Tampax Lead Exposure
vs. California Prop 65 Limits
California Prop 65 sets a Maximum Allowable Dose Level (MADL) for lead of 0.5 micrograms per day. See how your tampon usage compares to this legal safety threshold.
Methodology note: This calculator uses a conservative estimate of ~0.087 μg lead per tampon, derived from the median lead concentration detected in the 2024 Ragusa et al. study (Environment International) applied to average tampon weight (~4g) with a 10% leachable fraction — a conservative assumption used in plaintiffs' toxicological analyses. Actual absorption depends on vaginal permeability, product variant, and individual factors. This tool is for educational illustration only and does not constitute medical or legal advice.
Your Usage Profile
Daily exposure vs. CA Prop 65 MADL
Approaching MADL Limit
Per cycle
1.74 μg
Per year
20.9 μg
Estimated cumulative lifetime exposure (5 years)
104 μg total
vs. 0 — the WHO's stated "safe" level of lead exposure
Why the 0.5 μg/day Limit Matters Legally
California Prop 65 MADL
California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act requires businesses to warn consumers before knowingly exposing them to chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. The MADL for lead — 0.5 μg/day — represents the level at which reproductive harm is considered to begin. P&G sells Tampax in California and would be subject to this standard.
EPA Drinking Water Comparison
The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule sets an "action level" of 15 ppb in drinking water — meaning water utilities must act when lead exceeds this level. The 2024 study found lead concentrations in some tampon samples at levels researchers characterized as exceeding EPA action thresholds by up to 40x on a weight-for-weight basis.
Primary Sources & Citations
- [1]California OEHHA — Prop 65 MADL for lead: 0.5 μg/day (Title 27, CCR §25705)
- [2]Ragusa et al. (2024) — Environment International: Lead concentration range in Tampax products
- [3]EPA — Lead in Drinking Water Action Level: 15 ppb (40 CFR Part 141.80)
- [4]WHO — Lead Exposure: No safe level of lead in blood (2023 Fact Sheet)
⚠️ Your estimated exposure is approaching the Prop 65 safe limit.
Based on your usage profile, your estimated daily lead exposure is 70% of California's legal MADL threshold. Join the waitlist to be contacted when the official claim process opens.
Get Notified When the Claim Portal Opens
The Tampax lawsuits are still in the investigation phase as of May 2026. No official claim form exists yet. Enter your email and we'll notify you the moment the process opens — and guide you through every step.