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. Before you start gathering all your tampons and scouring their ingredient lists, you should know that experts want you to chill and stop worrying: Your tampons are safe. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. Think: Many of them are animal studies. Now that you know the difference between organic and non-organic tampons, if you are looking to make the switch to more eco-friendly period products, we've got you covered. This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. Now 12% Off. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. L. '100% Organic' Tampons Contain Non-Organic Ingredients, Class Action Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. 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. ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. 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 . Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. Dr. Jennifer Gunter, an OB/GYN and frequent debunker of outrageous and fake advice online, is one of the doctors that came out this week to try to reassure individuals that their tampons were not toxic death sticks.. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. That brings us to. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. "I love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the 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. So while on the one hand no study has positively linked titanium dioxide exposure to ovarian cancer, or miscarriages, or UTIs we also simply dont have the science to assure us that this kind of exposure is perfectly safe either. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. Most brands only started listing their ingredients on their packages for the first time late last year (2021) thanks to a new law in New York state. Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct : Target 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. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? 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. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. It wasnt that long ago (read: 2020) that a New York law requiring ingredients to be listed in period product packaging went into effect. 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. "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. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. Rebecca Carhart is a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer covering home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. We may earn a commission from links on this page. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. 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. These [are comfortable and] do what they need to, and I don't need to worry about leaks the way I used to. Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks - Substack The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. Since tampons are inserted inside our bodies for hours at a time, it makes sense that people would have safety concerns, but Dr. Ross says there is no reason for concern. 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]. However, these studies were conducted on mice who orally consumed titanium dioxide, so we'll still need extensive clinical research on humans before we can definitively link TiO2 with reproductive disruptionor assume those risks definitely come from other intakes of the ingredient. I cant guarantee that the FDA will take any immediate action, but it can help get their attention, if they see a number of reports associated with a product. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to - Yahoo! I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. We also reached out to Proctor & Gamble, which makes the L. tampons, for comment multiple times with no response. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. It gets used in a LOT of products and it's probably been in tampons and pads for a long time (just never listed on the label before). Dr. Cohen agrees, saying its important to hold legislators to a higher standard in making sure that they follow through with legislation that really does make sense, like the New York policy.. "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. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. National Library of Medicines list 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. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. 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. [1] CCOHS (2019) Titanium Dioxide Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. 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. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. Have a beautiful child. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. But this amount varies by product. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? 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. Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. 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? Theres also period underwear. And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. And, spoiler: Its in plenty of other products you probably use in your day-to-day life. $12.59. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. FYI: Here Are The Best Non-Toxic And Organic Tampons On The Market L. Organic 100% Cotton Core Tampons Regular, 76 Count Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. Theyre actually in other brands like Always pads and Tampax tampons. "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. All rights reserved. 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. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? She does this by citing another TikTok videoin which that user claimed to have excessive vaginal bleeding, ovarian cystsand uterine damage after using L. brand tampons. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. "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. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to severe side 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. And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles | theSkimm If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. 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. But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. 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. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. Since many of us have been loyal to the same feminine care products that we've been using since we first got our periods, you may have some questions before switching products. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. 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. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. 4.7 out of 5 stars. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. Case in point: exposure to titanium dioxide may destroy good gut microbes, cause gut dysfunction and increase intestinal inflammation, according to a February 2021 systematic review of animal studies published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.. Also Im not looking for attention. 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). 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. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . 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. 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. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. Wash your hands before and after using a tampon. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. 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. 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. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. "[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. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says.