T. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! All rights reserved. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. 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. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. 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. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. 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. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. [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.. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. productslearn more about Only use tampons when you have your period. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. 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. I have been researching health impacts of pads and tampons for nearly a decade, so I love having all this new ingredient info. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . This is totally safe.. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. Im 27 years old. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. Think: Many of them are animal studies. 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). var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; 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. HOW TO PICK TITANIUM DIOXIDE-FREE TAMPONS! DON'T MISS THIS - YouTube But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. Case in point: exposure to titanium dioxide may destroy good gut microbes, cause gut dysfunction and increase intestinal inflammation, according to a February 2021 systematic review of animal studies published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles For more details, see our Privacy Policy. The site is secure. OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? 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. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). 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. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. Some. For about the last twenty years the majority of cotton farmers have been using seeds that were modified to have resistance to a major herbicide known as glyphosate. 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. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? The suit claims the substance is unfit for human consumption, but the toxicologist stated that the lawsuit is based on gross misinterpretations of the available data to claim a human cancer risk. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. 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. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. 10 Best Tampon Brands In 2023, According To Ob-Gyns - Women's Health Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. 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. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Safe? | Penileclinic.com 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. 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. 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. 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. What we have now is some really interesting studies on titanium dioxide, showing that there's a disruption of the gut microbiome when you ingest it, Dr. Cohen said. I wish I could explain what has happened to you and to the others who have responded to the viral TikToks with similar stories of their own. These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. That brings us to. 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. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. "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. The tampons themselves are bleach, dye, and fragrance-free, and they're made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. 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. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. 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. 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. A video with millions of views on TikTok claims titanium dioxide, an ingredient in many tampons, causes cancer and other gynecological and reproductive issues. TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. 4.7 out of 5 stars. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. 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. 2023Well+Good LLC. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? Likely in your daily life, you have much more significant exposures to this class of chemicals. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) Also Im not looking for attention. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. 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.. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. Viral video wrongly blames titanium dioxide in organic tampon strings 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. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. A viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause cancer. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? 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,. I wanted to do more research before just jumping and following this narrative blindly. 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. Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. According to the brand, these organic O.b. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? ", 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Very pleased with these. But this amount varies by product. And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. "[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. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. We Now Have More Information about Ingredients Used in Period Products It makes items white. A spokesperson for Proctor and Gamble, which manufactures the L. tampons brand, told Insider titanium dioxide is used in the thread that attaches the cord to the absorbent part of the tampon, and . . Estimated ship . If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. 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. 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.. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. 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. "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. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. 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. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. "You will want to make sure they 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.". And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. 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. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. 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. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. 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. "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. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles | theSkimm 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.