Characterization and Coagulation Effects of Nanoparticles Shed from Tampons

Abstract

Recent studies have raised concerns regarding the chemical composition of commercial menstrual products, revealing the presence of potentially harmful additives and the release of nanosized particles during use. These findings suggest a previously underrecognized route of nanoparticle exposure via vaginal contact, with possible implications for reproductive health. In this study, tampons from five commercially available U.S. brands were evaluated for their potential to release nanoparticles (NPs) and to elicit hematological effects through activation of intrinsic and common coagulation pathways. Under experimental conditions, released NPs were collected and characterized for size and concentration using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, followed by chemical identification using Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Chemical characterization showed that three brands released polyethylene plastic NPs primarily from the tampon cover, while cellulose-based NPs composed of cotton or rayon were released from the cover and/or absorbent core. To assess biological impact, activated Factor XII (FXII) and Thrombin-Antithrombin (TAT) III complex concentrations were measured. Tampon-derived NPs increased FXII activation by up to 6-fold and reduced TAT levels by up to 40% relative to physiological baselines. Together, these findings suggest that synthetic, semisynthetic, and natural tampon fibers shed NPs capable of differentially activating blood coagulation pathways, highlighting a potential mechanistic link between particle surface chemistry, coagulation activation, and reproductive health risk.