There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. 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. 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. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. 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. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' That brings us to. 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. 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. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. 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). No rayon, dyes, perfumes, colors, or chlorine is used to make them either. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. These are the best organic tampons to shop for: Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons. After August 7, the EU is banning it. 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. 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. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. This is totally safe.. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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? 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. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD 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. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. 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. . We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. 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.. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. 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. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. 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. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. 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. 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. 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. It makes items white. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. 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. So what do you do instead? tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. Have a beautiful child. Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! The popularity of organic tampons has been on the rise lately as more and more people make the switch to all-natural products. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. Our editors independently select these products. "[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. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the 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. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. "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. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. It is important to note that studies in rats, mice and other animals are not directly applicable to humans. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. 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? 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. And live a healthy lifestyle. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. "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." Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. 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. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. This is L. tampons are labeled as being made with organic cotton, and the company's marketing promises a simple product: "Only the ingredients you need for the confidence, comfort, and protection you . Though some research identified a link between the . Then you can make your own decision. It is the mostwidely used white pigment because of its brightness and very high refractive index meaning that its "brilliant whiteness" does not allow light to pass through. 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. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. (The FDA says that manufacturers can have no more than 1 percent TiO2 in food.). "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. 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. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. 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. 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. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. 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. 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. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { But this amount varies by product. 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. 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. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. Very pleased with these. The reality is that these products are under-researched so we just dont know what impacts they may be having on our health, because neither researchers or companies are asking the questions that need to be asked. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. 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. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. 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. (no offense) Chemistry class was a long time ago. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. The reality of life today is that you are bombarded with multiple chemical exposures. Theres also period underwear. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. But this amount varies by product. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . 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. Are common multivitamins worth the money? Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. "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. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? "Minimal waste and perfect for everyone especially those that are extra sensitive. And, spoiler: Its in plenty of other products you probably use in your day-to-day life. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. 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. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. ", 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. 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]. Dr. Cohen agrees, saying its important to hold legislators to a higher standard in making sure that they follow through with legislation that really does make sense, like the New York policy.. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. Im 27 years old. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. Marino emphasized that this is only when the mineral is inhaled and that it has only been demonstrated to be a true concern in rats, not humans. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. 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. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. "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. 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. 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. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. Now 12% Off. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. 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. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. Mostly organic produce. 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. 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. 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. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! 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. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. productslearn more about 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. 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. 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). 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. 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. "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. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. "Best product ever," raved one customer. Shipping details. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. 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.
Vietnamese Dong Revalue 2022, Allied Benefit Systems Claims Address, Is Ethereum A Good Investment 2021, Aau Basketball Tournaments Massachusetts, Weight Gain Roleplay Quiz, Articles OTHER
Vietnamese Dong Revalue 2022, Allied Benefit Systems Claims Address, Is Ethereum A Good Investment 2021, Aau Basketball Tournaments Massachusetts, Weight Gain Roleplay Quiz, Articles OTHER