Most brands only started listing their ingredients on their packages for the first time late last year (2021) thanks to a new law in New York state. Rebecca Carhart is a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer covering home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Safe? | Penileclinic.com "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. Since many of us have been loyal to the same feminine care products that we've been using since we first got our periods, you may have some questions before switching products. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. It is important to note that studies in rats, mice and other animals are not directly applicable to humans. (no offense) No evidence titanium dioxide in tampon strings causes cancer Health First: A Cleaning Products Industry Roadmap for Selecting Safer Chemicals, Beyond the Label: Health Impacts of Harmful Ingredients in Cleaning Products, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=consumer.reporting1, More Period Policies are Addressing Ingredient Safety and Transparency, Thinx PFAS Lawsuit Also Calls Attention to Nanosilver Concerns, Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022: MOCRA Explained, First US approval of indoor air disinfectant draws NGO criticism, Johnson & Johnson Will Discontinue Talc-Based Baby Powder Globally in 2023. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. While experts agree more studies need to be done on titanium dioxides potential impact on reproductive health, one person's video is motivating millions of people to take control of their health and question what they consume every day. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. I have been researching health impacts of pads and tampons for nearly a decade, so I love having all this new ingredient info. Gizmodo reached out to TikTok multiple times on Thursday to ask if it would take any action on content crying wolf about the dangers of titanium dioxide and tampons but did not receive a response. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. No rayon, dyes, perfumes, colors, or chlorine is used to make them either. The FDA has tested and cleared traditionally used tampons for women to use safely and with confidence.". More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. Ive written multiple times in this columnabout how an observed association between two events or variables does not necessarily mean that one caused the other. Addressing a popular TikTok concern over titanium dioxide getting absorbed by the vagina, Gunter said that this doesnt happen because of titanium dioxides chemical composition. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Titanium dioxide, or TiO 2, is a naturally occurring mineral that takes the form of a tasteless, white powder, according to the National Institutes of Health. It gets used in a LOT of products and its probably been in tampons and pads for a long time (just never listed on the label before). OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. In its report, the EFSA reported that they couldn't rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide caused damage to DNA ("genotoxicity")and thus couldn't establish a safe level of daily intake. Is this an emergency? They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. There are a number of folks online recently worried about finding titanium dioxide as an ingredient in their tampons and pads and wondering if it is related to some health conditions they are experiencing like ovarian cysts, miscarriages, UTIs and more. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. Lets look at what can happen with an acute TiO2 exposure: The last route absorption is the route of question when it comes to the TiO2 in tampons. Keep in mind that sometimes titanium dioxide might also be listed as white pigment or pigment white 6 so look for those terms as well. It makes items white. These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. This is totally safe.. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. And live a healthy lifestyle. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. I am not into social media. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. The virtual freak out on TikTok over titanium dioxidea natural mineral approved by the Food and Drug Administration that is used in a variety of products, including sunscreen, cosmetics, food,. The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. Shipping details. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. But this amount varies by product. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved titanium dioxide for human consumption in 1966, cementing its presence in a variety of foods, including candies and other processed foods.. Aka a common coloring agent. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. This summer's viral TikTok on titanium dioxide in tampons focused on the brand This is L., which was acquired by Procter and Gamble in 2019. This needs to be properly investigated. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Unsafe? | livestrong Some. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. In Turmoil Over Tampons, Scientists See a Need for More Study What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? But if we are exposed to these same substances via a different route than how they are intended, or at a higher dose, they can be toxic. It became the first state in the nation to do so. The absorbent fibers used in FDA-cleared tampons sold today are made with a bleaching process that is free from elemental chlorine, which also prevents products from having dangerous levels of dioxin (a type of pollutant found in the environment). Felt they had the same or better absorbency. Some country-level occupational health and safety organizations cite a lack of high-quality studies from which they can draw any concrete conclusions about the long-term risks of titanium dioxide exposure. Unbelievable. Find him on Instagram@dr.daignault. And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. WVE envisions a world free from the impacts of toxic chemicals, one where our planet and communities are thriving, one where our gender, race, sexuality, zip code, income level or job does not determine our health outcomes. Below, Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Erin Flynn, MPH, DNP/FNP, an LGBTQ+ care expert with birth control startup Favor, share the complicated truth behind this question. The virtual freak out on TikTok over titanium dioxidea natural mineral approved by the Food and Drug Administration that is used in a variety of products, including sunscreen, cosmetics, food, and toothpasteappears to have started with one video posted at the beginning of the week. