Titanium dioxide in tampons: What you need to know - USA TODAY But there's not much research to tell us what the potential effects are of TiO2 in certain other formats, like if you eat a little bit of it in food, or regularly insert small amounts of it in your body via a tampon for a few days each month. These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. "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. "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. And live a healthy lifestyle. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. oft-cited study that shows that chronic high-level exposure of inhaled TiO2 could be linked to lung cancer in rats, expressed concern that TiO2 particles in food additives could accumulate over time in the body, the FDA continues to allow for safe use of TiO2 as a food additive, Why Epsom salt should be a staple in your home medicine cabinet, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Inhalation: can cause irritation of nose and throat at high concentrations, Eyes: can cause mild irritation as a foreign body sensation but tearing and blinking can safely remove the particles. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? 1031 33rd Street at the Posner Center With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. 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. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. Before you start gathering all your tampons and scouring their ingredient lists, you should know that experts want you to chill and stop worrying: Your tampons are safe. It neutralizes smell as well. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. L. '100% Organic' Tampons Contain Non-Organic Ingredients, Class Action Viral TikTok Falsely Says Tampon Titanium Dioxide Causes Cancer - Gizmodo So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? | Well+Good One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. Then you can make your own decision. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. 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. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? - Verywell Health We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. 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. $46 at Amazon. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. 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. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Think: Many of them are animal studies. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . 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. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. 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. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. 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. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. 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. 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. No tampon should be used more than once. The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? 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. Before any tampons can be legally sold in the U.S., they must go through the FDAs review to determine whether they are as safe and effective as (substantially equivalent to) legally marketed tampons. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. Have a beautiful child. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. Do Organic Tampons Contain Titanium Dioxide? - TOTM Including. 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. I am not into social media. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct : Target ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. 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.. Are common multivitamins worth the money? The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer Titanium dioxide might be one of these. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Safe? | Penileclinic.com 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. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. 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. 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. Get it daily. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? 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. 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. "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. People have gotten into a debate over whether or not organic tampons and pads shorten the length of menstrual cycles. It's primarily used to help make white foods appear whiter (like milk and candy) or to lengthen the shelf life of foods that are sensitive to UV light. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. "Organic" Tampon Brand Exposed for using Cancer-Causing Titanium Dioxide Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks - Substack ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. Love, love, love it. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. I would recommend sharing your story with the company they have long claimed that they get very few complaints for their period products, which we believe to be a lack of reporting rather than a lack of problems. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. T. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. Lifetime customer here. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Is this an emergency? But this amount varies by product. (If you reside outside of the U.S., please simply enter 00000 for zip code), ph:(406) 543-3747 | womensvoices@womensvoices.org | 2023 All rights reserved |, Introducing WVEs New Plan for a Thriving Future. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. 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. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. 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. Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. 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. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best "[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. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. 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. 2023Well+Good LLC. 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). The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. Probably, at this point in time, the best answer is, We dont know. Likely the amount of glyphosate in feminine hygiene products is relatively small. 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. (no offense) Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. 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. 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. 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]. This is totally safe.. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. 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. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. According to the brand, these organic O.b. 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.. But first. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. And they made that call after food safety officials said it could damage DNA, which could lead to cancer. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. 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? By now, you may have seen the viral video of the girl finding Titanium Dioxide and Polyester in her L Organic tampons and what's crazy is, I even had some of the same brand here at home. New study explores the benefits,harms. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? 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. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? Shipping details. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. 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? 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. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. . And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. 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. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. 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. Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. As part of the FDAs review, manufacturers submit data including the results of testing to evaluate the safety of the materials used to make tampons and applicators (if present); tampon absorbency, strength, and integrity; and whether tampons enhance the growth of certain harmful bacteria or change normal bacteria levels in the vagina. 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. 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. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. 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. $12.59. 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. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. 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. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. 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. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. 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. 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.. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. 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. 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. 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. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. 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. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. The FDA has tested and cleared traditionally used tampons for women to use safely and with confidence.". "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. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? "According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulated doses of titanium dioxide are not harmful, but this also varies based on use," Dr. Gohar says. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. "[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. You know why? It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful.
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