This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. 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. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. Lifetime customer here. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. 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"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. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. 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. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? These [are comfortable and] do what they need to, and I don't need to worry about leaks the way I used to. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. Shipping details. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. 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.. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. It's mainly used for color. There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. 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. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. Ease and comfort all around! With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. It's protecting you from UV rays. When inhaled repeatedly, this white powder can irritate the lungs, causing problems like bronchitis or even lung cancer, as it's been shown to be a known carcinogen in animals, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. "Minimal waste and perfect for everyone especially those that are extra sensitive. "But it's the dose, it's the route that makes the 'poison,' and so just because something might cause lung cancer, for example, doesn't mean it's going to cause an issue in a tampon. It is important to note that studies in rats, mice and other animals are not directly applicable to humans. Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver I wear zero makeup. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. 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. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the 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. 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. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. And see what they say. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. We spoke to ob-gyn James A. Gohar, MD, co-founder and CEO of Viva Eve, to set the record straight on this substance in question, including whether it poses any risk to your reproductive health (or otherwise) and which tampon products are safest. Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. 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. 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. 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. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. 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. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. Health First: A Cleaning Products Industry Roadmap for Selecting Safer Chemicals, Beyond the Label: Health Impacts of Harmful Ingredients in Cleaning Products, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=consumer.reporting1, More Period Policies are Addressing Ingredient Safety and Transparency, Thinx PFAS Lawsuit Also Calls Attention to Nanosilver Concerns, Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022: MOCRA Explained, First US approval of indoor air disinfectant draws NGO criticism, Johnson & Johnson Will Discontinue Talc-Based Baby Powder Globally in 2023. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . "You will want to make sure they 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.". 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. [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.. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. Also Im not looking for attention. 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). And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, 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. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. Mostly organic produce. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. Theyre actually in other brands like Always pads and Tampax tampons. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. 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. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. Morgans TikTok has received more than 30,000 comments on the platform and spurred countlessvideoresponses from other users and creators swearing off L. tampons and any other tampons with titanium dioxide. 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.. Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . 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. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. 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. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Our editors independently select these products. a lot of people online are upset with tampon brands (tampax and L. specifically) because they include titanium dioxide in the tampons, which apparently can cause reproductive harm. Once again we are reminded how important it is that we have ingredient information, and how woefully under-researched the potential impacts that ingredients used in menstrual products and intimate care products might be having on vaginal and vulvar health. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. 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. Chemistry class was a long time ago. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? 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. As an emergency roomdoctor, there would be many possible (and more likely) emergency room causes of excessive menstrual bleeding that I would evaluate a patient for. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. But this amount varies by product. 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. Probably, at this point in time, the best answer is, We dont know. Likely the amount of glyphosate in feminine hygiene products is relatively small. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. All rights reserved. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. "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. No tampon should be used more than once. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . $12.59. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. But first. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. A viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause cancer. 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. And, spoiler: Its in plenty of other products you probably use in your day-to-day life. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton 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? Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. (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. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. 6 min read. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. 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. The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. productslearn more about In a post on her Vajenda Substack on Wednesday, Gunter said that as a result of the videos on TikTok, she had received panicked messages from women worried that their tampons were the cause of their pre-cancer of the cervix. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. It can be frustrating when you don't have a clear picture of the ingredients in your tampons, toothpaste, chewing gum, and everything in between. That brings us to. Titanium dioxide doesnt dissolve in water, meaning the nanoparticles arent going to dissolve from the tampon string and get into the blood that might be pooling in the vagina and then get absorbed by the body, she wrote. 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. These are the best organic tampons to shop for: Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons. 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. You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. 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.
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