TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider However, trouble arose for the ingredient in 2021 when the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a statement that titanium dioxide "could no longer be considered safe" as a food additive. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. 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. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. 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. 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. Tag: Best Organic Tampons without titanium dioxide 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. "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.". 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. 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. It makes items white. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? - Verywell Health 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). What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles Tampon safety scare goes viral on TikTok - New York Post OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? 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. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! 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. That being said, you may choose to avoid this particular potential exposure. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. titanium dioxide in tampons? : r/Periods 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 popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. Gizmodo reached out to TikTok multiple times on Thursday to ask if it would take any action on content crying wolf about the dangers of titanium dioxide and tampons but did not receive a response. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. 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. "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. 4.7 out of 5 stars. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. 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 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. 10 Best Tampon Brands In 2023, According To Ob-Gyns - Women's Health 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.. Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. 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. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. And not by experts on tiktoc. 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. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. Certainly the laws and the regulatory issues are so paramount because that's how we got into this pickle to begin with, Dr. Cohen said. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. "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. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. $12.59. Estimated ship . National Library of Medicines list Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. 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. 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. 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. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? One user shared her anger after learning that the tampons shes been using contain titanium dioxide. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. In Turmoil Over Tampons, Scientists See a Need for More Study And how can we learn more about the products were using? But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. 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. $46 at Amazon. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. 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. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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. Get it daily. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? 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. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. 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.. Used these This is L. Tampons for 2 cycles and now have a 6cm cyst, bleeding for almost 2 weeks straight, blood tests, doctors visits and now having to pay over $l000 for two sonograms. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! 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. Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. 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. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. But this amount varies by product. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. "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. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? PO Box 8743 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. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? 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. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. 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]. 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. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . 6 min read. Very pleased with these. ELI5: Is there actual dangers to using titanium dioxide in tampons? And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. 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,. 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 shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. That brings us to. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. 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. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. "Minimal waste and perfect for everyone especially those that are extra sensitive. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). (If you reside outside of the U.S., please simply enter 00000 for zip code), ph:(406) 543-3747 | womensvoices@womensvoices.org | 2023 All rights reserved |, Introducing WVEs New Plan for a Thriving Future. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the "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. A video with millions of views on TikTok claims titanium dioxide, an ingredient in many tampons, causes cancer and other gynecological and reproductive issues. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? 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. our process. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. WVE envisions a world free from the impacts of toxic chemicals, one where our planet and communities are thriving, one where our gender, race, sexuality, zip code, income level or job does not determine our health outcomes. Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. AT AMAZON. Think: Many of them are animal studies. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. 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. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. L. Organic 100% Cotton Core Tampons Regular, 76 Count 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. 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. ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. 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. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. Viral TikTok Falsely Says Tampon Titanium Dioxide Causes Cancer - Gizmodo Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. I won't use any other brands after these. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { 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. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. 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? Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. No tampon should be used more than once. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. All rights reserved. Just bear in mind: If you have any specific health concerns to weigh, it's critical to reach out to your gynecologist or primary care physician to make the right choice for you. The reality of life today is that you are bombarded with multiple chemical exposures. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. Along with being hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, the tampons feature twisted organic cotton fibers for added absorbency. This needs to be properly investigated. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. 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. 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. 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. There's just a lot of unknowns and I think it requires further investigation, Dr. Olivia Dziadek, gynecologist with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, said. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. 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. To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. 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).
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