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. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. 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. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? 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. While experts agree more studies need to be done on titanium dioxides potential impact on reproductive health, one person's video is motivating millions of people to take control of their health and question what they consume 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, and toothpasteappears to have started with one video posted at the beginning of the week. 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. We are committed to working for justice and equity, and are in solidarity with social, racial, and environmental justice organizations to build community, understanding and honest dialogue to address the root causes of violence, harm and hate. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. at the Posner Center These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. 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. Though some research identified a link between the . Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. Chemistry class was a long time ago. "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. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. 6 min read. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. It's protecting you from UV rays. 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). ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. 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. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. "I don't feel as though organic tampons are necessarily any safer than the traditionally manufactured tampons available to the consumer," she said. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. Despite a small percentage ofTiO2 present in the product, low toxicity risk and an unsupported cause-and-effect exampleare both factors that led me to debunk this claim. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. AT AMAZON. The FDA categorizes titanium dioxide as "Generally Recognized as Safe," but the scare-causing chemical has recently been banned as a food additive in the EU on the basis that experts could not. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? This is totally safe.. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. The decision was based on available scientific research which, although not totally conclusive, found that an accumulation of titanium dioxide in the body could possibly contribute to genotoxicity (i.e., damage at the DNA level that may lead to cancer). Theres also period underwear. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. 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. 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. Below, Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Erin Flynn, MPH, DNP/FNP, an LGBTQ+ care expert with birth control startup Favor, share the complicated truth behind this question. 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 . I am not into social media. 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). 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. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. Also Im not looking for attention. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. Mostly organic produce. But this amount varies by product. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? 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. 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. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. 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. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. 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. 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. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. 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. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists along with the American Reproductive Medicine Society have published a statement encouraging doctors to discuss environmental exposures including certain chemicals especially before and during pregnancy. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. 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.. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . PO Box 8743 Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. "[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. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? But first. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. 4.7 out of 5 stars. 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. No tampon should be used more than once. 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. In this world, every point in the cycle of production and consumption from extraction, to processing, to use, to disposal contributes not just to a less toxic world, but to a thriving world. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. 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. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. Pain Inserting a Tampon? Theyre actually in other brands like Always pads and Tampax tampons. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. 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. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Im 27 years old. But, again, further study is needed.. A viral TikTok with millions views about how tampons that contain titanium dioxide can cause cancer and other health problems has spurred calls on the platform to throw away all products that match that description. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. 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. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. Tens of thousands of users have flooded the comments many claiming to have had similar experiences. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. 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. 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. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. [1] CCOHS (2019) Titanium Dioxide Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. 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Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. 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. Because even my doctor was very confused. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. our process. By now, you may have seen the viral video of the girl finding Titanium Dioxide and Polyester in her L Organic tampons and what's crazy is, I even had some of the same brand here at home. They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. 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. "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. 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. And the data seems to [indicate] that not very much gets into your body. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. 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.. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. Lifetime customer here. 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 many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. It's mainly used for color. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. These [are comfortable and] do what they need to, and I don't need to worry about leaks the way I used to. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. }(document, 'script', 'advocacy-actionwidget-code')); Womens Voices for the Earth 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. Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. Estimated ship . Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. While most options on this list are more expensive than other tampons you can find in the aisles of your favorite drugstore, Just's tampons are as affordable as they are eco-friendly. "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." Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? It became the first state in the nation to do so. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. ", 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. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. Aka a common coloring agent. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. 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. These are the best organic tampons to shop for: Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. 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. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. If you use tampons, consider the following: If you have had discomfort or became ill as a result of using a tampon, consider reporting it to MedWatch, the FDAs safety information and adverse event reporting program. 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. 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. Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. This needs to be properly investigated. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. 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. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. Only use tampons when you have your period. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. a woman on tiktok said that she "has been bleeding for 13 days, has ovarian cysts, and has to check for cancer" because she's used the L. brand tampons. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 ", 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. 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. Now 12% Off. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. I would recommend sharing your story with the company they have long claimed that they get very few complaints for their period products, which we believe to be a lack of reporting rather than a lack of problems. Ease and comfort all around! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. [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.. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. National Library of Medicines list Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. 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. The European Food Safety Authority in 2021 expressed concern that TiO2 particles in food additives could accumulate over time in the body and ruled that it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Meanwhile, in the US, the FDA continues to allow for safe use of TiO2 as a food additive as long as manufacturers provide evidence that it is safe at its intended level of use. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. Even better, organic tampons also typically use more eco-friendly applicators, such as biodegradable cardboard or BPA-free plastic applicators that are derived from plant-based materials. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. 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]. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. 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. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. WVE envisions a world free from the impacts of toxic chemicals, one where our planet and communities are thriving, one where our gender, race, sexuality, zip code, income level or job does not determine our health outcomes. "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.". If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver
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