"The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks - Substack 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. 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. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. titanium dioxide in tampons? : r/Periods 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. "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. 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. "Best product ever," raved one customer. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { 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. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. "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. 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. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. PO Box 8743 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. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. 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. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . 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. No tampon should be used more than once. HOW TO PICK TITANIUM DIOXIDE-FREE TAMPONS! DON'T MISS THIS - YouTube It is important to note that studies in rats, mice and other animals are not directly applicable to humans. 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. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. "They come in two different sizesregular and superwhich are very convenient depending on the day. 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. 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. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. "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. How Often to Change Tampons or Pads During Your Period, The 12 Best Period Underwear of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, How to Stop Bacterial Vaginosis From Coming Back Permanently, Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Cancer, Here's Why It's So Hard to Know If Your Period Underwear Is PFAS-Free, GMO (genetically modified organism) farming, Tampons and pads made from organic cotton, Diamanti-Kandarakis E et al, Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement, Endocrine Review 2009 Jun;30(4) 293-342. Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. 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. "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. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! However, these studies were conducted on mice who orally consumed titanium dioxide, so we'll still need extensive clinical research on humans before we can definitively link TiO2 with reproductive disruptionor assume those risks definitely come from other intakes of the ingredient. 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. 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 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. I used this exact brand. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. "[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 its important to note that individual experiences are valid. 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 unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. 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. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. 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. No applicator also means less plastic, less waste, and they're also way more discreet, and I can pack more of them into a smaller space. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. 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. "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles | theSkimm Shoppers are fans of the tampon's compact design that fits in the palm of their hand, allowing them to discreetly carry one to the bathroom. Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer 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.. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. 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. 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. [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.. "I don't feel as though organic tampons are necessarily any safer than the traditionally manufactured tampons available to the consumer," she said. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. A viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause cancer. 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Chemicals are everywhere. 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. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. People have gotten into a debate over whether or not organic tampons and pads shorten the length of menstrual cycles. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. T. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. 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. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. We may earn a commission from links on this page. The FDA has tested and cleared traditionally used tampons for women to use safely and with confidence.". So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. 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. }(document, 'script', 'advocacy-actionwidget-code')); Womens Voices for the Earth Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. 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. 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. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. And the data seems to [indicate] that not very much gets into your body. And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. 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.. As a result, it's not too difficult to shop for TiO2-free tampons if you're concernedand have the financial means to do so. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. 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. Is this an emergency? The site is secure. 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. 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 makes items white. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. ", The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved titanium dioxide for human consumptionin 1966, cementing its presence in a variety of foods, including candies and other processed foods. 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.. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. 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. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. 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. Find him on Instagram@dr.daignault. In Turmoil Over Tampons, Scientists See a Need for More Study 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. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. That said, with all the scientific evidence accumulating in other areas, consumers should be more aware of titanium dioxide's potential effect on reproductive health, Dr. Gohar says. 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. 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. ELI5: Is there actual dangers to using titanium dioxide in tampons? Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. Shipping details. 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. One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal These are the best organic tampons to shop for: Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons. 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. Morgans TikTok has received more than 30,000 comments on the platform and spurred countlessvideoresponses from other users and creators swearing off L. tampons and any other tampons with titanium dioxide. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. And do not smoke. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. . New study explores the benefits,harms. L. '100% Organic' Tampons Contain Non-Organic Ingredients, Class Action Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Unsafe? | livestrong 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. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. 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. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. The absorbent fibers used in FDA-cleared tampons sold today are made with a bleaching process that is free from elemental chlorine, which also prevents products from having dangerous levels of dioxin (a type of pollutant found in the environment). If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. 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. This needs to be properly investigated. And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. I wear zero makeup. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. "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. 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. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; 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. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' 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]. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. 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. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. And how can we learn more about the products were using? Organic Tampons, Best for Leak Protection: Rael Organic Cotton Tampons, Best Affordable Option: Just Cotton Core Tampons, Feminine Hygiene Products Are Selling Out, But We Found 10 You Can Still Buy Online, The 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin of 2023, 10 Best Pillowcases and Protectors for People with Allergies, The 12 Best Socks for Sweaty Feet of 2023, Sleep Awards 2022: 30 Products to Help You Sleep Better, The 10 Best Kegel Balls of 2023, Reviewed and Approved, I Tried Freshly Meals for a WeekHere's My Honest Review, The 10 Best Latex Mattresses That Are Cooling, Comfortable, and Durable, The 9 Best Body Sunscreens Dermatologists Recommend for Year-Round Protection, Veeda Natural Cotton Applicator Free Tampons, Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons, organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation, super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola. But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. "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. Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. 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. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. Including. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. But, again, further study is needed.. 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.