For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. Read our, What Exposure Could Mean for Your Reproductive Health. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. No evidence titanium dioxide in tampon strings causes cancer Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. It wasnt that long ago (read: 2020) that a New York law requiring ingredients to be listed in period product packaging went into effect. 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. $12.59. Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. I used this exact brand. These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. "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. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. No tampon should be used more than once. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. That being said, you may choose to avoid this particular potential exposure. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! 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. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. 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. Have a beautiful child. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. 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. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. 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. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. Do Organic Tampons Contain Titanium Dioxide? - TOTM I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. 6 min read. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. And see what they say. Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. 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. 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. Organic Tampons, Best for Leak Protection: Rael Organic Cotton Tampons, Best Affordable Option: Just Cotton Core Tampons, Feminine Hygiene Products Are Selling Out, But We Found 10 You Can Still Buy Online, The 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin of 2023, 10 Best Pillowcases and Protectors for People with Allergies, The 12 Best Socks for Sweaty Feet of 2023, Sleep Awards 2022: 30 Products to Help You Sleep Better, The 10 Best Kegel Balls of 2023, Reviewed and Approved, I Tried Freshly Meals for a WeekHere's My Honest Review, The 10 Best Latex Mattresses That Are Cooling, Comfortable, and Durable, The 9 Best Body Sunscreens Dermatologists Recommend for Year-Round Protection, Veeda Natural Cotton Applicator Free Tampons, Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons, organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation, super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. 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. 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. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. 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. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. 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 changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. "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. 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. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. But first. 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.. TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. In Turmoil Over Tampons, Scientists See a Need for More Study Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. 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. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. 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. Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks - Substack But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. Shipping details. And they made that call after food safety officials said it could damage DNA, which could lead to cancer. "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. 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. 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. 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. 10 Best Tampon Brands In 2023, According To Ob-Gyns - Women's Health In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. 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. If you can find products that don't have them, that's gonna lessen your exposure., Follow the less is more approach: Meaning [the] lowest possible use of anything that has not been tested properly, Dr. Cohen said. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. The FDA has tested and cleared traditionally used tampons for women to use safely and with confidence.". The agency could not rule out potential damage to DNA,but this is much different than the agency stating there was an identified cause and effect. It gets used in a LOT of products and its probably been in tampons and pads for a long time (just never listed on the label before). Titanium dioxide is common chemical. 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.. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. It neutralizes smell as well. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? But it is becoming a controversial chemical. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. 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. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. Indeed, this white pigment lightens everything from paints, paper coatings and plastics to sunscreen, pharmaceutical tablets, flours and dairy products, according to the National Library of Medicine. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. Before any tampons can be legally sold in the U.S., they must go through the FDAs review to determine whether they are as safe and effective as (substantially equivalent to) legally marketed tampons. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. 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. Mostly organic produce. Im 27 years old. Switch it up: Try something different for a month particularly if you're having some sort of acute reaction and see how you feel, Scranton suggested. 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 . There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. It became the first state in the nation to do so. 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. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. 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. 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. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. 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. 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.. It makes items white. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. 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. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. Also Im not looking for attention. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. "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. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. 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). 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. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. Likely in your daily life, you have much more significant exposures to this class of chemicals. All rights reserved. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . 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. 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. T. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. Viral video wrongly blames titanium dioxide in organic tampon strings "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. These [are comfortable and] do what they need to, and I don't need to worry about leaks the way I used to. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. Best Organic Tampons. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. This is totally safe.. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. 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. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; And its certainly worth asking: Is it worth a potential risk worth to have a tampon or pad thats just a little more white before you use it? 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. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. And do not smoke. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? 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. 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 how can we learn more about the products were using? (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. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. It's protecting you from UV rays. Chemicals are everywhere. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. 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. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. Now 12% Off. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. That said, well-known brands like Tampax and L. include TiO2 in their products, while brands like Rael, Cora, and The Honey Pot currently do not have this ingredient in their pads or tampons. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. Stressing itll rupture or cause my ovary to twist while my husband is hours away. "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. The European Food Safety Authority in 2021 expressed concern that TiO2 particles in food additives could accumulate over time in the body and ruled that it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? But this amount varies by product. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. This is why we fight tirelessly for ingredient transparency and your right to know! "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. a woman on tiktok said that she "has been bleeding for 13 days, has ovarian cysts, and has to check for cancer" because she's used the L. brand tampons. at the Posner Center Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. I found a TikTok talking about L Organic Tampons and how they have titanium dioxide in them for coloring. 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. "I don't feel as though organic tampons are necessarily any safer than the traditionally manufactured tampons available to the consumer," she said. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. 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. 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 https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. 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.. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. 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. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products .