tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. 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. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. Is this an emergency? Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists along with the American Reproductive Medicine Society have published a statement encouraging doctors to discuss environmental exposures including certain chemicals especially before and during pregnancy. Shipping details. 2023Well+Good LLC. I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. A recent TikTok video went viral with thefalse claim that the titanium dioxide used in L. brand organic tampons is responsible for miscarriages, cancerand a host of other medical problems. 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. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. 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.. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. 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. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. Find him on Instagram@dr.daignault. That being said, you may choose to avoid this particular potential exposure. And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. Tampax. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. But this amount varies by product. 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. Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. 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. at the Posner Center Love, love, love it. 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. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. I would recommend sharing your story with the company they have long claimed that they get very few complaints for their period products, which we believe to be a lack of reporting rather than a lack of problems. Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. 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. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. 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. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. What we need to think about is, if that's what can happen within the gut, there's a lot to be said for what can happen in the vaginal area., Scranton is among the many experts who agree that its a topic that requires more investigation. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. . Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. Menstrual pads get even more complicated with top layers, middle layers of absorbent foam, super absorbent polymers, various waterproof backings, more fragrance, lots of coatings to wick fluid and aid absorption, lotion ingredients like petrolatum, adhesives made with styrene, more titanium dioxide to make it look whiter, as well as colored dyes for pretty designs. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 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. Chemistry class was a long time ago. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. 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. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. Aka a common coloring agent. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. "According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulated doses of titanium dioxide are not harmful, but this also varies based on use," Dr. Gohar says. [1] CCOHS (2019) Titanium Dioxide Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. And live a healthy lifestyle. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. Our editors independently select these products. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? That brings us to. Experts that spoke to Gizmodo also insisted that there is no evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons, other topical products (sunscreen), and food is unsafe to humans as it currently used. 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.. "While most cosmetic products will disclose whether or not titanium dioxide is an ingredientsome states require itit is important to note that the FDA does not currently require brands to disclose this information.". 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. And they made that call after food safety officials said it could damage DNA, which could lead to cancer. But there's not much research to tell us what the potential effects are of TiO2 in certain other formats, like if you eat a little bit of it in food, or regularly insert small amounts of it in your body via a tampon for a few days each month. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! All rights reserved. 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. No tampon should be used more than once. 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. 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. People have gotten into a debate over whether or not organic tampons and pads shorten the length of menstrual cycles. 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]. "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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. These are the best organic tampons to shop for: With nearly 3,000 five-star ratings, these organic tampons from Organyc are an Amazon favorite. 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. But this amount varies by product. I used this exact brand. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. 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. 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. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. Media inquiries? Stressing itll rupture or cause my ovary to twist while my husband is hours away. Lifetime customer here. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. And Scranton thinks that the more people read and learn about what theyre using, the more likely theyll push for change. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. "could no longer be considered safe" as a food additive, ban TiO2 as a food additive earlier this year, classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients, may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, government sets limits on exposure for workers, not found any clear link between lung cancer, titanium dioxide can cause alterations to the reproductive system, 26 percent of the global population are of reproductive age. I just think its important to not think that because we see one TikTok of somebody having a problem and [saying] this is what caused it to understand that thats not the most scientific way to figure out whats going on., We may earn a commission from links on this page. 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? The reality of life today is that you are bombarded with multiple chemical exposures. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. 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. They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. But while many want to try and put two and two together, the bottom line is that there isnt enough data to confirm the claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is causing the ovarian cysts and other issues people are describing. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. Then you can make your own decision. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. And do not smoke. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. 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. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. The suit claims the substance is unfit for human consumption, but the toxicologist stated that the lawsuit is based on gross misinterpretations of the available data to claim a human cancer risk. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. 4.7 out of 5 stars. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. This is totally safe.. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. 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). Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. 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. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. "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. 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. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. Morgan explains that she learned about the purported dangers of these tampons after TikTok showed her a video of a girl using the same brand that had experienced two weeks of excessive bleeding and extreme pain, ovarian cysts, and irreversible uterine damage. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. 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. "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.". Heres What Your Bodys Trying to Tell You, National Library of Medicine: Titanium dioxide, U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Questions and Answers: FDA posts deemed final order and proposed order for over-the-counter sunscreen, European Food Safety Authority: Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive, U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, New Jersey Department of Health: Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Titanium Dioxide, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: Impact of Food Additive Titanium Dioxide on Gut Microbiota Composition, Microbiota-Associated Functions, and Gut Barrier: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Animal Studies. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. 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. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. But, again, further study is needed.. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. You can also register your story with the FDA Medwatch program their online form is here: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=consumer.reporting1 and on that form you can offer as much or as little information as you wish. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? 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. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. 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. Very pleased with these. 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. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. $12.59. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. 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. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. Theres also period underwear. PO Box 8743 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. ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. 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. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. If so, keep reading! They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. If you use tampons, consider the following: If you have had discomfort or became ill as a result of using a tampon, consider reporting it to MedWatch, the FDAs safety information and adverse event reporting program. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. $46 at Amazon. 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.