6 min read. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. FYI: Here Are The Best Non-Toxic And Organic Tampons On The Market 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. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. 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. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. And not by experts on tiktoc. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? - Verywell Health People have gotten into a debate over whether or not organic tampons and pads shorten the length of menstrual cycles. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. It neutralizes smell as well. Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. 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. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. But, again, further study is needed.. 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. One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. 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. 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. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. 4.7 out of 5 stars. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. "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 Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. 10 Best Tampon Brands In 2023, According To Ob-Gyns - Women's Health Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. 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. It's protecting you from UV rays. Marino emphasized that this is only when the mineral is inhaled and that it has only been demonstrated to be a true concern in rats, not humans. Some. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. "Organic" Tampon Brand Exposed for using Cancer-Causing Titanium Dioxide "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. They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). 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. 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. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? Though some research identified a link between the . How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. 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. For example, when the substance is applied via sunscreen, sufficient data have found titanium dioxide to be "generally recognized as safe and effective," per the FDA. I won't use any other brands after these. 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. The site is secure. I wanted to do more research before just jumping and following this narrative blindly. Morgan explains that she learned about the purported dangers of these tampons after TikTok showed her a video of a girl using the same brand that had experienced two weeks of excessive bleeding and extreme pain, ovarian cysts, and irreversible uterine damage. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. Not only are the tampons made from 100% certified organic cotton, but the rounded cardboard applicators are fully biodegradable, making them a fantastic eco-friendly product. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). 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. 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. 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 box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. Theyre actually in other brands like Always pads and Tampax tampons. Dr. Jennifer Gunter, an OB/GYN and frequent debunker of outrageous and fake advice online, is one of the doctors that came out this week to try to reassure individuals that their tampons were not toxic death sticks.. TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. The 12-page complaint says that despite the front-label promise that the tampons are entirely organic, they contain the non-organic ingredients polyester, glycerin, paraffin and titanium dioxide . Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. 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. the she-quel and creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina. "They come in two different sizesregular and superwhich are very convenient depending on the day. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. ", 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. 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. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. Have a beautiful child. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. 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. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. 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Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). We may earn a commission from links on this page. This needs to be properly investigated. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. "[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. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. During clinical trials the amount of titanium dioxide used have not shown any increased health risks and there have been no big outbreaks of things like ovarian cysts associated with titanium oxide tampons. "I don't feel as though organic tampons are necessarily any safer than the traditionally manufactured tampons available to the consumer," she said. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. 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. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? Titanium dioxide is common chemical. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. PO Box 8743 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. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. It became the first state in the nation to do so. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. "Best product ever," raved one customer. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. PolitiFact | Is the titanium dioxide in tampons toxic? As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. Viral video wrongly blames titanium dioxide in organic tampon strings However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. 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. You can opt-out at any time. 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. Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. our process. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. And live a healthy lifestyle. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. We also reached out to Proctor & Gamble, which makes the L. tampons, for comment multiple times with no response. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? Stressing itll rupture or cause my ovary to twist while my husband is hours away. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD "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. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. 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. And see what they say. I used this exact brand. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/titanium-dioxide-e171-no-longer-considered-safe-when-used-food-additive, how are all these experts not seeing a connection? Shipping details. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. Could you explain as to why this happened to me? 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. 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. js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. It makes items white. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. None. 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. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. "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. 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.