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. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! It's mainly used for color. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. 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. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. 2023Well+Good LLC. Ive written multiple times in this columnabout how an observed association between two events or variables does not necessarily mean that one caused the other. "[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. 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. The site is secure. We also reached out to Proctor & Gamble, which makes the L. tampons, for comment multiple times with no response. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. 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. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. I used this exact brand. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! 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. "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. The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. 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? L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. 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. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. But, again, further study is needed.. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. "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.". Just bear in mind: If you have any specific health concerns to weigh, it's critical to reach out to your gynecologist or primary care physician to make the right choice for you. Including. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? This is totally safe.. $12.59. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. 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 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. our process. Now 12% Off. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. 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. (The FDA says that manufacturers can have no more than 1 percent TiO2 in food.). The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. This needs to be properly investigated. 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. Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. . And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. 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 that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. But while many want to try and put two and two together, the bottom line is that there isnt enough data to confirm the claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is causing the ovarian cysts and other issues people are describing. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. 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. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. 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. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. 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. 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. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. "I love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. 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. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. ", 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 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. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. Only use tampons when you have your period. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. And how can we learn more about the products were using? Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. 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. During clinical trials the amount of titanium dioxide used have not shown any increased health risks and there have been no big outbreaks of things like ovarian cysts associated with titanium oxide tampons. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. 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. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) "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." 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 Im a stay at home mom with no income. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. 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. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best "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. 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). Im 27 years old. None. In addition, more informative tampon labeling, as well as educational efforts by the FDA and manufacturers, may have contributed to the reduction in TSS cases. 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. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. 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 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). Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? 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. 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. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? And its certainly worth asking: Is it worth a potential risk worth to have a tampon or pad thats just a little more white before you use it? Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. "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. 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. 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. It is thought that exposure to the developing fetus may be the time when these chemicals have some of the most significant impacts on future health. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. If youre still super worried, and I hear you, then use something else, like pads or menstrual cups or whatnot, Lincoln, who has 2.8 million followers on TikTok, said. But first. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. 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. Also Im not looking for attention. No tampon should be used more than once. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD the she-quel and creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. These are the best organic tampons to shop for: Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons. She does this by citing another TikTok videoin which that user claimed to have excessive vaginal bleeding, ovarian cystsand uterine damage after using L. brand tampons. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. 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. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. Our editors independently select these products. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? 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. Find him on Instagram@dr.daignault. Here arefivesteps you can start applying today: Do this, not that: Simple swaps to boost your wellness, More: Why Epsom salt should be a staple in your home medicine cabinet, Michael Daignault, MD, is a board-certified ER doctor in Los Angeles. 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. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . The reality of life today is that you are bombarded with multiple chemical exposures. However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. 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. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? ", These organic cotton tampons from Rael have a near-perfect rating on Amazon thanks to their leak-locking technology and ultra-slim BPA-free applicator that glides in easily and comfortably. "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. Then you can make your own decision. 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? We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! And do not smoke. So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? 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. As to whether its nanoparticals in the string or not, once blood an other fluids touches the chemical its most likely all fusing together and that is going inside our very sensitive systems. Though some research identified a link between the . Are common multivitamins worth the money? However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. Ease and comfort all around! 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. 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 . Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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. 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. Could you explain as to why this happened to me? Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. "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 thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. And live a healthy lifestyle. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. 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. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. Some. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { 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. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? "Best product ever," raved one customer. 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. Not only are the tampons made from 100% certified organic cotton, but the rounded cardboard applicators are fully biodegradable, making them a fantastic eco-friendly product. You know why? Felt they had the same or better absorbency. Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). And the data seems to [indicate] that not very much gets into your body. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. For all I know at this time, titanium dioxide in pads and tampons might be just fine, but Im not sure we have the science to prove it. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. Along with being hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, the tampons feature twisted organic cotton fibers for added absorbency. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). Titanium dioxide might be one of these. But this amount varies by product. 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. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up.

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