So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. Think: Many of them are animal studies. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. 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. 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). Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. Tens of thousands of users have flooded the comments many claiming to have had similar experiences. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? Wallace told Gizmodo in an email that anecdotal stories like the one in Morgans TikTok go viral all the time because they are sensational and get a lot of shares and comments. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. 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. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. 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. Stressing itll rupture or cause my ovary to twist while my husband is hours away. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. 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. We reject and actively push back against racist rhetoric, actions, policies and institutional oppression that leads to state-sanctioned brutality, gun violence, and harmthat again and again assaults communities, particularly communities of color. To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. 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 is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. Chemistry class was a long time ago. That brings us to. 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. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. }(document, 'script', 'advocacy-actionwidget-code')); Womens Voices for the Earth Then you can make your own decision. 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. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. 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. ", The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved titanium dioxide for human consumptionin 1966, cementing its presence in a variety of foods, including candies and other processed foods. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. 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. 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. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. Theres also period underwear. "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. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. The popularity of organic tampons has been on the rise lately as more and more people make the switch to all-natural products. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. 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. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. 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. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. These are the best organic tampons to shop for: Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? But Im a stay at home mom with no income. I am not into social media. New study explores the benefits,harms. It is thought that exposure to the developing fetus may be the time when these chemicals have some of the most significant impacts on future health. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. 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. It is important to note that studies in rats, mice and other animals are not directly applicable to humans. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. the she-quel and creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. "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, spoiler: Its in plenty of other products you probably use in your day-to-day life. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the ", 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. So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? 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. 1031 33rd Street fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. And the data seems to [indicate] that not very much gets into your body. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. 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. I wouldn't raise the alarm. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. Our editors independently select these products. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. 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. 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. Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. 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. "But while no study has positively linked titanium dioxide exposure to ovarian cancer, miscarriages, or UTIs, we also dont have the science to assure us that this kind of exposure is perfectly safe either." The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. Heres what we know about exposure to titanium dioxide right now: If you inhale titanium dioxide particles it can possibly lead to lung cancer at least we know it causes lung cancer in rats [1]. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. It makes items white. However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. 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. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; 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. The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. 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. 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? 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. js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. 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. I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. In a post on her Vajenda Substack on Wednesday, Gunter said that as a result of the videos on TikTok, she had received panicked messages from women worried that their tampons were the cause of their pre-cancer of the cervix. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? We may earn a commission from links on this page. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. 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. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. 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. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. "[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. (The FDA says that manufacturers can have no more than 1 percent TiO2 in food.). According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. 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. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. Have a beautiful child. One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. People have gotten into a debate over whether or not organic tampons and pads shorten the length of menstrual cycles. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. 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. T. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. "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. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. Love, love, love it. 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? Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? So, titanium dioxide on the tampon string is not going to be dissolved and absorbed by menstrual blood; and certainly, will not be absorbed into the body. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. Im 27 years old. Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. 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). of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. 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. But, before you choose to leave a tampon in for an extended period, we recommend learning about the risks of and how to avoid toxic shock syndrome. 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. productslearn more about Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. No tampon should be used more than once. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. 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. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. Chemicals are everywhere. 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. 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. 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.. 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. 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. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. Lifetime customer here. 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. We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! A spokesperson for Proctor and Gamble, which manufactures the L. tampons brand, told Insider titanium dioxide is used in the thread that attaches the cord to the absorbent part of the tampon, and . The site is secure. 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. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. 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. 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. It's protecting you from UV rays. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. 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. 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. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. I wear zero makeup. Is this an emergency? at the Posner Center It is the mostwidely used white pigment because of its brightness and very high refractive index meaning that its "brilliant whiteness" does not allow light to pass through. The FDA categorizes titanium dioxide as "Generally Recognized as Safe," but the scare-causing chemical has recently been banned as a food additive in the EU on the basis that experts could not. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. $12.59. And how can we learn more about the products were using? "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. 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. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. 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. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. And see what they say. A viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause cancer. Unbelievable. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. There's also a little bit of evidence to suggest that the common ingredient may be an endocrine disruptor, says Flynnmeaning it may affect a person's hormonal system. "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 won't use any other brands after these. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? Media inquiries? 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.