Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. (If you reside outside of the U.S., please simply enter 00000 for zip code), ph:(406) 543-3747 | [email protected] | 2023 All rights reserved |, Introducing WVEs New Plan for a Thriving Future. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. The site is secure. I wouldn't raise the alarm. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. I have been researching health impacts of pads and tampons for nearly a decade, so I love having all this new ingredient info. The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. Very pleased with these. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. Read our, What Exposure Could Mean for Your Reproductive Health. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. 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. "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.". 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. 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. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. Find him on [email protected]. 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. 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]. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. "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. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) Felt they had the same or better absorbency. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. 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, and toothpasteappears to have started with one video posted at the beginning of the week. This is totally safe.. I wish I could explain what has happened to you and to the others who have responded to the viral TikToks with similar stories of their own. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. 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. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best 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. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. 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. It makes items white. Also Im not looking for attention. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. You can opt-out at any time. Theres also period underwear. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. 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. 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. Though some research identified a link between the . More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? 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. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. 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. 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. But this amount varies by product. ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. Bottom line: "When it comes to period products, the priority should be using products that you feel comfortable with and are accessible to you," he says. 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. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. L. Organic 100% Cotton Core Tampons Regular, 76 Count 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. 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. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. So what do you do instead? Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? 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? Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. 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 . As to whether its nanoparticals in the string or not, once blood an other fluids touches the chemical its most likely all fusing together and that is going inside our very sensitive systems. Shoppers are fans of the tampon's compact design that fits in the palm of their hand, allowing them to discreetly carry one to the bathroom. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. We may earn a commission from links on this page. 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In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. Before any tampons can be legally sold in the U.S., they must go through the FDAs review to determine whether they are as safe and effective as (substantially equivalent to) legally marketed tampons. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. 2023Well+Good LLC. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. 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. No evidence titanium dioxide in tampon strings causes cancer If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. In the emergency room, I assess five primary routes of exposure for a substance when assessing for toxicity: inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestionand absorption. 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. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. 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. Tag: Best Organic Tampons without titanium dioxide You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. This is L. tampons are labeled as being made with organic cotton, and the company's marketing promises a simple product: "Only the ingredients you need for the confidence, comfort, and protection you . Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. We Now Have More Information about Ingredients Used in Period Products "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." 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. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. And how can we learn more about the products were using? And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. (The FDA says that manufacturers can have no more than 1 percent TiO2 in food.). 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. Shipping details. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? 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. Aka a common coloring agent. 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. Titanium dioxide in tampons: What you need to know - USA TODAY So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic 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. Love, love, love it. "You will want to make sure they 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.". Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? | Well+Good Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? 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. 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 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. 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. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. Not surprisingly, because it is easier to spray weeds than it is to remove them by hand or machine, farmers started using more and more of this herbicide. 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. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? 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. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. "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.
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