Project Overview
Over the past year, I came across several alarming studies reporting the presence of heavy metals,such as lead and arsenic,in tampons. This sparked a critical question: could there be a link between the rising prevalence of reproductive health disorders like endometriosis and PCOS, and the materials used in everyday period products?
Through this project, I aim to raise awareness about the possible long-term health risks associated with period products and advocate for improved manufacturing standards and greater transparency in their production.
Research Methods and Questions
My project will investigate two central questions:
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Is there a relationship between the presence of heavy metals in period products and reproductive health disorders?
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Should current production standards for period products be re-evaluated to better safeguard the health of users?
To answer these, I will:
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Conduct a survey with individuals aged 18–55 who currently menstruate or have menstruated, to gather insights on their experiences with menstrual health and period products.
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Review existing literature on the chemical composition of menstrual products and associated environmental toxins.
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Perform laboratory testing on a variety of tampon and menstrual cup brands to measure heavy metal levels and assess their safety relative to established standards.
Impacts and Outcomes
With this research, I hope to:
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Spark greater public dialogue around reproductive and hormonal health
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Highlight the urgent need for safer, better-regulated menstrual products
At the conclusion of the project, I aim to produce:
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A research poster detailing my findings
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A comprehensive lab report
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A video series documenting my journey