The Texas attorney general’s office has opened industry-wide investigations into menstrual-care and cosmetic products, saying it will examine whether companies misled consumers about product safety, quality or chemical composition. The action is an investigation, not a finding that any named company violated the law or that a product caused injury.

The office said it issued civil investigative demands to Tampax, Kotex, L. and LOLA. It is also examining lip balm, lipstick and related products marketed to women and children. The inquiries are focused on possible violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

The state announcement cited a 2024 peer-reviewed study that measured 16 metals and metalloids in 30 tampons across 14 brands. Researchers detected every tested metal in at least one sample, including lead, arsenic and cadmium. But the study did not determine whether those metals leach from tampons during use, enter the body or create a measurable health risk. Those unanswered questions are central to interpreting the findings accurately.

The Texas office has not announced charges, penalties or a timetable for completing the investigations. The companies should have an opportunity to respond to the state’s requests and to challenge any conclusions before enforcement action is taken.

Source: Texas Office of the Attorney General ↗

Source: Environment International study ↗

Source: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences summary ↗