Estimated ship . If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. None. 6 min read. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 "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. In Turmoil Over Tampons, Scientists See a Need for More Study 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. 10 Best Tampon Brands In 2023, According To Ob-Gyns - Women's Health Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. Ease and comfort all around! Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? It is important to note that studies in rats, mice and other animals are not directly applicable to humans. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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.. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. 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. Though some research identified a link between the . 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). tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. 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. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. 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. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! "Organic" Tampon Brand Exposed for using Cancer-Causing Titanium Dioxide One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA A spokesperson for Proctor and Gamble, which manufactures the L. tampons brand, told Insider titanium dioxide is used in the thread that attaches the cord to the absorbent part of the tampon, and . 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. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? TikTok Video Goes Viral Making False Claim Some Tampons - Healthline Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. Used these This is L. Tampons for 2 cycles and now have a 6cm cyst, bleeding for almost 2 weeks straight, blood tests, doctors visits and now having to pay over $l000 for two sonograms. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to - Yahoo! Keep in mind that sometimes titanium dioxide might also be listed as white pigment or pigment white 6 so look for those terms as well. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. 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. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles | theSkimm Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. 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. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to severe side Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? Since many of us have been loyal to the same feminine care products that we've been using since we first got our periods, you may have some questions before switching products. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. This needs to be properly investigated. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. 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. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. 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. 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. National Library of Medicines list Some. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. "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. However, these studies were conducted on mice who orally consumed titanium dioxide, so we'll still need extensive clinical research on humans before we can definitively link TiO2 with reproductive disruptionor assume those risks definitely come from other intakes of the ingredient. 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. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Also Im not looking for attention. 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.. "[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. But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? And live a healthy lifestyle. We Now Have More Information about Ingredients Used in Period Products Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Pain Inserting a Tampon? For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal And, spoiler: Its in plenty of other products you probably use in your day-to-day life. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. 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. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. Tag: Best Organic Tampons without titanium dioxide Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. The site is secure. Chemistry class was a long time ago. You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. 1031 33rd Street How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? For sunscreen, the research that's been done has looked at how much titanium dioxide do you absorb through your skin when you put it on as a sunscreen, she said. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Including. Tens of thousands of users have flooded the comments many claiming to have had similar experiences. (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. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. 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. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. (no offense) 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. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. "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.". 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. "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.". 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.. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Safe? | POPSUGAR Fitness "Organic tampon companies make claims that the organic tampons are composed of 100% organic cotton, free of chemicals, rayon and synthetics, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, not bleached with chlorine, dioxin free, and free of additive chemicals that may be harmful to a women's health," said Sherry A. Ross, MD, an ob-gyn, author of she-ology and she-ology. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. }(document, 'script', 'advocacy-actionwidget-code')); Womens Voices for the Earth 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. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? A viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause cancer. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. 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. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 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. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. 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). "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. Viral video wrongly blames titanium dioxide in organic tampon strings So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. Be cautious and meet with your physician: Always be vigilant and also don't get overwhelmed by what's on the internet, Dr. Dziadek said. I found a TikTok talking about L Organic Tampons and how they have titanium dioxide in them for coloring. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? - Verywell Health The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. And not by experts on tiktoc. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. 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.. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer