However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. 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. Then you can make your own decision. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. 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). Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. But this amount varies by product. Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer 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. We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. 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. 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. And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. 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. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. "So, if titanium dioxide is giving you anxiety that you just can't shake," there are plenty of period care products and trustworthy tampon brands you can try without the chemical, Dr. Gohar says. As part of the FDAs review, manufacturers submit data including the results of testing to evaluate the safety of the materials used to make tampons and applicators (if present); tampon absorbency, strength, and integrity; and whether tampons enhance the growth of certain harmful bacteria or change normal bacteria levels in the vagina. 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 wear zero makeup. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. 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. "There are no published studies on titanium dioxide causing excessive bleeding, infertility or cancer, so it is hard to say if it is dangerous to women's health or not," Dr. Gohar says. 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. 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. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? T. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? And how can we learn more about the products were using? "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? "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. And its certainly worth asking: Is it worth a potential risk worth to have a tampon or pad thats just a little more white before you use it? Tens of thousands of users have flooded the comments many claiming to have had similar experiences. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. 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. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. You know why? As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. 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. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. That brings us to. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. 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. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. It is important to note that studies in rats, mice and other animals are not directly applicable to humans. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. 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. Before you start gathering all your tampons and scouring their ingredient lists, you should know that experts want you to chill and stop worrying: Your tampons are safe. But while many want to try and put two and two together, the bottom line is that there isnt enough data to confirm the claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is causing the ovarian cysts and other issues people are describing. 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. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. So what do you do instead? If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. 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. Love, love, love it. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! "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. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. 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. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. 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. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? | Well+Good 2023Well+Good LLC. 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? Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. We Now Have More Information about Ingredients Used in Period Products 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. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. "Organic" Tampon Brand Exposed for using Cancer-Causing Titanium Dioxide Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. 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. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. Think: Many of them are animal studies. 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. No tampon should be used more than once. ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. Viral video wrongly blames titanium dioxide in organic tampon strings 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. There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. L. Organic 100% Cotton Core Tampons Regular, 76 Count Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. PolitiFact | Is the titanium dioxide in tampons toxic? js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. 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. This needs to be properly investigated. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. Gizmodo reached out to TikTok multiple times on Thursday to ask if it would take any action on content crying wolf about the dangers of titanium dioxide and tampons but did not receive a response. Even better, for every box of tampons sold in the United States, the brand donates 43 cents to nonprofit organizations to offset the "period tax" and help make period products more accessible to women in need. In its report, the EFSA reported that they couldn't rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide caused damage to DNA ("genotoxicity")and thus couldn't establish a safe level of daily intake. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. 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. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. It's protecting you from UV rays. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. 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. 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. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. 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. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? 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. 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. 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. 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. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. 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. Some. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. Media inquiries? "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. In Turmoil Over Tampons, Scientists See a Need for More Study The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. 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. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. 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. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. 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. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? "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. Our editors independently select these products. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. Very pleased with these. 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. Chemistry class was a long time ago. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. 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. Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable.