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. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. 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). The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. 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. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. "[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. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. 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. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. 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. And do not smoke. One reason is that the FDA evaluates whether a tampon enhances the growth of the bacteria that causes TSS before the product can be legally marketed. 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. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. And how can we learn more about the products were using? Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. 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. Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. 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. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. Theres also period underwear. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. "According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulated doses of titanium dioxide are not harmful, but this also varies based on use," Dr. Gohar says. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. And live a healthy lifestyle. 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. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. The site is secure. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. It wasnt that long ago (read: 2020) that a New York law requiring ingredients to be listed in period product packaging went into effect. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. The FDA categorizes titanium dioxide as "Generally Recognized as Safe," but the scare-causing chemical has recently been banned as a food additive in the EU on the basis that experts could not. . The tampons themselves are bleach, dye, and fragrance-free, and they're made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. 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? We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. 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]. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). AT AMAZON. They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. But while many want to try and put two and two together, the bottom line is that there isnt enough data to confirm the claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is causing the ovarian cysts and other issues people are describing. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. 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. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! Even better, organic tampons also typically use more eco-friendly applicators, such as biodegradable cardboard or BPA-free plastic applicators that are derived from plant-based materials. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. 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. The European Food Safety Authority in 2021 expressed concern that TiO2 particles in food additives could accumulate over time in the body and ruled that it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) 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. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. 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. 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. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. We may earn a commission from links on this page. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. 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. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. National Library of Medicines list 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.. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. Now that you know the difference between organic and non-organic tampons, if you are looking to make the switch to more eco-friendly period products, we've got you covered. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; 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. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. However, trouble arose for the ingredient in 2021 when the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a statement that titanium dioxide "could no longer be considered safe" as a food additive. Once again we are reminded how important it is that we have ingredient information, and how woefully under-researched the potential impacts that ingredients used in menstrual products and intimate care products might be having on vaginal and vulvar health. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. While most options on this list are more expensive than other tampons you can find in the aisles of your favorite drugstore, Just's tampons are as affordable as they are eco-friendly. Think: Many of them are animal studies. 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. Best Organic Tampons. The FDA has tested and cleared traditionally used tampons for women to use safely and with confidence.". Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. Chemistry class was a long time ago. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? Now 12% Off. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. Bottom line: "When it comes to period products, the priority should be using products that you feel comfortable with and are accessible to you," he says. 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 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. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. 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.. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. 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. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. I wouldn't raise the alarm. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? 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. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . Our editors independently select these products. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. 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. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. Get it daily. Pain Inserting a Tampon? 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. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. 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. 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. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. Experts that spoke to Gizmodo also insisted that there is no evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons, other topical products (sunscreen), and food is unsafe to humans as it currently used. Along with being hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, the tampons feature twisted organic cotton fibers for added absorbency. We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. 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. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. I am not into social media. "But it's the dose, it's the route that makes the 'poison,' and so just because something might cause lung cancer, for example, doesn't mean it's going to cause an issue in a tampon. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. 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. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? 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. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. As part of the FDAs review, manufacturers submit data including the results of testing to evaluate the safety of the materials used to make tampons and applicators (if present); tampon absorbency, strength, and integrity; and whether tampons enhance the growth of certain harmful bacteria or change normal bacteria levels in the vagina. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. If so, keep reading! 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. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? 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. But this amount varies by product. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. 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. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. No tampon should be used more than once. Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. And the data seems to [indicate] that not very much gets into your body. 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. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. "Best product ever," raved one customer. Media inquiries? The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. 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. 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. 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. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. None. Estimated ship . Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. "They come in two different sizesregular and superwhich are very convenient depending on the day. 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. As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. 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. No rayon, dyes, perfumes, colors, or chlorine is used to make them either. Also Im not looking for attention. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? 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. 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. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. 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. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. Tampax. 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. 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. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. Rebecca Carhart is a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer covering home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. In a post on her Vajenda Substack on Wednesday, Gunter said that as a result of the videos on TikTok, she had received panicked messages from women worried that their tampons were the cause of their pre-cancer of the cervix. It's mainly used for color. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. our process. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. 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. 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. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. 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.
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