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). ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles | theSkimm Once again we are reminded how important it is that we have ingredient information, and how woefully under-researched the potential impacts that ingredients used in menstrual products and intimate care products might be having on vaginal and vulvar health. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. "Organic" Tampon Brand Exposed for using Cancer-Causing Titanium Dioxide Rebecca Carhart is a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer covering home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. 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. 10 Best Tampon Brands In 2023, According To Ob-Gyns - Women's Health "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. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. PO Box 8743 That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. Viral TikTok Falsely Says Tampon Titanium Dioxide Causes Cancer - Gizmodo 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. "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.". However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . 2023Well+Good LLC. Have a beautiful child. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% 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. The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. 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. Including. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? [1] CCOHS (2019) Titanium Dioxide Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. 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. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. productslearn more about No tampon should be used more than once. "[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. Is this an emergency? 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]. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); We Now Have More Information about Ingredients Used in Period Products Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? And Scranton thinks that the more people read and learn about what theyre using, the more likely theyll push for change. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. 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? According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. Media inquiries? Tens of thousands of users have flooded the comments many claiming to have had similar experiences. Some. "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. 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. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. 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. 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. There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? | Well+Good But this amount varies by product. Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. 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.. 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. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. }(document, 'script', 'advocacy-actionwidget-code')); Womens Voices for the Earth Organic Tampons Review - Health The FDA has tested and cleared traditionally used tampons for women to use safely and with confidence.". Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? And not by experts on tiktoc. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. Then you can make your own decision. And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. Our editors independently select these products. The reality of life today is that you are bombarded with multiple chemical exposures. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. 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. 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. 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. And putting the different limits aside, it can be hard to find titanium dioxide on labels because not all companies are required to list it. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. 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. They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. 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.. 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. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. All rights reserved. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. Likely in your daily life, you have much more significant exposures to this class of chemicals. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. 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. Pain Inserting a Tampon? New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. 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. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. 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. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. 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. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. 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.. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. Shipping details. 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. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. 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 wear zero makeup. 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. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. (no offense) Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Safe? | Penileclinic.com It makes items white. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. New study explores the benefits,harms. It is important to note that studies in rats, mice and other animals are not directly applicable to humans. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. 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. They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer I wanted to do more research before just jumping and following this narrative blindly. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. 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. HOW TO PICK TITANIUM DIOXIDE-FREE TAMPONS! DON'T MISS THIS - YouTube 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. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. But, again, further study is needed.. 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. Read our, What Exposure Could Mean for Your Reproductive Health. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. ELI5: Is there actual dangers to using titanium dioxide in tampons? And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. $12.59. National Library of Medicines list Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. 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. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. Titanium dioxide in tampons: What you need to know - USA TODAY Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.