15826245f15f2e664c1e3a433543b5844be72 titanium dioxide in tampons

As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. 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. 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. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. 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. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. 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. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. I wanted to do more research before just jumping and following this narrative blindly. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. 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. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. "[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. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? After August 7, the EU is banning it. "But it's the dose, it's the route that makes the 'poison,' and so just because something might cause lung cancer, for example, doesn't mean it's going to cause an issue in a tampon. Estimated ship . But this amount varies by product. They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. 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. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. 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. 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. Is this an emergency? This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. Could you explain as to why this happened to me? At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . 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 last year the European Food Safety Authority concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe in food, because of genotoxicity concerns [2]. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. Her job is to pore over ingredient lists and other scientific studies to find out what we know about the chemicals that are in our products and what their exposure could mean. And the data seems to [indicate] that not very much gets into your body. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. And they made that call after food safety officials said it could damage DNA, which could lead to cancer. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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. That brings us to. 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. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. [1] CCOHS (2019) Titanium Dioxide Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. 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. 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. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/titanium-dioxide-e171-no-longer-considered-safe-when-used-food-additive, how are all these experts not seeing a connection? js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; 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. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? 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. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. So what do you do instead? 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. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. 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. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the at the Posner Center There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? 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. 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. 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. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. But while many want to try and put two and two together, the bottom line is that there isnt enough data to confirm the claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is causing the ovarian cysts and other issues people are describing. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. 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? "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. 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. 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. 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. All rights reserved. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. 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.. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. So you can choose whether or not you want to accept a possible risk to have a whiter tampon OR choose a brand that doesnt include it. Are common multivitamins worth the money? 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. 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. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. 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. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. That said, well-known brands like Tampax and L. include TiO2 in their products, while brands like Rael, Cora, and The Honey Pot currently do not have this ingredient in their pads or tampons. 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. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. So, titanium dioxide on the tampon string is not going to be dissolved and absorbed by menstrual blood; and certainly, will not be absorbed into the body. 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. "So, if titanium dioxide is giving you anxiety that you just can't shake," there are plenty of period care products and trustworthy tampon brands you can try without the chemical, Dr. Gohar says. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. 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. This needs to be properly investigated. "But while no study has positively linked titanium dioxide exposure to ovarian cancer, miscarriages, or UTIs, we also dont have the science to assure us that this kind of exposure is perfectly safe either." 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. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? And do not smoke. OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. 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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. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . 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. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. It neutralizes smell as well. We may earn a commission from links on this page. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. ", These organic cotton tampons from Rael have a near-perfect rating on Amazon thanks to their leak-locking technology and ultra-slim BPA-free applicator that glides in easily and comfortably. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. And live a healthy lifestyle. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. 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. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. 6 min read. 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. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. 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. (no offense) Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. 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 Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. Get it daily. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. 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. 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. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. 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. "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.". 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. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. 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. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? Felt they had the same or better absorbency. 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. They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. It makes items white. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? 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. Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? 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. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. 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 . Some. Rebecca Carhart is a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer covering home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; Chemicals are everywhere. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. 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. Morgan explains that she learned about the purported dangers of these tampons after TikTok showed her a video of a girl using the same brand that had experienced two weeks of excessive bleeding and extreme pain, ovarian cysts, and irreversible uterine damage. 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.

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