FDA is undertaking an examination of toxic metals present in tampons.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it has initiated an independent and expert review on recent research related to heavy metal contamination of tampons after lawmakers raised alarm over potential toxins within these products.

The Hill reported the move after Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) revealed to them the FDA would conduct such an evaluation in response to her July letter sent them, according to a statement released Thursday afternoon by Senator Murray’s office.

Murray asked that agency to conduct further examination of findings of a recent study showing alarming levels of toxic metals present in several brands of tampons.

Responding to this letter, the FDA stated they have conducted both an expert, independent review of research on health effects caused by metals found in tampons as well as an internal lab study to analyze what metals exist within these items and their release during normal usage.

FDA is working on providing more thorough answers to Senator Feinstein’s inquiries from her letter and two related studies, according to a spokesperson at The Hill.

Murray issued this letter following a study published earlier this summer which identified harmful levels of toxic metals found in several brands of period products.

Last month’s study, published in Environmental International journal, shows the presence of lead, cadmium, arsenic and 13 other harmful metals across 14 commonly used tampon brands.

Between 52 to 86% of menstruating people in the US use tampons — small cotton or rayon products designed to absorb blood from vaginal walls — during menstruation.

This research indicates that certain products could contain metals derived from agricultural or manufacturing processes that may leech into people’s bloodstream while using.

Heavy metals have the potential to cause multiple health concerns, including kidney disease, cardiovascular illness and cancer. Researchers observed that they identified at least 16 metals present in at least one sampled tampon but further research needs to be completed in order to confirm these results and see if any are absorbed by vaginal walls in vaginal tissues.

Although August’s study is notable as being the first to identify toxic metals present in tampons, other researchers had already detected harmful chemicals present.

Last year, research from Notre Dame discovered PFASs (otherwise known as forever chemicals) in several feminine hygiene products including some tampons.

Murray is not the only lawmaker who has raised concerns over possible toxins present in tampons.

Yesterday, members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus sent an open letter to FDA officials calling upon them to address concerns over ingredients in tampons following recent research that has highlighted possible toxic elements within them.

“FDA must review and improve current safety standards for tampons,” members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus wrote in their letter to FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg.

“We strongly urge the FDA to act quickly in addressing women’s safety from harmful and toxic materials present in tampons. We look forward to reviewing your plan to address these concerns and working closely with you on this matter.”

Representatives who signed this letter include Summer Lee of Pennsylvania, Grace Meng of New York and Kathy Manning from North Carolina as well as Ayanna Pressley from Massachusetts, according to a copy shared with The Hill.

An FDA spokesperson informed The Hill that their agency received and would respond directly to each caucus member in regards to this letter.