And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. PO Box 8743 The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. Aka a common coloring agent. A company spokesperson told theSkimm that the ingredient represents much less than 0.1% of all ingredients used in a [P&G] tampon. And said its been used safely for years. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. Shipping details. $12.59. This needs to be properly investigated. We may earn a commission from links on this page. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. It wasnt that long ago (read: 2020) that a New York law requiring ingredients to be listed in period product packaging went into effect. Now 12% Off. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. Her job is to pore over ingredient lists and other scientific studies to find out what we know about the chemicals that are in our products and what their exposure could mean. 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. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. 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. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! "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. 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. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. Read our, What Exposure Could Mean for Your Reproductive Health. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. As of the time of publication of this article, Morgans TikTok as well as others on the subject with the hashtag #titaniumdioxide were still on the platform racking up views. Organic Tampons Review - Health Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. But this amount varies by product. 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. I think seeking solace and guidance from your physician is key because they may also help clarify [and] help with any anxieties that all this information can provoke., Plan for the future: Scranton encourages people to make calls, send emails, and write reviews to the companies or lawmakers in your life. 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. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. 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. HOW TO PICK TITANIUM DIOXIDE-FREE TAMPONS! DON'T MISS THIS - YouTube 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. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. "Organic" Tampon Brand Exposed for using Cancer-Causing Titanium Dioxide But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. This finding prompted the European Union to ban TiO2 as a food additive earlier this year, but in the U.S., the ingredient is still considered to be safe in food at the limits set by the FDA. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." 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. There's just a lot of unknowns and I think it requires further investigation, Dr. Olivia Dziadek, gynecologist with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, said. 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. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. L. Organic 100% Cotton Core Tampons Regular, 76 Count 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. If so, keep reading! Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! Do you need an 'armpit detox?' New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? 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. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks - Substack js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. Viral video wrongly blames titanium dioxide in organic tampon strings The absorbent fibers used in FDA-cleared tampons sold today are made with a bleaching process that is free from elemental chlorine, which also prevents products from having dangerous levels of dioxin (a type of pollutant found in the environment). These [are comfortable and] do what they need to, and I don't need to worry about leaks the way I used to. 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. Addressing a popular TikTok concern over titanium dioxide getting absorbed by the vagina, Gunter said that this doesnt happen because of titanium dioxides chemical composition. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. And do not smoke. 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. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. 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. Some. If you take a quick stroll through the aisles of a grocery store or drugstore, you'll find there's an organic option for just about everything these days, including produce, deodorant, and even tampons. 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. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products Rael Organic Cotton Tampons ($13.99 for a 32-count box on Amazon.com) August Tampons ($11 for a 16-count box on Itsaugust.co) Diva Cup ($39.99 for one menstrual cup on Divacup.com) Advertisement references Is this an emergency? TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. 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. One reason is that the FDA evaluates whether a tampon enhances the growth of the bacteria that causes TSS before the product can be legally marketed. We Now Have More Information about Ingredients Used in Period Products Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? 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.. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. 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. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles | theSkimm The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. 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. And putting the different limits aside, it can be hard to find titanium dioxide on labels because not all companies are required to list it. 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. 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. In the video, which has received nearly eight million views and 1.5 million likes at the time of publication, user Rachel Morgan holds up a box of 100% organic cotton core tampons from the brand L., owned by Proctor & Gamble, and tells user to stop what theyre doing and check the ingredients on the back of the box. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. ", 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. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. (no offense) Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Estimated ship . Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? Though some research identified a link between the . The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. I wanted to do more research before just jumping and following this narrative blindly. (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. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. Most brands only started listing their ingredients on their packages for the first time late last year (2021) thanks to a new law in New York state. 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. But this amount varies by product. ELI5: Is there actual dangers to using titanium dioxide in tampons? "[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. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. 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. You know why? "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). 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,. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. 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. A video with millions of views on TikTok claims titanium dioxide, an ingredient in many tampons, causes cancer and other gynecological and reproductive issues. 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). Get it daily. Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? It's mainly used for color. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. 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. 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. 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. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. "I love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. 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. }(document, 'script', 'advocacy-actionwidget-code')); Womens Voices for the Earth And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! Felt they had the same or better absorbency. We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! 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. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. Well, unfortunately, we just dont know if that causes health effects.There is no published research available that has ever examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal Chemistry class was a long time ago. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. 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. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. According to the brand, these organic O.b. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . "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. 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Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. 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.