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to severe side These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. Do Organic Tampons Contain Titanium Dioxide? - TOTM Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. As an emergency roomdoctor, there would be many possible (and more likely) emergency room causes of excessive menstrual bleeding that I would evaluate a patient for. The 12-page complaint says that despite the front-label promise that the tampons are entirely organic, they contain the non-organic ingredients polyester, glycerin, paraffin and titanium dioxide . I wouldn't raise the alarm. And putting the different limits aside, it can be hard to find titanium dioxide on labels because not all companies are required to list it. We spoke to ob-gyn James A. Gohar, MD, co-founder and CEO of Viva Eve, to set the record straight on this substance in question, including whether it poses any risk to your reproductive health (or otherwise) and which tampon products are safest. The site is secure. TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider Because even my doctor was very confused. "While most cosmetic products will disclose whether or not titanium dioxide is an ingredientsome states require itit is important to note that the FDA does not currently require brands to disclose this information.". "Again, the data is inconclusive on whether these products are really linked to excessive bleeding, cancer and infertility, so it's not right or wrong to continue using these products based on currently available information," Dr. Gohar says. However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. Now 12% Off. Theres even a lawsuit alleging that the candy company Mars, which makes Skittles, didnt inform its customers about the potential taste the rainbow dangers of titanium dioxide in its product. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. I found a TikTok talking about L Organic Tampons and how they have titanium dioxide in them for coloring. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. For example, when the substance is applied via sunscreen, sufficient data have found titanium dioxide to be "generally recognized as safe and effective," per the FDA. It can be frustrating when you don't have a clear picture of the ingredients in your tampons, toothpaste, chewing gum, and everything in between. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. Love, love, love it. I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. If you take a quick stroll through the aisles of a grocery store or drugstore, you'll find there's an organic option for just about everything these days, including produce, deodorant, and even tampons. Well, unfortunately, we just dont know if that causes health effects.There is no published research available that has ever examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? So while on the one hand no study has positively linked titanium dioxide exposure to ovarian cancer, or miscarriages, or UTIs we also simply dont have the science to assure us that this kind of exposure is perfectly safe either. Titanium dioxide doesnt dissolve in water, meaning the nanoparticles arent going to dissolve from the tampon string and get into the blood that might be pooling in the vagina and then get absorbed by the body, she wrote. I think seeking solace and guidance from your physician is key because they may also help clarify [and] help with any anxieties that all this information can provoke., Plan for the future: Scranton encourages people to make calls, send emails, and write reviews to the companies or lawmakers in your life. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. That said, ovarian cysts are not that rare, and it is possible that it is just coincidental with the folks using This is L. tampons but certainly there should be enough reason now to investigate if there are connections. Are common multivitamins worth the money? Also Im not looking for attention. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. FYI: Here Are The Best Non-Toxic And Organic Tampons On The Market ", The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved titanium dioxide for human consumptionin 1966, cementing its presence in a variety of foods, including candies and other processed foods. (If you reside outside of the U.S., please simply enter 00000 for zip code), ph:(406) 543-3747 | womensvoices@womensvoices.org | 2023 All rights reserved |, Introducing WVEs New Plan for a Thriving Future. Ease and comfort all around! tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. a lot of people online are upset with tampon brands (tampax and L. specifically) because they include titanium dioxide in the tampons, which apparently can cause reproductive harm. Im 27 years old. