You know why? of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. our process. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. So what do you do instead? 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. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. Ease and comfort all around! AT AMAZON. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? 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. What we need to think about is, if that's what can happen within the gut, there's a lot to be said for what can happen in the vaginal area., Scranton is among the many experts who agree that its a topic that requires more investigation. Her job is to pore over ingredient lists and other scientific studies to find out what we know about the chemicals that are in our products and what their exposure could mean. Our tampons are safe and all the ingredients that we use are rigorously tested to meet strict safety and government regulations around the world, Erica Noble, spokesperson for Procter & Gamble, said. 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 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. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. If so, keep reading! The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. 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. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. 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. 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. Theyre actually in other brands like Always pads and Tampax tampons. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. 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.. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). Chemicals are everywhere. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. "There are no published studies on titanium dioxide causing excessive bleeding, infertility or cancer, so it is hard to say if it is dangerous to women's health or not," Dr. Gohar says. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. "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. None. 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 how can we learn more about the products were using? That being said, you may choose to avoid this particular potential exposure. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). "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. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. 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. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. 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. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. As a result, it's not too difficult to shop for TiO2-free tampons if you're concernedand have the financial means to do so. "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 Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. 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. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. 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. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. [1] CCOHS (2019) Titanium Dioxide Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans. New study explores the benefits,harms. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. productslearn more about 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. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. 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. One reason is that the FDA evaluates whether a tampon enhances the growth of the bacteria that causes TSS before the product can be legally marketed. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . a woman on tiktok said that she "has been bleeding for 13 days, has ovarian cysts, and has to check for cancer" because she's used the L. brand tampons. This lack of data is incredibly frustrating, given that 26 percent of the global population are of reproductive age and presumably using pads and tampons on the regular to manage their cycles. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. 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. At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . But if we are exposed to these same substances via a different route than how they are intended, or at a higher dose, they can be toxic. 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. 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. Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. Think: Many of them are animal studies. 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. 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. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? 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. 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. "Best product ever," raved one customer. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. 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,. "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. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. 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. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Aka a common coloring agent. $46 at Amazon. 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. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? Dr. Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist and adjunct assistant professor at University of Illinois at Chicago, is another debunker of TikTok misinformation and has more than 267,000 followers on the platform. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. It's protecting you from UV rays. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. . I wouldn't raise the alarm. "They come in two different sizesregular and superwhich are very convenient depending on the day. "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. 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. 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. 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). (If you reside outside of the U.S., please simply enter 00000 for zip code), ph:(406) 543-3747 | [email protected] | 2023 All rights reserved |, Introducing WVEs New Plan for a Thriving Future. ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. 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. Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. This is misleading; the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the compound's use in food and cosmetics, and experts say no studies have proven a link between tampon strings and cancer in humans. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. 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. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. It makes items white. T. Chemistry class was a long time ago. 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. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. 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. Love, love, love it. I wanted to do more research before just jumping and following this narrative blindly. 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. "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. 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. 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. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic 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. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. This needs to be properly investigated. 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. Morgans TikTok has received more than 30,000 comments on the platform and spurred countlessvideoresponses from other users and creators swearing off L. tampons and any other tampons with titanium dioxide. And there honestly isn't a ton of reliable data on the ingredient to help us draw better conclusions, argues the authors of this 2011 review. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. This is totally safe.. "I love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/titanium-dioxide-e171-no-longer-considered-safe-when-used-food-additive, how are all these experts not seeing a connection? Because even my doctor was very confused. 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. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. Dr. Ryan Marino, a medical toxicologist and assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, told Gizmodo in an email that inhaled titanium dioxide (primarily related to industrial exposure) is considered possibly carcinogenic. 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.. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. This is L. tampons are labeled as being made with organic cotton, and the company's marketing promises a simple product: "Only the ingredients you need for the confidence, comfort, and protection you . (no offense) Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. 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. 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.. 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. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. 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. This is why we fight tirelessly for ingredient transparency and your right to know! 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.