15826245f15f2e664c1e3a433543b5844be72 titanium dioxide in tampons

The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. Wallace told Gizmodo in an email that anecdotal stories like the one in Morgans TikTok go viral all the time because they are sensational and get a lot of shares and comments. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. Dr. Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist and adjunct assistant professor at University of Illinois at Chicago, is another debunker of TikTok misinformation and has more than 267,000 followers on the platform. And the data seems to [indicate] that not very much gets into your body. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. It's mainly used for color. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. 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. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. 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. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. 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. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. I wanted to do more research before just jumping and following this narrative blindly. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. 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This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. "Best product ever," raved one customer. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal 1031 33rd Street And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. That brings us to. 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. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? 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. And live a healthy lifestyle. Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? 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 all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. 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. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. It's also is often used to make things like paint, and most relevant for our purposes, it's used to make pads and tampons appear whiter. In addition, more informative tampon labeling, as well as educational efforts by the FDA and manufacturers, may have contributed to the reduction in TSS cases. "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. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. I have been researching health impacts of pads and tampons for nearly a decade, so I love having all this new ingredient info. 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. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." 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. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. "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. So you can choose whether or not you want to accept a possible risk to have a whiter tampon OR choose a brand that doesnt include it. 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. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. Bottom line: "When it comes to period products, the priority should be using products that you feel comfortable with and are accessible to you," he says. The 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. No rayon, dyes, perfumes, colors, or chlorine is used to make them either. A video with millions of views on TikTok claims titanium dioxide, an ingredient in many tampons, causes cancer and other gynecological and reproductive issues. The tampons themselves are bleach, dye, and fragrance-free, and they're made with 100% organic cotton that is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. 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. You can opt-out at any time. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. "Again, the data is inconclusive on whether these products are really linked to excessive bleeding, cancer and infertility, so it's not right or wrong to continue using these products based on currently available information," Dr. Gohar says. 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. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. 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. Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. at the Posner Center I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. Along with being hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, the tampons feature twisted organic cotton fibers for added absorbency. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. 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. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . "I don't feel as though organic tampons are necessarily any safer than the traditionally manufactured tampons available to the consumer," she said. 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. 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. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. 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. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. And how can we learn more about the products were using? Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? 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? But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. 2023Well+Good LLC. None. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! Lifetime customer here. 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. The danger is that people will listen to the sensationalized viral video, instead of having a real conversation about risks with their doctor or health care provider.. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. Including. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. 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. "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. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. What we have now is some really interesting studies on titanium dioxide, showing that there's a disruption of the gut microbiome when you ingest it, Dr. Cohen said. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. It's protecting you from UV rays. Ease and comfort all around! Regarding risk of cancer, there is an oft-cited study that shows that chronic high-level exposure of inhaled TiO2 could be linked to lung cancer in rats. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. "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. Theres even a lawsuit alleging that the candy company Mars, which makes Skittles, didnt inform its customers about the potential taste the rainbow dangers of titanium dioxide in its product. And not by experts on tiktoc. We also reached out to Proctor & Gamble, which makes the L. tampons, for comment multiple times with no response. The popularity of organic tampons has been on the rise lately as more and more people make the switch to all-natural products. 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. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. 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. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. If so, keep reading! You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. Shipping details. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. I found a TikTok talking about L Organic Tampons and how they have titanium dioxide in them for coloring. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. 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. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. 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. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. But, before you choose to leave a tampon in for an extended period, we recommend learning about the risks of and how to avoid toxic shock syndrome. "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.". Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. 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. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. 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. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. 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. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. "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. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . Dr. Ryan Marino, a medical toxicologist and assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, told Gizmodo in an email that inhaled titanium dioxide (primarily related to industrial exposure) is considered possibly carcinogenic. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. 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.. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. 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. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. In a somewhat tasteless move, some tamponbrands even tried to take advantage of the fear gripping users on the platform and decided to take advantage of the moment to announce that their products did not have titanium dioxide. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I won't use any other brands after these. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. We may earn a commission from links on this page. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. A viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause cancer. [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.. 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. 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. Now that you know the difference between organic and non-organic tampons, if you are looking to make the switch to more eco-friendly period products, we've got you covered. productslearn more about In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. Have a beautiful child. Likely in your daily life, you have much more significant exposures to this class of chemicals. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . if (d.getElementById(id)) return; https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved titanium dioxide for human consumption in 1966, cementing its presence in a variety of foods, including candies and other processed foods.. "[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. AT AMAZON. In an email statement to theSkimm, the FDA said it has not received any medical device reports related to titanium dioxide and menstrual products. And added that it requires manufacturers to evaluate their period products safety in a number of ways. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. 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. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . Lincoln said this led some to believe that. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. It is also important to note that the high-profile studies in mice showing inflammation and genetic changes involved force ingestion of massive amounts of titanium dioxide, which would not be possible for every day Americans to replicate through consumer product exposures., Marino speculated that the confusion and recent attention to titanium dioxide was related to a 2021 ban of the mineral by the European Food Safety Authority, which cited concern about the mouse data in its decision although even that data did not support the idea that it is a carcinogen.. But this amount varies by product. $12.59. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. 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).

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