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. 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. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. 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. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. 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. "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. 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]. "If you feel uncomfortable with the potential risks associated with titanium dioxide, look for products that dont include titanium dioxide on the ingredients list," says Flynn. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. 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. 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. 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. 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. What we have now is some really interesting studies on titanium dioxide, showing that there's a disruption of the gut microbiome when you ingest it, Dr. Cohen 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). "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. "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. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. 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. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. Now 12% Off. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. Our tampons are safe and all the ingredients that we use are rigorously tested to meet strict safety and government regulations around the world, Erica Noble, spokesperson for Procter & Gamble, said. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? 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. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. 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. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. 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. 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. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. Dr. Jennifer Gunter, an OB/GYN and frequent debunker of outrageous and fake advice online, is one of the doctors that came out this week to try to reassure individuals that their tampons were not toxic death sticks.. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. All rights reserved. Organic Tampons, Best for Leak Protection: Rael Organic Cotton Tampons, Best Affordable Option: Just Cotton Core Tampons, Feminine Hygiene Products Are Selling Out, But We Found 10 You Can Still Buy Online, The 12 Best Laundry Detergents for Sensitive Skin of 2023, 10 Best Pillowcases and Protectors for People with Allergies, The 12 Best Socks for Sweaty Feet of 2023, Sleep Awards 2022: 30 Products to Help You Sleep Better, The 10 Best Kegel Balls of 2023, Reviewed and Approved, I Tried Freshly Meals for a WeekHere's My Honest Review, The 10 Best Latex Mattresses That Are Cooling, Comfortable, and Durable, The 9 Best Body Sunscreens Dermatologists Recommend for Year-Round Protection, Veeda Natural Cotton Applicator Free Tampons, Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons, organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation, super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. You can opt-out at any time. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. New study explores the benefits,harms. The 12-page complaint says that despite the front-label promise that the tampons are entirely organic, they contain the non-organic ingredients polyester, glycerin, paraffin and titanium dioxide . We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. 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's protecting you from UV rays. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. Before you start gathering all your tampons and scouring their ingredient lists, you should know that experts want you to chill and stop worrying: Your tampons are safe. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. a woman on tiktok said that she "has been bleeding for 13 days, has ovarian cysts, and has to check for cancer" because she's used the L. brand tampons. Comes with twelve different courses comprised of a huge number of lessons, and each one will help you learn more about Python itself, and can be accessed when you want and as often as you want forever, making it ideal for learning a new skill. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. The reality of life today is that you are bombarded with multiple chemical exposures. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. Aka a common coloring agent. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. 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. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. Be cautious and meet with your physician: Always be vigilant and also don't get overwhelmed by what's on the internet, Dr. Dziadek said. That said, with all the scientific evidence accumulating in other areas, consumers should be more aware of titanium dioxide's potential effect on reproductive health, Dr. Gohar says. Ease and comfort all around! 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. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. Lifetime customer here. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? Very pleased with these. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. PO Box 8743 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. While experts agree more studies need to be done on titanium dioxides potential impact on reproductive health, one person's video is motivating millions of people to take control of their health and question what they consume every day. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. No tampon should be used more than once. 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. 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.. Lets look at what can happen with an acute TiO2 exposure: The last route absorption is the route of question when it comes to the TiO2 in tampons. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. National Library of Medicines list Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { But Im a stay at home mom with no income. You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. 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. Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. I wouldn't raise the alarm. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. 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. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 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. 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. 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.