But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. 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. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. After August 7, the EU is banning it. Even better, for every box of tampons sold in the United States, the brand donates 43 cents to nonprofit organizations to offset the "period tax" and help make period products more accessible to women in need. 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. Tampax. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. 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. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. 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. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. 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. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. (no offense) New study explores the benefits,harms. 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. 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. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. 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. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. 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. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. productslearn more about This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. 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. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. 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. But this amount varies by product. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. 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. 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. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. 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. $46 at Amazon. 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. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. In the video, which has received nearly eight million views and 1.5 million likes at the time of publication, user Rachel Morgan holds up a box of 100% organic cotton core tampons from the brand L., owned by Proctor & Gamble, and tells user to stop what theyre doing and check the ingredients on the back of the box. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. I wouldn't raise the alarm. We are committed to working for justice and equity, and are in solidarity with social, racial, and environmental justice organizations to build community, understanding and honest dialogue to address the root causes of violence, harm and hate. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. "But while no study has positively linked titanium dioxide exposure to ovarian cancer, miscarriages, or UTIs, we also dont have the science to assure us that this kind of exposure is perfectly safe either." "Minimal waste and perfect for everyone especially those that are extra sensitive. Because even my doctor was very confused. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. 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. 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. Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Though some research identified a link between the . Is this an emergency? PO Box 8743 "Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring substance that is often used in food and other topical products to create a whiter and brighter look," Dr. Gohar says. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. This is totally safe.. 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 . 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). 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. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. Find him on Instagram@dr.daignault. . Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. The reality of life today is that you are bombarded with multiple chemical exposures. According to the brand, these organic O.b. The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. }(document, 'script', 'advocacy-actionwidget-code')); Womens Voices for the Earth Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. 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. No rayon, dyes, perfumes, colors, or chlorine is used to make them either. Dr. Cohen agrees, saying its important to hold legislators to a higher standard in making sure that they follow through with legislation that really does make sense, like the New York policy.. 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. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. 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. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. 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. "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. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? Visit our press room or contact our communications director. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? if (d.getElementById(id)) return; 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. 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? The site is secure. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. 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. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. 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. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. These [are comfortable and] do what they need to, and I don't need to worry about leaks the way I used to. the she-quel and creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. 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. 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. "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 problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. It is important to note that studies in rats, mice and other animals are not directly applicable to humans. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. 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. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. 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. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. I have been researching health impacts of pads and tampons for nearly a decade, so I love having all this new ingredient info. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. "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. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! And how can we learn more about the products were using? 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. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. 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. 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. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. 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. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. I am not into social media. None. But first. Since tampons are inserted inside our bodies for hours at a time, it makes sense that people would have safety concerns, but Dr. Ross says there is no reason for concern. You can opt-out at any time. So what do you do instead? I think seeking solace and guidance from your physician is key because they may also help clarify [and] help with any anxieties that all this information can provoke., Plan for the future: Scranton encourages people to make calls, send emails, and write reviews to the companies or lawmakers in your life. ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. Some country-level occupational health and safety organizations cite a lack of high-quality studies from which they can draw any concrete conclusions about the long-term risks of titanium dioxide exposure. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons.