", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. What we have now is some really interesting studies on titanium dioxide, showing that there's a disruption of the gut microbiome when you ingest it, Dr. Cohen said. We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. But, before you choose to leave a tampon in for an extended period, we recommend learning about the risks of and how to avoid toxic shock syndrome. 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. Unbelievable. PolitiFact | Is the titanium dioxide in tampons toxic? The reality is that these products are under-researched so we just dont know what impacts they may be having on our health, because neither researchers or companies are asking the questions that need to be asked. 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. And do not smoke. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. "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. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. So what do you do instead? The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. 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. 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. In a somewhat tasteless move, some tamponbrands even tried to take advantage of the fear gripping users on the platform and decided to take advantage of the moment to announce that their products did not have titanium dioxide. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? But Im a stay at home mom with no income. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. 10 Best Tampon Brands In 2023, According To Ob-Gyns - Women's Health It became the first state in the nation to do so. It makes items white. Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer 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. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! $12.59. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. And how can we learn more about the products were using? Lincoln said this led some to believe that. In an email statement to theSkimm, the FDA said it has not received any medical device reports related to titanium dioxide and menstrual products. And added that it requires manufacturers to evaluate their period products safety in a number of ways. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. 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. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to severe side Do Organic Tampons Contain Titanium Dioxide? - TOTM 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.. Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks - Substack If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. 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. 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. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; 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. 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. 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? 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 simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. I used this exact brand. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. "You will want to make sure they 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.". A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. "I don't feel as though organic tampons are necessarily any safer than the traditionally manufactured tampons available to the consumer," she said. These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. 6 min read. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. Tampax. 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. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. Have a beautiful child. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. 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.. 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 . Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Safe? | Penileclinic.com We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best 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. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. 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. "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. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. 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. If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) oft-cited study that shows that chronic high-level exposure of inhaled TiO2 could be linked to lung cancer in rats, expressed concern that TiO2 particles in food additives could accumulate over time in the body, the FDA continues to allow for safe use of TiO2 as a food additive, Why Epsom salt should be a staple in your home medicine cabinet, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Inhalation: can cause irritation of nose and throat at high concentrations, Eyes: can cause mild irritation as a foreign body sensation but tearing and blinking can safely remove the particles. T. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. 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. But this amount varies by product. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. (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. 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. 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. National Library of Medicines list Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. Probably, at this point in time, the best answer is, We dont know. Likely the amount of glyphosate in feminine hygiene products is relatively small. 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. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. 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. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. 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. This is totally safe.. Im 27 years old. You can opt-out at any time. To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. Media inquiries? Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. 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. And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. These [are comfortable and] do what they need to, and I don't need to worry about leaks the way I used to. 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. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. The agency could not rule out potential damage to DNA,but this is much different than the agency stating there was an identified cause and effect. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. Then you can make your own decision. And its certainly worth asking: Is it worth a potential risk worth to have a tampon or pad thats just a little more white before you use it? 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. 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. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. 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. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. 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. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. New study explores the benefits,harms. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! Think: Many of them are animal studies. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. 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. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. 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. Some. Pain Inserting a Tampon? Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! 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. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. Love, love, love it. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. But, again, further study is needed.. None. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. "If you feel uncomfortable with the potential risks associated with titanium dioxide, look for products that dont include titanium dioxide on the ingredients list," says Flynn. 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. Here arefivesteps you can start applying today: Do this, not that: Simple swaps to boost your wellness, More: Why Epsom salt should be a staple in your home medicine cabinet, Michael Daignault, MD, is a board-certified ER doctor in Los Angeles. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. I am not into social media. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. How Often to Change Tampons or Pads During Your Period, The 12 Best Period Underwear of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, How to Stop Bacterial Vaginosis From Coming Back Permanently, Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Cancer, Here's Why It's So Hard to Know If Your Period Underwear Is PFAS-Free, GMO (genetically modified organism) farming, Tampons and pads made from organic cotton, Diamanti-Kandarakis E et al, Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement, Endocrine Review 2009 Jun;30(4) 293-342. 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. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? | Well+Good No tampon should be used more than once. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. 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. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. 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. I won't use any other brands after these. 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). 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.
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