There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. How Bad Is It Really to Use Baby Powder 'Down There?'. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. 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. 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. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. 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. 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. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? 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. 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. There are a number of folks online recently worried about finding titanium dioxide as an ingredient in their tampons and pads and wondering if it is related to some health conditions they are experiencing like ovarian cysts, miscarriages, UTIs and more. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? The site is secure. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. PO Box 8743 Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. 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. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Unsafe? | livestrong ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. 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. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. 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.. But, again, further study is needed.. 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. TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. 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. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. 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. 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. polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. We are committed to working for justice and equity, and are in solidarity with social, racial, and environmental justice organizations to build community, understanding and honest dialogue to address the root causes of violence, harm and hate. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. 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. 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. 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. 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. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. TikTok Video Goes Viral Making False Claim Some Tampons - Healthline our process. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Because even my doctor was very confused. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. Could you explain as to why this happened to me? The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 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. 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. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. Chemicals are everywhere. 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. Ease and comfort all around! 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. Shipping details. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. It became the first state in the nation to do so. }(document, 'script', 'advocacy-actionwidget-code')); Womens Voices for the Earth "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. 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. AT AMAZON. Tens of thousands of users have flooded the comments many claiming to have had similar experiences. 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. 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. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. 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. Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles | theSkimm ", 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. Do Organic Tampons Contain Titanium Dioxide? - TOTM titanium dioxide in tampons? : r/Periods 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. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. "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. Read our, What Exposure Could Mean for Your Reproductive Health. They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. 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. 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]. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' HOW TO PICK TITANIUM DIOXIDE-FREE TAMPONS! DON'T MISS THIS - YouTube FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. 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? However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. 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. Is this an emergency? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. 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. 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. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. 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). No tampon should be used more than once. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? Theres also period underwear. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. 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. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. Including. 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. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. "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. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? 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. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. I am not into social media. 6 min read. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. Im 27 years old. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. 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. TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider According to the brand, these organic O.b. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. 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. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. 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.. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. After August 7, the EU is banning it. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. at the Posner Center It makes items white. 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. 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. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. "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. Only use tampons when you have your period. 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. Aka a common coloring agent. 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. 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. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. Most brands only started listing their ingredients on their packages for the first time late last year (2021) thanks to a new law in New York state. It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to - Yahoo! Lifetime customer here. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. 1031 33rd Street Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. "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. Pain Inserting a Tampon? TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to severe side In the emergency room, I assess five primary routes of exposure for a substance when assessing for toxicity: inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestionand absorption. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. The danger is that people will listen to the sensationalized viral video, instead of having a real conversation about risks with their doctor or health care provider.. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. 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. 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. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. I used this exact brand. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. L. Organic 100% Cotton Core Tampons Regular, 76 Count Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. 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. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. 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. I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. Tampon safety scare goes viral on TikTok - New York Post Love, love, love it. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. "[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. And how can we learn more about the products were using? Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. 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 to being made with 100% natural cotton, the tampons don't come with any applicators, so no excess materials need to be thrown away. 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. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. We Now Have More Information about Ingredients Used in Period Products Stressing itll rupture or cause my ovary to twist while my husband is hours away. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? Not surprisingly, because it is easier to spray weeds than it is to remove them by hand or machine, farmers started using more and more of this herbicide. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. 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. In this world, every point in the cycle of production and consumption from extraction, to processing, to use, to disposal contributes not just to a less toxic world, but to a thriving world. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. Rebecca Carhart is a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer covering home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. You know why? The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . $12.59. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. 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. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. 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. ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Safe? | Penileclinic.com He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health.
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