The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? 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. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. Addressing a popular TikTok concern over titanium dioxide getting absorbed by the vagina, Gunter said that this doesnt happen because of titanium dioxides chemical composition. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. While "titanium dioxide is natural, meaning found in nature," it doesn't necessarily mean it's healthy, says ob-gyn and pain medicine physician Jen Gunter, MD. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. $46 at Amazon. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! Mostly organic produce. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. 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. Get it daily. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? And see what they say. 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,. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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.. This is totally safe.. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. That being said, you may choose to avoid this particular potential exposure. No tampon should be used more than once. Shipping details. I wish I could explain what has happened to you and to the others who have responded to the viral TikToks with similar stories of their own. "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. 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. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. It's protecting you from UV rays. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. 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. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. 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. There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. 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.
FYI: Here Are The Best Non-Toxic And Organic Tampons On The Market Do Organic Tampons Contain Titanium Dioxide? - TOTM The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. 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. 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. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. This is why we fight tirelessly for ingredient transparency and your right to know! As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. 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. Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use.
So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. Media inquiries? And live a healthy lifestyle. Lifetime customer here. Could you explain as to why this happened to me? Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. 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. 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. 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. These [are comfortable and] do what they need to, and I don't need to worry about leaks the way I used to. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. All rights reserved. I wear zero makeup. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation.
L. Organic 100% Cotton Core Tampons Regular, 76 Count Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Safe? | Penileclinic.com 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. Tampax. So you can choose whether or not you want to accept a possible risk to have a whiter tampon OR choose a brand that doesnt include it. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? 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.
Organic Tampons Review - Health If so, keep reading! The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. 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. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. Certainly the laws and the regulatory issues are so paramount because that's how we got into this pickle to begin with, Dr. Cohen said. 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. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. 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? They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. It neutralizes smell as well. But this amount varies by product. These are the best organic tampons to shop for: With nearly 3,000 five-star ratings, these organic tampons from Organyc are an Amazon favorite. 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.
The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. The popularity of organic tampons has been on the rise lately as more and more people make the switch to all-natural products.
In Turmoil Over Tampons, Scientists See a Need for More Study 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]. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. T. And, spoiler: Its in plenty of other products you probably use in your day-to-day life. 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. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. If you can find products that don't have them, that's gonna lessen your exposure., Follow the less is more approach: Meaning [the] lowest possible use of anything that has not been tested properly, Dr. Cohen said. I wanted to do more research before just jumping and following this narrative blindly. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. 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. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. Nonetheless, doctors on TikTok and across social media have come out to say that tampon users should not panic, as there is no scientific evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons cause any harm. $12.59. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. 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. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. Shoppers are fans of the tampon's compact design that fits in the palm of their hand, allowing them to discreetly carry one to the bathroom. After August 7, the EU is banning it.
Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Unsafe? | livestrong As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. Some. We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research!
ELI5: Is there actual dangers to using titanium dioxide in tampons? 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. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. "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. A video with millions of views on TikTok claims titanium dioxide, an ingredient in many tampons, causes cancer and other gynecological and reproductive issues.
Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? - Verywell Health So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 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. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. I used this exact brand. In addition, Marino stated that nanoparticles of titanium dioxide have been shown to cause inflammatory responses and potentially genetic damage in mice, but again pointed out that this has not occurred in humans. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria.
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; Now 12% Off. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . 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. AT AMAZON. Only use tampons when you have your period. Because even my doctor was very confused. The absorbent fibers used in FDA-cleared tampons sold today are made with a bleaching process that is free from elemental chlorine, which also prevents products from having dangerous levels of dioxin (a type of pollutant found in the environment). TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. 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. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. 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. 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. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. 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. 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.
TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider 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. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." 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. Very pleased with these. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . "[P]revious studies have shown that titanium dioxide can cause alterations to the reproductive system, including reducing the ovarian follicles and leading to the formation of ovarian cysts," she says. 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.
Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct : Target He reiterated that no such evidence exists. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. 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. I wouldn't raise the alarm.
Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks - Substack We may earn a commission from links on this page. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. our process. 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. 4.7 out of 5 stars. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? at the Posner Center Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? 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. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. 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. This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. The reality of life today is that you are bombarded with multiple chemical exposures. And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. People have gotten into a debate over whether or not organic tampons and pads shorten the length of menstrual cycles. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. 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.. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? 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.
HOW TO PICK TITANIUM DIOXIDE-FREE TAMPONS! DON'T MISS THIS - YouTube Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. Rebecca Carhart is a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer covering home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. "[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. At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. "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. It is important to note that studies in rats, mice and other animals are not directly applicable to humans. 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. So, titanium dioxide on the tampon string is not going to be dissolved and absorbed by menstrual blood; and certainly, will not be absorbed into the body. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina..
TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to - Yahoo! Do you need an 'armpit detox?' We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. 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. The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. 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. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. The suit claims the substance is unfit for human consumption, but the toxicologist stated that the lawsuit is based on gross misinterpretations of the available data to claim a human cancer risk. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. 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. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. 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 .