Meanwhile, in the US, the FDA continues to allow for safe use of TiO2 as a food additive as long as manufacturers provide evidence that it is safe at its intended level of use. Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer Free standard shipping with $35 orders. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' It neutralizes smell as well. titanium dioxide in tampons? : r/Periods "Minimal waste and perfect for everyone especially those that are extra sensitive. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. 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. 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 shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. 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. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. Tag: Best Organic Tampons without titanium dioxide The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. 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. "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. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver 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. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. Ease and comfort all around! Our editors independently select these products. "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. None. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. "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." 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Tampax. This is totally safe.. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved titanium dioxide for human consumption in 1966, cementing its presence in a variety of foods, including candies and other processed foods.. We reject and actively push back against racist rhetoric, actions, policies and institutional oppression that leads to state-sanctioned brutality, gun violence, and harmthat again and again assaults communities, particularly communities of color. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. 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. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. 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. 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. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . 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.. That said, well-known brands like Tampax and L. include TiO2 in their products, while brands like Rael, Cora, and The Honey Pot currently do not have this ingredient in their pads or tampons. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. 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. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. 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. It's protecting you from UV rays. Difference Between Regular and Organic Tampons, Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons, Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure Organic Tampons, Best Cardboard Applicator: Oi Certified Organic Tampons, Best Applicator Free: Veeda Natural Cotton Applicator Free Tampons, Best for Light Flow: Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons, Best for Heavy Flow: Lola Super Plus Organic Cotton Tampons, Best Variety Pack: Top Regular & Super Organic Tampons, Best Hypoallergenic Option: Cora Organic Cotton Tampons, Best Overnight Option: O.B. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? 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. Best Organic Tampons. Along with being hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, the tampons feature twisted organic cotton fibers for added absorbency. The FDA has tested and cleared traditionally used tampons for women to use safely and with confidence.". Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. "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. TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. And Scranton thinks that the more people read and learn about what theyre using, the more likely theyll push for change. This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. In a post on her Vajenda Substack on Wednesday, Gunter said that as a result of the videos on TikTok, she had received panicked messages from women worried that their tampons were the cause of their pre-cancer of the cervix. 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. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. 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. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks - Substack Keep in mind that sometimes titanium dioxide might also be listed as white pigment or pigment white 6 so look for those terms as well. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. 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. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. 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. 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. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. Including. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. 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. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Though some research identified a link between the . FYI: Here Are The Best Non-Toxic And Organic Tampons On The Market So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? 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. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. "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. 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. "could no longer be considered safe" as a food additive, ban TiO2 as a food additive earlier this year, classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients, may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, government sets limits on exposure for workers, not found any clear link between lung cancer, titanium dioxide can cause alterations to the reproductive system, 26 percent of the global population are of reproductive age. 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. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. the she-quel and creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina. a lot of people online are upset with tampon brands (tampax and L. specifically) because they include titanium dioxide in the tampons, which apparently can cause reproductive harm. [1] CCOHS (2019) Titanium Dioxide Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans. "[TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it has been associated with lung cancer when inhaled," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh, which is why the government sets limits on exposure for workers. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. The reality is that these products are under-researched so we just dont know what impacts they may be having on our health, because neither researchers or companies are asking the questions that need to be asked. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. 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. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. 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. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. 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. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. Just last year the European Food Safety Authority concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe in food, because of genotoxicity concerns [2]. 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. 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. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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. Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? Theres also period underwear. 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. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. Likely in your daily life, you have much more significant exposures to this class of chemicals. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. [My container] doesnt say it, but its getting thrown out regardless, because how can I consciously just be like, Oh sure, yeah, I trust you. So yeah, go check your fucking box and if you had any adverse symptoms like her, call a fucking lawyer.. 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. The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. . "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. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. 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. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. Have a beautiful child. 6 min read. 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. Is this an emergency? 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. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. I found a TikTok talking about L Organic Tampons and how they have titanium dioxide in them for coloring. I just think its important to not think that because we see one TikTok of somebody having a problem and [saying] this is what caused it to understand that thats not the most scientific way to figure out whats going on., We may earn a commission from links on this page. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. 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. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. 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. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. The FDA categorizes titanium dioxide as "Generally Recognized as Safe," but the scare-causing chemical has recently been banned as a food additive in the EU on the basis that experts could not. Titanium dioxide, or TiO 2, is a naturally occurring mineral that takes the form of a tasteless, white powder, according to the National Institutes of Health. TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. Media inquiries? WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. 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). 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. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. 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. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to severe side 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. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? Estimated ship . 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. 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? 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. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. 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. 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. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. $46 at Amazon. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists along with the American Reproductive Medicine Society have published a statement encouraging doctors to discuss environmental exposures including certain chemicals especially before and during pregnancy. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. Then you can make your own decision. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. our process. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. 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). Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? | Well+Good 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.. 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. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). Are common multivitamins worth the money? of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. "I love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. 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. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Tampon safety scare goes viral on TikTok - New York Post 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,.
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