Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. I would recommend sharing your story with the company they have long claimed that they get very few complaints for their period products, which we believe to be a lack of reporting rather than a lack of problems. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. 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. 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. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. productslearn more about Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. In the emergency room, I assess five primary routes of exposure for a substance when assessing for toxicity: inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestionand absorption. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. Not only are the tampons made from 100% certified organic cotton, but the rounded cardboard applicators are fully biodegradable, making them a fantastic eco-friendly product. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. 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 . Morgan explains that she learned about the purported dangers of these tampons after TikTok showed her a video of a girl using the same brand that had experienced two weeks of excessive bleeding and extreme pain, ovarian cysts, and irreversible uterine damage. A company spokesperson told theSkimm that the ingredient represents much less than 0.1% of all ingredients used in a [P&G] tampon. And said its been used safely for years. 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. Likely in your daily life, you have much more significant exposures to this class of chemicals. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? "[P]revious studies have shown that titanium dioxide can cause alterations to the reproductive system, including reducing the ovarian follicles and leading to the formation of ovarian cysts," she says. Now 12% Off. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. a woman on tiktok said that she "has been bleeding for 13 days, has ovarian cysts, and has to check for cancer" because she's used the L. brand tampons. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. And there honestly isn't a ton of reliable data on the ingredient to help us draw better conclusions, argues the authors of this 2011 review. Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. 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,. 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. Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Chemistry class was a long time ago. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? Love, love, love it. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). Shipping details. A viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause cancer. "Minimal waste and perfect for everyone especially those that are extra sensitive. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. Ease and comfort all around! The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. Heres what we know about exposure to titanium dioxide right now: If you inhale titanium dioxide particles it can possibly lead to lung cancer at least we know it causes lung cancer in rats [1]. 1031 33rd Street Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. All rights reserved. ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. We are committed to working for justice and equity, and are in solidarity with social, racial, and environmental justice organizations to build community, understanding and honest dialogue to address the root causes of violence, harm and hate. The reality of life today is that you are bombarded with multiple chemical exposures. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. ", These organic cotton tampons from Rael have a near-perfect rating on Amazon thanks to their leak-locking technology and ultra-slim BPA-free applicator that glides in easily and comfortably. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? These are the best organic tampons to shop for: With nearly 3,000 five-star ratings, these organic tampons from Organyc are an Amazon favorite. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. Meanwhile, in the US, the FDA continues to allow for safe use of TiO2 as a food additive as long as manufacturers provide evidence that it is safe at its intended level of use. The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. PO Box 8743 It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. Just bear in mind: If you have any specific health concerns to weigh, it's critical to reach out to your gynecologist or primary care physician to make the right choice for you. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? And live a healthy lifestyle. I wouldn't raise the alarm. That said, with all the scientific evidence accumulating in other areas, consumers should be more aware of titanium dioxide's potential effect on reproductive health, Dr. Gohar says. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. You can also register your story with the FDA Medwatch program their online form is here: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=consumer.reporting1 and on that form you can offer as much or as little information as you wish. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. So, titanium dioxide on the tampon string is not going to be dissolved and absorbed by menstrual blood; and certainly, will not be absorbed into the body. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. 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? Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. Do Organic Tampons Contain Titanium Dioxide? - TOTM Get it daily. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products Rael Organic Cotton Tampons ($13.99 for a 32-count box on Amazon.com) August Tampons ($11 for a 16-count box on Itsaugust.co) Diva Cup ($39.99 for one menstrual cup on Divacup.com) Advertisement references Is this an emergency? Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. Only use tampons when you have your period. Could you explain as to why this happened to me? Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. 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). 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. So you can choose whether or not you want to accept a possible risk to have a whiter tampon OR choose a brand that doesnt include it. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. A recent TikTok video went viral with thefalse claim that the titanium dioxide used in L. brand organic tampons is responsible for miscarriages, cancerand a host of other medical problems. Nonetheless, doctors on TikTok and across social media have come out to say that tampon users should not panic, as there is no scientific evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons cause any harm. Also Im not looking for attention. Marino emphasized that this is only when the mineral is inhaled and that it has only been demonstrated to be a true concern in rats, not humans. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks - Substack What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? Viral video wrongly blames titanium dioxide in organic tampon strings ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. But there's not much research to tell us what the potential effects are of TiO2 in certain other formats, like if you eat a little bit of it in food, or regularly insert small amounts of it in your body via a tampon for a few days each month. 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. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? While "titanium dioxide is natural, meaning found in nature," it doesn't necessarily mean it's healthy, says ob-gyn and pain medicine physician Jen Gunter, MD. Tens of thousands of users have flooded the comments many claiming to have had similar experiences. