I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about 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. We spoke to ob-gyn James A. Gohar, MD, co-founder and CEO of Viva Eve, to set the record straight on this substance in question, including whether it poses any risk to your reproductive health (or otherwise) and which tampon products are safest. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. 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. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. 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. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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. Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. 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. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. 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.. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. "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. 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. 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. polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. Love, love, love it. 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. Read our, What Exposure Could Mean for Your Reproductive Health. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Very pleased with these. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. 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. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal Because even my doctor was very confused. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. 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? If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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.. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. 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. 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. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. We also reached out to Proctor & Gamble, which makes the L. tampons, for comment multiple times with no response. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. 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. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? 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. You can opt-out at any time. 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. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. 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. 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. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. 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. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. 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. Think: Many of them are animal studies. It is thought that exposure to the developing fetus may be the time when these chemicals have some of the most significant impacts on future health. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. $46 at Amazon. New study explores the benefits,harms. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. 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. 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. And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. 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. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. 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.. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. 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. Experts that spoke to Gizmodo also insisted that there is no evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons, other topical products (sunscreen), and food is unsafe to humans as it currently used. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. 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. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. In this world, every point in the cycle of production and consumption from extraction, to processing, to use, to disposal contributes not just to a less toxic world, but to a thriving world. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. 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. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. 6 min read. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. 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. 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. Also Im not looking for attention. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. 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. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. Pain Inserting a Tampon? Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. "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. "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, Skittles (and its parent company, Mars Inc.), approved titanium dioxide for human consumptionin 1966. including candies and other processed foods. And see what they say. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. 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). 4.7 out of 5 stars. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. It's mainly used for color. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. "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. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. Media inquiries? And live a healthy lifestyle. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. 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. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. 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. Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? 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. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? 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. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. 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. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the "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.". "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. 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. Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. This is totally safe.. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. The reality is that these products are under-researched so we just dont know what impacts they may be having on our health, because neither researchers or companies are asking the questions that need to be asked. How Bad Is It Really to Use Baby Powder 'Down There?'. And they made that call after food safety officials said it could damage DNA, which could lead to cancer. Get it daily. "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. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. It's protecting you from UV rays. ", The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved titanium dioxide for human consumptionin 1966, cementing its presence in a variety of foods, including candies and other processed foods. 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. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. 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. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. None. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; 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. 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. It can be frustrating when you don't have a clear picture of the ingredients in your tampons, toothpaste, chewing gum, and everything in between. People have gotten into a debate over whether or not organic tampons and pads shorten the length of menstrual cycles. 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. 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.. If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. }(document, 'script', 'advocacy-actionwidget-code')); Womens Voices for the Earth 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. National Library of Medicines list And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. It gets used in a LOT of products and its probably been in tampons and pads for a long time (just never listed on the label before). https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. In addition to being made with 100% natural cotton, the tampons don't come with any applicators, so no excess materials need to be thrown away. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. 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. PO Box 8743 Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? 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. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. 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.. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? Lifetime customer here. 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. So what do you do instead? The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. As of the time of publication of this article, Morgans TikTok as well as others on the subject with the hashtag #titaniumdioxide were still on the platform racking up views. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. T. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. Shipping details. That brings us to. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Keep in mind that sometimes titanium dioxide might also be listed as white pigment or pigment white 6 so look for those terms as well. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) Our editors independently select these products. Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. "Organic tampon companies make claims that the organic tampons 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 that may be harmful to a women's health," said Sherry A. Ross, MD, an ob-gyn, author of she-ology and she-ology. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. 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. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; 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. "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. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. 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. 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. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. Aka a common coloring agent. Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. The reality of life today is that you are bombarded with multiple chemical exposures. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. 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. Are common multivitamins worth the money? (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? "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.