We also reached out to Proctor & Gamble, which makes the L. tampons, for comment multiple times with no response. 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. 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. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. 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. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. "[TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it has been associated with lung cancer when inhaled," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh, which is why the government sets limits on exposure for workers. 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. To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. 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. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? 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. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. 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). As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. 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. 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. In a somewhat tasteless move, some tamponbrands even tried to take advantage of the fear gripping users on the platform and decided to take advantage of the moment to announce that their products did not have titanium dioxide. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. I have been researching health impacts of pads and tampons for nearly a decade, so I love having all this new ingredient info. Read our, What Exposure Could Mean for Your Reproductive Health. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. 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. A viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause cancer. They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. 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 are several health concerns regarding TiO2. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 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. AT AMAZON. No rayon, dyes, perfumes, colors, or chlorine is used to make them either. No tampon should be used more than once. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. 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. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. 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.. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. 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. "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. I found a TikTok talking about L Organic Tampons and how they have titanium dioxide in them for coloring. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. 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. 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. 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. 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 are experiencing like ovarian cysts, miscarriages, UTIs and more. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? 10 Best Tampon Brands In 2023, According To Ob-Gyns - Women's Health While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. 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. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Safe? | Penileclinic.com if (d.getElementById(id)) return; 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. 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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. It neutralizes smell as well. And live a healthy lifestyle. Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. Well, unfortunately, we just dont know if that causes health effects.There is no published research available that has ever examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide. 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. But this amount varies by product. 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. Indeed, this white pigment lightens everything from paints, paper coatings and plastics to sunscreen, pharmaceutical tablets, flours and dairy products, according to the National Library of Medicine. Then you can make your own decision. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. 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. T. But if we are exposed to these same substances via a different route than how they are intended, or at a higher dose, they can be toxic. We may earn a commission from links on this page. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. 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. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? It is important to note that studies in rats, mice and other animals are not directly applicable to humans. 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. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. 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. "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.". Including. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. After August 7, the EU is banning it. 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. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to - Yahoo! Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. "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. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. You know why? Theres also period underwear. Viral video wrongly blames titanium dioxide in organic tampon strings Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. 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. So what do you do instead? Along with being hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, the tampons feature twisted organic cotton fibers for added absorbency. If youre still super worried, and I hear you, then use something else, like pads or menstrual cups or whatnot, Lincoln, who has 2.8 million followers on TikTok, said. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD Think: Many of them are animal studies. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. Pain Inserting a Tampon? Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. 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. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Do Organic Tampons Contain Titanium Dioxide? - TOTM 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. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? | Well+Good ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. (no offense) The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. 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. Is this an emergency? 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. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? 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. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. These are the best organic tampons to shop for: Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. 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 . Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. But there's not much research to tell us what the potential effects are of TiO2 in certain other formats, like if you eat a little bit of it in food, or regularly insert small amounts of it in your body via a tampon for a few days each month. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. 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. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. . But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.