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. 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? Consider this important information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)and please share this information with other people who may use these products. 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. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. "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.". "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. 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. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); 4.7 out of 5 stars. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. Some. OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. 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. While "titanium dioxide is natural, meaning found in nature," it doesn't necessarily mean it's healthy, says ob-gyn and pain medicine physician Jen Gunter, MD. Shoppers are fans of the tampon's compact design that fits in the palm of their hand, allowing them to discreetly carry one to the bathroom. Stressing itll rupture or cause my ovary to twist while my husband is hours away. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. I used this exact brand. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. "[P]revious studies have shown that titanium dioxide can cause alterations to the reproductive system, including reducing the ovarian follicles and leading to the formation of ovarian cysts," she says. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. 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. 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. Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. "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. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. 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. You can opt-out at any time. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. the she-quel and creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. Heres what we know about exposure to titanium dioxide right now: If you inhale titanium dioxide particles it can possibly lead to lung cancer at least we know it causes lung cancer in rats [1]. Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. 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. 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. 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. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. "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. Also Im not looking for attention. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. 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. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. our process. But this amount varies by product. 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). 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. 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. Lifetime customer here. These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. 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.. 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. T. I won't use any other brands after these. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. 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. It's mainly used for color. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. No tampon should be used more than once. And do not smoke. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. 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 . Could you explain as to why this happened to me? 2023Well+Good LLC. "Best product ever," raved one customer. Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? "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." Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. 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. So while on the one hand no study has positively linked titanium dioxide exposure to ovarian cancer, or miscarriages, or UTIs we also simply dont have the science to assure us that this kind of exposure is perfectly safe either. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. If you take a quick stroll through the aisles of a grocery store or drugstore, you'll find there's an organic option for just about everything these days, including produce, deodorant, and even tampons. Unbelievable. ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. 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. 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. "I don't feel as though organic tampons are necessarily any safer than the traditionally manufactured tampons available to the consumer," she said. 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. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. 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. 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. 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). L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? 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. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. There is accumulating data suggesting an association with the EDCs (including the glyphosate found in cotton) with several conditions including but not limited to: This is a complicated question. In the video, which has received nearly eight million views and 1.5 million likes at the time of publication, user Rachel Morgan holds up a box of 100% organic cotton core tampons from the brand L., owned by Proctor & Gamble, and tells user to stop what theyre doing and check the ingredients on the back of the box. I wouldn't raise the alarm. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. Chemistry class was a long time ago. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. Media inquiries? Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. These [are comfortable and] do what they need to, and I don't need to worry about leaks the way I used to. 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. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. 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]. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. "I love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. 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. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. National Library of Medicines list 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). As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. Are common multivitamins worth the money? 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.. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. Because even my doctor was very confused. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. But this amount varies by product. Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. ", 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. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. Get it daily. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. 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. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. 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. "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. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. 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. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. But this amount varies by product. 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. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the 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. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. 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. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. Pain Inserting a Tampon? 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . 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. In addition to being made with 100% natural cotton, the tampons don't come with any applicators, so no excess materials need to be thrown away. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. The site is secure. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. Only use tampons when you have your period. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Although the vagina is a mucous membrane through which a chemical could be absorbed we dont know for sure if this actually happens and if it does how much glyphosate is actually absorbed. To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. 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. 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 the data seems to [indicate] that not very much gets into your body. 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. Nonetheless, doctors on TikTok and across social media have come out to say that tampon users should not panic, as there is no scientific evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons cause any harm. As a result, it's not too difficult to shop for TiO2-free tampons if you're concernedand have the financial means to do so. Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. You know why? Dr. Jennifer Gunter, an OB/GYN and frequent debunker of outrageous and fake advice online, is one of the doctors that came out this week to try to reassure individuals that their tampons were not toxic death sticks.. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. "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. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. 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. I think seeking solace and guidance from your physician is key because they may also help clarify [and] help with any anxieties that all this information can provoke., Plan for the future: Scranton encourages people to make calls, send emails, and write reviews to the companies or lawmakers in your life. . And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. It's protecting you from UV rays. 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). Theyre actually in other brands like Always pads and Tampax tampons. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. Im 27 years old. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. 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. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? "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. 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. And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. 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. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. 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.
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15826245f15f2e664c1e3a433543b5844be72 titanium dioxide in tampons