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. Certainly the laws and the regulatory issues are so paramount because that's how we got into this pickle to begin with, Dr. Cohen said. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. Not surprisingly, because it is easier to spray weeds than it is to remove them by hand or machine, farmers started using more and more of this herbicide. "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.". 6 min read. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. Are common multivitamins worth the money? Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . It is the mostwidely used white pigment because of its brightness and very high refractive index meaning that its "brilliant whiteness" does not allow light to pass through. Pain Inserting a Tampon? We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. And they made that call after food safety officials said it could damage DNA, which could lead to cancer. Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. Because there's so little conclusive research on the potential effects of titanium dioxide, you're not going to find clear, concise guidance for tampon shopping by studying up. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. 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. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. Unbelievable. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. 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. This lack of data is incredibly frustrating, given that 26 percent of the global population are of reproductive age and presumably using pads and tampons on the regular to manage their cycles. Aka a common coloring agent. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic 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.. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. 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. Consider this important information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)and please share this information with other people who may use these products. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. A viral TikTok with millions views about how tampons that contain titanium dioxide can cause cancer and other health problems has spurred calls on the platform to throw away all products that match that description. Just last year the European Food Safety Authority concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe in food, because of genotoxicity concerns [2]. "Titanium dioxide is the naturally occurring compound created when titanium reacts with oxygen in the air," explains endocrinologist and advisor at reproductive-health company Natalist Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. There's also a little bit of evidence to suggest that the common ingredient may be an endocrine disruptor, says Flynnmeaning it may affect a person's hormonal system. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? 2023Well+Good LLC. We reject and actively push back against racist rhetoric, actions, policies and institutional oppression that leads to state-sanctioned brutality, gun violence, and harmthat again and again assaults communities, particularly communities of color. "Titanium dioxide is the naturally occurring compound created when titanium reacts with oxygen in the air," explains endocrinologist and advisor at reproductive-health company Natalist, Skittles (and its parent company, Mars Inc.), approved titanium dioxide for human consumptionin 1966. including candies and other processed foods. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. 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. Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct : Target js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. 10 Best Tampon Brands In 2023, According To Ob-Gyns - Women's Health Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. I found a TikTok talking about L Organic Tampons and how they have titanium dioxide in them for coloring. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. "I love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. Despite a small percentage ofTiO2 present in the product, low toxicity risk and an unsupported cause-and-effect exampleare both factors that led me to debunk this claim. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. Regarding risk of cancer, there is an oft-cited study that shows that chronic high-level exposure of inhaled TiO2 could be linked to lung cancer in rats. 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. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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.. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? But this amount varies by product. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? | Well+Good at the Posner Center We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! Comes with twelve different courses comprised of a huge number of lessons, and each one will help you learn more about Python itself, and can be accessed when you want and as often as you want forever, making it ideal for learning a new skill. No applicator also means less plastic, less waste, and they're also way more discreet, and I can pack more of them into a smaller space. For about the last twenty years the majority of cotton farmers have been using seeds that were modified to have resistance to a major herbicide known as glyphosate. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Unsafe? | livestrong Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! It gets used in a LOT of products and it's probably been in tampons and pads for a long time (just never listed on the label before). Organic Tampons Review - Health In addition, more informative tampon labeling, as well as educational efforts by the FDA and manufacturers, may have contributed to the reduction in TSS cases. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. There is accumulating data suggesting an association with the EDCs (including the glyphosate found in cotton) with several conditions including but not limited to: This is a complicated question. "[TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it has been associated with lung cancer when inhaled," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh, which is why the government sets limits on exposure for workers. Dr. Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist and adjunct assistant professor at University of Illinois at Chicago, is another debunker of TikTok misinformation and has more than 267,000 followers on the platform. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." No evidence titanium dioxide in tampon strings causes cancer "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. By now, you may have seen the viral video of the girl finding Titanium Dioxide and Polyester in her L Organic tampons and what's crazy is, I even had some of the same brand here at home. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to severe side There's just a lot of unknowns and I think it requires further investigation, Dr. Olivia Dziadek, gynecologist with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, said. It's also is often used to make things like paint, and most relevant for our purposes, it's used to make pads and tampons appear whiter. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. 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. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. But, again, further study is needed.. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. 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.