(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. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. No tampon should be used more than once. 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. Unbelievable. 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. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. 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. 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. js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; 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. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. I found a TikTok talking about L Organic Tampons and how they have titanium dioxide in them for coloring. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Also Im not looking for attention. It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. Read our, What Exposure Could Mean for Your Reproductive Health. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. 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. 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. This is misleading; the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the compound's use in food and cosmetics, and experts say no studies have proven a link between tampon strings and cancer in humans. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { Think: Many of them are animal studies. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. Along with being hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, the tampons feature twisted organic cotton fibers for added absorbency. "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. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks - Substack No tampon should be used more than once. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 1031 33rd Street 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. HOW TO PICK TITANIUM DIOXIDE-FREE TAMPONS! DON'T MISS THIS - YouTube Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Unsafe? | livestrong Love, love, love it. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. New study explores the benefits,harms. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. 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. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. Titanium dioxide doesnt dissolve in water, meaning the nanoparticles arent going to dissolve from the tampon string and get into the blood that might be pooling in the vagina and then get absorbed by the body, she wrote. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). Tag: Best Organic Tampons without titanium dioxide productslearn more about He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. 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. It is the mostwidely used white pigment because of its brightness and very high refractive index meaning that its "brilliant whiteness" does not allow light to pass through. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. 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. $46 at Amazon. 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. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. Including. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. As to whether its nanoparticals in the string or not, once blood an other fluids touches the chemical its most likely all fusing together and that is going inside our very sensitive systems. And see what they say. There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. Pain Inserting a Tampon? So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. 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]. 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. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. It's primarily used to help make white foods appear whiter (like milk and candy) or to lengthen the shelf life of foods that are sensitive to UV light. 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. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. Though some research identified a link between the . 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. Before any tampons can be legally sold in the U.S., they must go through the FDAs review to determine whether they are as safe and effective as (substantially equivalent to) legally marketed tampons. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. 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. 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. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to - Yahoo! "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. 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. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. Very pleased with these. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. 4.7 out of 5 stars. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. 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.. (The FDA says that manufacturers can have no more than 1 percent TiO2 in food.). 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. "According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulated doses of titanium dioxide are not harmful, but this also varies based on use," Dr. Gohar says. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? But this amount varies by product. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. 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.. AT AMAZON. Mostly organic produce. 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 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. 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. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer ", 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. "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. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. And do not smoke. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; And live a healthy lifestyle. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. 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. I wanted to do more research before just jumping and following this narrative blindly. Could you explain as to why this happened to me? Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? | Well+Good Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. 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. 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. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. 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. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. I wouldn't raise the alarm. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. 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. [1] CCOHS (2019) Titanium Dioxide Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans. ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. "[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. Theres also period underwear. T. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. None. 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. Tampax. 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. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. 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. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. For sunscreen, the research that's been done has looked at how much titanium dioxide do you absorb through your skin when you put it on as a sunscreen, she said. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Some. 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. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal 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. 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. 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.

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