Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . As of the time of publication of this article, Morgans TikTok as well as others on the subject with the hashtag #titaniumdioxide were still on the platform racking up views. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. 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. And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. Media inquiries? For more details, see our Privacy Policy. TiO2 It is mined from the Earth and then processed into an inorganic solid white compound most commonlyused as a pigment in paints, food coloring, sunscreenand cosmetic products. Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. It's primarily used to help make white foods appear whiter (like milk and candy) or to lengthen the shelf life of foods that are sensitive to UV light. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. 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.. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the (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. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; National Library of Medicines list "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. This finding prompted the European Union to ban TiO2 as a food additive earlier this year, but in the U.S., the ingredient is still considered to be safe in food at the limits set by the FDA. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. 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. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? It's protecting you from UV rays. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. Best Organic Tampons. 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. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. Dr. Jennifer Gunter, an OB/GYN and frequent debunker of outrageous and fake advice online, is one of the doctors that came out this week to try to reassure individuals that their tampons were not toxic death sticks.. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. But first. Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. "could no longer be considered safe" as a food additive, ban TiO2 as a food additive earlier this year, classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients, may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, government sets limits on exposure for workers, not found any clear link between lung cancer, titanium dioxide can cause alterations to the reproductive system, 26 percent of the global population are of reproductive age. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . Think: Many of them are animal studies. 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. Aka a common coloring agent. . For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. 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. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! It's mainly used for color. Her job is to pore over ingredient lists and other scientific studies to find out what we know about the chemicals that are in our products and what their exposure could mean. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. 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. Difference Between Regular and Organic Tampons, Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons, Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure Organic Tampons, Best Cardboard Applicator: Oi Certified Organic Tampons, Best Applicator Free: Veeda Natural Cotton Applicator Free Tampons, Best for Light Flow: Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons, Best for Heavy Flow: Lola Super Plus Organic Cotton Tampons, Best Variety Pack: Top Regular & Super Organic Tampons, Best Hypoallergenic Option: Cora Organic Cotton Tampons, Best Overnight Option: O.B. $12.59. These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. "They come in two different sizesregular and superwhich are very convenient depending on the day. If you use tampons, consider the following: If you have had discomfort or became ill as a result of using a tampon, consider reporting it to MedWatch, the FDAs safety information and adverse event reporting program. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. 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. 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. "[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. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. Along with being hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, the tampons feature twisted organic cotton fibers for added absorbency. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. Mostly organic produce. 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. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. "So, if titanium dioxide is giving you anxiety that you just can't shake," there are plenty of period care products and trustworthy tampon brands you can try without the chemical, Dr. Gohar says. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. This needs to be properly investigated. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. 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. These [are comfortable and] do what they need to, and I don't need to worry about leaks the way I used to. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. How Bad Is It Really to Use Baby Powder 'Down There?'. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. 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. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. 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. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . It is important to note that studies in rats, mice and other animals are not directly applicable to humans. I won't use any other brands after these. "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. ", 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. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. (no offense) by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. As to whether its nanoparticals in the string or not, once blood an other fluids touches the chemical its most likely all fusing together and that is going inside our very sensitive systems. 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. We may earn a commission from links on this page. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. 1031 33rd Street Indeed, this white pigment lightens everything from paints, paper coatings and plastics to sunscreen, pharmaceutical tablets, flours and dairy products, according to the National Library of Medicine. Ease and comfort all around! It is thought that exposure to the developing fetus may be the time when these chemicals have some of the most significant impacts on future health. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. 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. Estimated ship . We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! 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.. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. That said, well-known brands like Tampax and L. include TiO2 in their products, while brands like Rael, Cora, and The Honey Pot currently do not have this ingredient in their pads or tampons. Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. And not by experts on tiktoc. 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. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. I cant guarantee that the FDA will take any immediate action, but it can help get their attention, if they see a number of reports associated with a product. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. "I love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. "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. Switch it up: Try something different for a month particularly if you're having some sort of acute reaction and see how you feel, Scranton suggested. The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. And they made that call after food safety officials said it could damage DNA, which could lead to cancer. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { When inhaled repeatedly, this white powder can irritate the lungs, causing problems like bronchitis or even lung cancer, as it's been shown to be a known carcinogen in animals, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. No tampon should be used more than once. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. Because even my doctor was very confused. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. 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. A video with millions of views on TikTok claims titanium dioxide, an ingredient in many tampons, causes cancer and other gynecological and reproductive issues. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. ", 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. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. In this world, every point in the cycle of production and consumption from extraction, to processing, to use, to disposal contributes not just to a less toxic world, but to a thriving world. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. 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. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. Tampax. 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. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. Though some research identified a link between the . And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. 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. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. In addition to being made with 100% natural cotton, the tampons don't come with any applicators, so no excess materials need to be thrown away. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. 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. Love, love, love it. 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. 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. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. 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). 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. So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. 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. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. Heres What Your Bodys Trying to Tell You, National Library of Medicine: Titanium dioxide, U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Questions and Answers: FDA posts deemed final order and proposed order for over-the-counter sunscreen, European Food Safety Authority: Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive, U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, New Jersey Department of Health: Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Titanium Dioxide, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: Impact of Food Additive Titanium Dioxide on Gut Microbiota Composition, Microbiota-Associated Functions, and Gut Barrier: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Animal Studies. ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. 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. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. 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. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. 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. Before you start gathering all your tampons and scouring their ingredient lists, you should know that experts want you to chill and stop worrying: Your tampons are safe. 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. During clinical trials the amount of titanium dioxide used have not shown any increased health risks and there have been no big outbreaks of things like ovarian cysts associated with titanium oxide tampons. 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. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. 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). 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.. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market.
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