Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. You know why? 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. Only use tampons when you have your period. 1031 33rd Street There's also a little bit of evidence to suggest that the common ingredient may be an endocrine disruptor, says Flynnmeaning it may affect a person's hormonal system. our process. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. She does this by citing another TikTok videoin which that user claimed to have excessive vaginal bleeding, ovarian cystsand uterine damage after using L. brand tampons. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. 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.. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. If so, keep reading! ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. 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. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. "[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. 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. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. Viral video wrongly blames titanium dioxide in organic tampon strings 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. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. Chemicals are everywhere. Best Organic Tampons. Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. 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. "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. 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. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. 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. 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. 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. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. After August 7, the EU is banning it. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. 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. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. It's protecting you from UV rays. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? 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. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. Including. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. This needs to be properly investigated. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. 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. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. "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. I used this exact brand. When inhaled repeatedly, this white powder can irritate the lungs, causing problems like bronchitis or even lung cancer, as it's been shown to be a known carcinogen in animals, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. It makes items white. One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. 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.. [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.. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. But first. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. But, again, further study is needed.. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? "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. 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. That brings us to. So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. No evidence titanium dioxide in tampon strings causes cancer When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to - Yahoo! The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. 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. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. 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. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? 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. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. 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. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. FYI: Here Are The Best Non-Toxic And Organic Tampons On The Market "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. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. 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. It wasnt that long ago (read: 2020) that a New York law requiring ingredients to be listed in period product packaging went into effect. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. Love, love, love it. Pain Inserting a Tampon? I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? But this amount varies by product. Tampax. 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. 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). 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. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. 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. 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. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. This is L. tampons are labeled as being made with organic cotton, and the company's marketing promises a simple product: "Only the ingredients you need for the confidence, comfort, and protection you . Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. "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." I found a TikTok talking about L Organic Tampons and how they have titanium dioxide in them for coloring. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Is this an emergency? 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. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? 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. The agency could not rule out potential damage to DNA,but this is much different than the agency stating there was an identified cause and effect. AT AMAZON. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. ELI5: Is there actual dangers to using titanium dioxide in tampons? Lincoln said this led some to believe that. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. I wouldn't raise the alarm. As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. Media inquiries? You can opt-out at any time. polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. As an emergency roomdoctor, there would be many possible (and more likely) emergency room causes of excessive menstrual bleeding that I would evaluate a patient for. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. 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,. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. Aka a common coloring agent. "While most cosmetic products will disclose whether or not titanium dioxide is an ingredientsome states require itit is important to note that the FDA does not currently require brands to disclose this information.". And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. And live a healthy lifestyle. 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. 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. 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. However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. 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. Rebecca Carhart is a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer covering home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. Titanium dioxide in tampons: What you need to know - USA TODAY Lifetime customer here. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. 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. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Unsafe? | livestrong Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. New study explores the benefits,harms. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. This is why we fight tirelessly for ingredient transparency and your right to know! She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. 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. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. Very pleased with these. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. 4.7 out of 5 stars. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. "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. No rayon, dyes, perfumes, colors, or chlorine is used to make them either. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. Do Organic Tampons Contain Titanium Dioxide? - TOTM 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. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. This is misleading; the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the compound's use in food and cosmetics, and experts say no studies have proven a link between tampon strings and cancer in humans. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. 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. Because even my doctor was very confused. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. "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. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. The site is secure. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. "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. I won't use any other brands after these. And do not smoke. 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. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. at the Posner Center Our editors independently select these products. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. Tens of thousands of users have flooded the comments many claiming to have had similar experiences. Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. That said, ovarian cysts are not that rare, and it is possible that it is just coincidental with the folks using This is L. tampons but certainly there should be enough reason now to investigate if there are connections. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA Menstrual pads get even more complicated with top layers, middle layers of absorbent foam, super absorbent polymers, various waterproof backings, more fragrance, lots of coatings to wick fluid and aid absorption, lotion ingredients like petrolatum, adhesives made with styrene, more titanium dioxide to make it look whiter, as well as colored dyes for pretty designs. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. L. '100% Organic' Tampons Contain Non-Organic Ingredients, Class Action The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. 6 min read. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. (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. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. In addition, Marino stated that nanoparticles of titanium dioxide have been shown to cause inflammatory responses and potentially genetic damage in mice, but again pointed out that this has not occurred in humans. "I love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. 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. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. the she-quel and creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina. And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring.