are associated with an increased risk (more below).

Dioxin

Chlorine

Asbestos

There have been claims that that asbestos is used in tampons to increase manufacturers' profits, causingexcessive bleeding.According to the FDA, tampons are made of cotton and rayon, or a combination of these materials. Asbestos is not approved for use in making tampons, and factories that manufacture tampons are subject to inspection to ensure that required manufacturing standards are being met.

Using Tampons Safely

If you are going to use tampons, you should know that they aresafe when used properly. But, some side effects, as well as serious complications, can occur as a result of tampon use.

There are a few things to keep in mind to prevent problems.

Toxic Shock Syndrome Symptoms

Toxic shock syndrome is rare, but it’s important to know about it. TSS is more common among young women and women who have decreased immune function.But leaving a tampon in for too long is considered one of the most significant risk factors for TSS, even for otherwise healthy women who have used tampons before.

Be aware of TSS symptoms, including:

The condition can advance rapidly and may even result in death. The FDA requires all tampon manufacturers to provide packaging information on all tampons sold in the United States describing the symptoms of TSS and how to reduce your risk, so a handy reminder of this information is likely as close as your bathroom cabinet.

A Word From Verywell

Tampons are a convenient option for many women. They tend not to cause an odor, don’t show under tight clothes, and are practical when swimming or participating in other sports. The regulations regarding tampon materials and production provide reassurance that the tampons sold in stores in the United States are safe to use. If you are still concerned, consider buying an organic option.

6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.The facts on tampons—and how to use them safely.Vostral S.Toxic shock syndrome, tampons and laboratory standard-setting. CMAJ. 2017;189(20):E726-E728. doi:10.1503/cmaj.161479U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Menstrual tampons and pads: Information for premarket notification submissions (510(k)s) - guidance for industry and FDA staff.Jacquemond I, Muggeo A, Lamblin G, et al.Complex ecological interactions of Staphylococcus aureus in tampons during menstruation.Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):9942. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-28116-3Vostral S.Toxic shock syndrome, tampons and laboratory standard-setting.CMAJ. 2017;189(20):E726‐E728. doi:10.1503/cmaj.161479Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome.

6 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food & Drug Administration.The facts on tampons—and how to use them safely.Vostral S.Toxic shock syndrome, tampons and laboratory standard-setting. CMAJ. 2017;189(20):E726-E728. doi:10.1503/cmaj.161479U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Menstrual tampons and pads: Information for premarket notification submissions (510(k)s) - guidance for industry and FDA staff.Jacquemond I, Muggeo A, Lamblin G, et al.Complex ecological interactions of Staphylococcus aureus in tampons during menstruation.Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):9942. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-28116-3Vostral S.Toxic shock syndrome, tampons and laboratory standard-setting.CMAJ. 2017;189(20):E726‐E728. doi:10.1503/cmaj.161479Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.The facts on tampons—and how to use them safely.Vostral S.Toxic shock syndrome, tampons and laboratory standard-setting. CMAJ. 2017;189(20):E726-E728. doi:10.1503/cmaj.161479U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Menstrual tampons and pads: Information for premarket notification submissions (510(k)s) - guidance for industry and FDA staff.Jacquemond I, Muggeo A, Lamblin G, et al.Complex ecological interactions of Staphylococcus aureus in tampons during menstruation.Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):9942. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-28116-3Vostral S.Toxic shock syndrome, tampons and laboratory standard-setting.CMAJ. 2017;189(20):E726‐E728. doi:10.1503/cmaj.161479Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome.

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.The facts on tampons—and how to use them safely.

Vostral S.Toxic shock syndrome, tampons and laboratory standard-setting. CMAJ. 2017;189(20):E726-E728. doi:10.1503/cmaj.161479

U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Menstrual tampons and pads: Information for premarket notification submissions (510(k)s) - guidance for industry and FDA staff.

Jacquemond I, Muggeo A, Lamblin G, et al.Complex ecological interactions of Staphylococcus aureus in tampons during menstruation.Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):9942. doi:10.1038/s41598-018-28116-3

Vostral S.Toxic shock syndrome, tampons and laboratory standard-setting.CMAJ. 2017;189(20):E726‐E728. doi:10.1503/cmaj.161479

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD).Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome.

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