Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. No rayon, dyes, perfumes, colors, or chlorine is used to make them either. 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. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. "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 problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. Now 12% Off. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. 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,. 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. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. 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. PO Box 8743 Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. 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. And they made that call after food safety officials said it could damage DNA, which could lead to cancer. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. Lifetime customer here. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. 1031 33rd Street 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. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. Estimated ship . Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. Unbelievable. 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. In an email statement to theSkimm, the FDA said it has not received any medical device reports related to titanium dioxide and menstrual products. And added that it requires manufacturers to evaluate their period products safety in a number of ways. "They come in two different sizesregular and superwhich are very convenient depending on the day. Though some research identified a link between the . 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 not by experts on tiktoc. New study explores the benefits,harms. 4.7 out of 5 stars. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. You can also register your story with the FDA Medwatch program their online form is here: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=consumer.reporting1 and on that form you can offer as much or as little information as you wish. Because even my doctor was very confused. 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. There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. "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.". And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. How Bad Is It Really to Use Baby Powder 'Down There?'. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. This is why we fight tirelessly for ingredient transparency and your right to know! OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. 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. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? "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." Im 27 years old. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. 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. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. 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. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. 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. js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical 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. Health First: A Cleaning Products Industry Roadmap for Selecting Safer Chemicals, Beyond the Label: Health Impacts of Harmful Ingredients in Cleaning Products, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=consumer.reporting1, More Period Policies are Addressing Ingredient Safety and Transparency, Thinx PFAS Lawsuit Also Calls Attention to Nanosilver Concerns, Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022: MOCRA Explained, First US approval of indoor air disinfectant draws NGO criticism, Johnson & Johnson Will Discontinue Talc-Based Baby Powder Globally in 2023. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. 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). 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. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. 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. (If you reside outside of the U.S., please simply enter 00000 for zip code), ph:(406) 543-3747 | womensvoices@womensvoices.org | 2023 All rights reserved |, Introducing WVEs New Plan for a Thriving Future. Aka a common coloring agent. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. 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. 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. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. (no offense) 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 . "[P]revious studies have shown that titanium dioxide can cause alterations to the reproductive system, including reducing the ovarian follicles and leading to the formation of ovarian cysts," she says. 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. I won't use any other brands after these. But first. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. How Often to Change Tampons or Pads During Your Period, The 12 Best Period Underwear of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, How to Stop Bacterial Vaginosis From Coming Back Permanently, Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Cancer, Here's Why It's So Hard to Know If Your Period Underwear Is PFAS-Free, GMO (genetically modified organism) farming, Tampons and pads made from organic cotton, Diamanti-Kandarakis E et al, Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement, Endocrine Review 2009 Jun;30(4) 293-342. 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. Dr. Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist and adjunct assistant professor at University of Illinois at Chicago, is another debunker of TikTok misinformation and has more than 267,000 followers on the platform. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. [My container] doesnt say it, but its getting thrown out regardless, because how can I consciously just be like, Oh sure, yeah, I trust you. So yeah, go check your fucking box and if you had any adverse symptoms like her, call a fucking lawyer.. Stressing itll rupture or cause my ovary to twist while my husband is hours away. 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. 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. And see what they say. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. The popularity of organic tampons has been on the rise lately as more and more people make the switch to all-natural products. 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. 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. But, again, further study is needed.. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. That being said, you may choose to avoid this particular potential exposure. Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. 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. 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. It makes items white. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. Including. polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. In addition, more informative tampon labeling, as well as educational efforts by the FDA and manufacturers, may have contributed to the reduction in TSS cases. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. 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. 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. Chemicals are everywhere. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. I am not into social media. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. 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]. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. 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. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. Shipping details. And Scranton thinks that the more people read and learn about what theyre using, the more likely theyll push for change. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. 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. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. 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. 6 min read. 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. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. "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. 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. Is this an emergency? That brings us to. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. According to the brand, these organic O.b. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. As an emergency roomdoctor, there would be many possible (and more likely) emergency room causes of excessive menstrual bleeding that I would evaluate a patient for. 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]. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues.