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. TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider 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. We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. 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. $46 at Amazon. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. 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. New study explores the benefits,harms. By now, you may have seen the viral video of the girl finding Titanium Dioxide and Polyester in her L Organic tampons and what's crazy is, I even had some of the same brand here at home. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. 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. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. 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 European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. 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. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. 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. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. And Scranton thinks that the more people read and learn about what theyre using, the more likely theyll push for change. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. "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. Best Organic Tampons. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. If so, keep reading! TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? 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 . But this amount varies by product. 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. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. 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. 10 Best Tampon Brands In 2023, According To Ob-Gyns - Women's Health 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. 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.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. A company spokesperson told theSkimm that the ingredient represents much less than 0.1% of all ingredients used in a [P&G] tampon. And said its been used safely for years. "Best product ever," raved one customer. While "titanium dioxide is natural, meaning found in nature," it doesn't necessarily mean it's healthy, says ob-gyn and pain medicine physician Jen Gunter, MD. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . 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. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. Probably, at this point in time, the best answer is, We dont know. Likely the amount of glyphosate in feminine hygiene products is relatively small. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. 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. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? Pain Inserting a Tampon? Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. And, spoiler: Its in plenty of other products you probably use in your day-to-day life. "Organic" Tampon Brand Exposed for using Cancer-Causing Titanium Dioxide L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. Have a beautiful child. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. L. '100% Organic' Tampons Contain Non-Organic Ingredients, Class Action When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. Theyre actually in other brands like Always pads and Tampax tampons. 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. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. "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. (no offense) TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. 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. 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. 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. Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. 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. Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. "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. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? 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.. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. You can opt-out at any time. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. 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. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. All rights reserved. Rebecca Carhart is a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer covering home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. "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. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. 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. They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? No evidence titanium dioxide in tampon strings causes cancer And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. And do not smoke. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. I wear zero makeup. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. (The FDA says that manufacturers can have no more than 1 percent TiO2 in food.). Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. Are common multivitamins worth the money? 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. Stressing itll rupture or cause my ovary to twist while my husband is hours away. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. 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. 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. Then you can make your own decision. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. 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. 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. Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! 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. 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. 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. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. Im 27 years old. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. 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.