With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. $46 at Amazon. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. 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. 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. Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? 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. None. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. This summer's viral TikTok on titanium dioxide in tampons focused on the brand This is L., which was acquired by Procter and Gamble in 2019. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. "Minimal waste and perfect for everyone especially those that are extra sensitive. 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. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver Meanwhile, in the US, the FDA continues to allow for safe use of TiO2 as a food additive as long as manufacturers provide evidence that it is safe at its intended level of use. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. 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. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. 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. 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. 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. "Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring substance that is often used in food and other topical products to create a whiter and brighter look," Dr. Gohar says. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. This is totally safe.. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. 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. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. 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. (The FDA says that manufacturers can have no more than 1 percent TiO2 in food.). The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. National Library of Medicines list More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? 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.. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. "I love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. All rights reserved. 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. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. [My container] doesnt say it, but its getting thrown out regardless, because how can I consciously just be like, Oh sure, yeah, I trust you. So yeah, go check your fucking box and if you had any adverse symptoms like her, call a fucking lawyer.. 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. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved titanium dioxide for human consumption in 1966, cementing its presence in a variety of foods, including candies and other processed foods.. the she-quel and creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina. A viral TikTok with millions views about how tampons that contain titanium dioxide can cause cancer and other health problems has spurred calls on the platform to throw away all products that match that description. For sunscreen, the research that's been done has looked at how much titanium dioxide do you absorb through your skin when you put it on as a sunscreen, she said. ", These organic cotton tampons from Rael have a near-perfect rating on Amazon thanks to their leak-locking technology and ultra-slim BPA-free applicator that glides in easily and comfortably. 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.. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; 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. I am not into social media. If so, keep reading! Shipping details. The virtual freak out on TikTok over titanium dioxidea natural mineral approved by the Food and Drug Administration that is used in a variety of products, including sunscreen, cosmetics, food,. I used this exact brand. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. Chemistry class was a long time ago. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. "Best product ever," raved one customer. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. 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 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. 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. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. It neutralizes smell as well. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 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. "They come in two different sizesregular and superwhich are very convenient depending on the day. 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. How Bad Is It Really to Use Baby Powder 'Down There?'. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. 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. No applicator also means less plastic, less waste, and they're also way more discreet, and I can pack more of them into a smaller space. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. 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. Media inquiries? She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. 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. Most brands only started listing their ingredients on their packages for the first time late last year (2021) thanks to a new law in New York state. 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. That brings us to. 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. oft-cited study that shows that chronic high-level exposure of inhaled TiO2 could be linked to lung cancer in rats, expressed concern that TiO2 particles in food additives could accumulate over time in the body, the FDA continues to allow for safe use of TiO2 as a food additive, Why Epsom salt should be a staple in your home medicine cabinet, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Inhalation: can cause irritation of nose and throat at high concentrations, Eyes: can cause mild irritation as a foreign body sensation but tearing and blinking can safely remove the particles. 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. It's primarily used to help make white foods appear whiter (like milk and candy) or to lengthen the shelf life of foods that are sensitive to UV light. Estimated ship . While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. 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. But this amount varies by product. 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. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. PO Box 8743 So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. In addition, Marino stated that nanoparticles of titanium dioxide have been shown to cause inflammatory responses and potentially genetic damage in mice, but again pointed out that this has not occurred in humans. 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]. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. 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. "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. 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. 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. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. I cant guarantee that the FDA will take any immediate action, but it can help get their attention, if they see a number of reports associated with a product. (no offense) So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. 1031 33rd Street The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . 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. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. No rayon, dyes, perfumes, colors, or chlorine is used to make them either. This is why we fight tirelessly for ingredient transparency and your right to know! "[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. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . 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 fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. This lack of data is incredibly frustrating, given that 26 percent of the global population are of reproductive age and presumably using pads and tampons on the regular to manage their cycles. And the data seems to [indicate] that not very much gets into your body. Ease and comfort all around! The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Some country-level occupational health and safety organizations cite a lack of high-quality studies from which they can draw any concrete conclusions about the long-term risks of titanium dioxide exposure. Dr. Ryan Marino, a medical toxicologist and assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, told Gizmodo in an email that inhaled titanium dioxide (primarily related to industrial exposure) is considered possibly carcinogenic. "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. Find him on [email protected]. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Because there's so little conclusive research on the potential effects of titanium dioxide, you're not going to find clear, concise guidance for tampon shopping by studying up. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. I found a TikTok talking about L Organic Tampons and how they have titanium dioxide in them for coloring. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Ive written multiple times in this columnabout how an observed association between two events or variables does not necessarily mean that one caused the other. 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. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. 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. "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.". Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. 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. . Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. 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. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. It became the first state in the nation to do so. 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. [email protected]. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. 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. That said, ovarian cysts are not that rare, and it is possible that it is just coincidental with the folks using This is L. tampons but certainly there should be enough reason now to investigate if there are connections. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. But this amount varies by product. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. And not by experts on tiktoc. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. 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.. 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. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. It wasnt that long ago (read: 2020) that a New York law requiring ingredients to be listed in period product packaging went into effect. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. 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. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. 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. For about the last twenty years the majority of cotton farmers have been using seeds that were modified to have resistance to a major herbicide known as glyphosate. According to the brand, these organic O.b. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. But if we are exposed to these same substances via a different route than how they are intended, or at a higher dose, they can be toxic. 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. 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. Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. Im 27 years old. 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. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. 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). They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. As of the time of publication of this article, Morgans TikTok as well as others on the subject with the hashtag #titaniumdioxide were still on the platform racking up views.
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