A new study has confirmed that glyphosate is present in period products at levels 40 times higher than the legal limit for drinking water. Conducted by PAN UK and the Women’s Environmental Network (WEN), the study warns that millions of women and girls could be at risk of exposure to glyphosate, a chemical linked to life-threatening illnesses.
When exposed to glyphosate in period products such as tampons, the chemical can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the body’s natural detoxification systems. Glyphosate has been associated with cancer, dementia, fertility issues, and more.
“If this level of glyphosate is deemed unsafe in the water we drink, why is it allowed to appear in our period products?” asked Amy Heley from the Pesticide Collaboration. “Our investigation reveals that women, girls, and those who menstruate may not be protected from exposure to harmful chemicals. Yet, most people remain completely unaware that this is even an issue.”
According to PAN UK, research into how toxic chemicals in period products impact people’s health is almost non-existent, leading to a “dangerous lack of awareness.” They highlight that half of the world’s population will experience periods in their lifetime, with the average person using approximately 11,000 disposable period products.
“This lack of research is why the new study by PAN UK and WEN is so important,” the organization emphasized.
The study also revealed that major period product brands are not being held accountable through existing regulations or rules. As a result, harmful substances such as lead and arsenic have been found in tampons. PAN UK pointed out that if these megabrands were required to disclose the chemicals in their products, they would be forced to seek safer alternatives to glyphosate-laced cotton.
Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide and has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
Despite the study authors suggesting a regulatory scheme with testing processes to ensure period products are pesticide-free, the UK government has no current plans to address the presence of chemicals in these products, even in light of evidence supporting their harmful impacts on women’s health.
“Enough is enough,” the study authors stated. “Now is the time to increase pressure on the UK government to introduce regulation and mandatory testing of period products, force companies to list their chemicals, so everyone can make informed choices about their bodies and health, and ensure safe period products are accessible to all.”
https://www.nationofchange.org/2025/10/26/glyphosate-levels-40-times-higher-in-period-products-than-legal-limit-for-drinking-water-new-study/