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. Organic Tampons, Best for Leak Protection: Rael Organic Cotton Tampons, Best Affordable Option: Just Cotton Core Tampons, Feminine Hygiene Products Are Selling Out, But We Found 10 You Can Still Buy Online, The 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin of 2023, 10 Best Pillowcases and Protectors for People with Allergies, The 12 Best Socks for Sweaty Feet of 2023, Sleep Awards 2022: 30 Products to Help You Sleep Better, The 10 Best Kegel Balls of 2023, Reviewed and Approved, I Tried Freshly Meals for a WeekHere's My Honest Review, The 10 Best Latex Mattresses That Are Cooling, Comfortable, and Durable, The 9 Best Body Sunscreens Dermatologists Recommend for Year-Round Protection, Veeda Natural Cotton Applicator Free Tampons, Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons, organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation, super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. She does this by citing another TikTok videoin which that user claimed to have excessive vaginal bleeding, ovarian cystsand uterine damage after using L. brand tampons. I wanted to do more research before just jumping and following this narrative blindly. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/titanium-dioxide-e171-no-longer-considered-safe-when-used-food-additive, how are all these experts not seeing a connection? Tampax. Wallace told Gizmodo in an email that anecdotal stories like the one in Morgans TikTok go viral all the time because they are sensational and get a lot of shares and comments. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. Before any tampons can be legally sold in the U.S., they must go through the FDAs review to determine whether they are as safe and effective as (substantially equivalent to) legally marketed tampons. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? - Verywell Health The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. T. Shoppers are fans of the tampon's compact design that fits in the palm of their hand, allowing them to discreetly carry one to the bathroom. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. The danger is that people will listen to the sensationalized viral video, instead of having a real conversation about risks with their doctor or health care provider.. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? "I don't feel as though organic tampons are necessarily any safer than the traditionally manufactured tampons available to the consumer," she said. Viral video wrongly blames titanium dioxide in organic tampon strings It's mainly used for color. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. That brings us to. It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. A recent TikTok video went viral with the false claim that the titanium dioxide used in L. brand organic tampons is responsible for miscarriages, cancer and a host of other medical problems. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. "Best product ever," raved one customer. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best What we need to think about is, if that's what can happen within the gut, there's a lot to be said for what can happen in the vaginal area., Scranton is among the many experts who agree that its a topic that requires more investigation. As a result, it's not too difficult to shop for TiO2-free tampons if you're concernedand have the financial means to do so. Menstrual pads get even more complicated with top layers, middle layers of absorbent foam, super absorbent polymers, various waterproof backings, more fragrance, lots of coatings to wick fluid and aid absorption, lotion ingredients like petrolatum, adhesives made with styrene, more titanium dioxide to make it look whiter, as well as colored dyes for pretty designs. [My container] doesnt say it, but its getting thrown out regardless, because how can I consciously just be like, Oh sure, yeah, I trust you. So yeah, go check your fucking box and if you had any adverse symptoms like her, call a fucking lawyer.. Read our, What Exposure Could Mean for Your Reproductive Health. You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? 4.7 out of 5 stars. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. All rights reserved. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. Although the vagina is a mucous membrane through which a chemical could be absorbed we dont know for sure if this actually happens and if it does how much glyphosate is actually absorbed. Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. "Organic tampon companies make claims that the organic tampons are composed of 100% organic cotton, free of chemicals, rayon and synthetics, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, not bleached with chlorine, dioxin free, and free of additive chemicals that may be harmful to a women's health," said Sherry A. Ross, MD, an ob-gyn, author of she-ology and she-ology. The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. None. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. Be cautious and meet with your physician: Always be vigilant and also don't get overwhelmed by what's on the internet, Dr. Dziadek said. If so, keep reading! Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct : Target The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. And see what they say. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. Case in point: exposure to titanium dioxide may destroy good gut microbes, cause gut dysfunction and increase intestinal inflammation, according to a February 2021 systematic review of animal studies published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. Dr. Ryan Marino, a medical toxicologist and assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, told Gizmodo in an email that inhaled titanium dioxide (primarily related to industrial exposure) is considered possibly carcinogenic. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. It is also important to note that the high-profile studies in mice showing inflammation and genetic changes involved force ingestion of massive amounts of titanium dioxide, which would not be possible for every day Americans to replicate through consumer product exposures., Marino speculated that the confusion and recent attention to titanium dioxide was related to a 2021 ban of the mineral by the European Food Safety Authority, which cited concern about the mouse data in its decision although even that data did not support the idea that it is a carcinogen..
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