15826245f15f2e664c1e3a433543b5844be72 titanium dioxide in tampons

But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. 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. (The FDA says that manufacturers can have no more than 1 percent TiO2 in food.). Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. The agency could not rule out potential damage to DNA,but this is much different than the agency stating there was an identified cause and effect. It makes items white. This finding prompted the European Union to ban TiO2 as a food additive earlier this year, but in the U.S., the ingredient is still considered to be safe in food at the limits set by the FDA. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. Have a beautiful child. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. 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. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. 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]. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal 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 the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. 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. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. 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. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. our process. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. ", 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. 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. 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. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. However, trouble arose for the ingredient in 2021 when the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a statement that titanium dioxide "could no longer be considered safe" as a food additive. 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. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. 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. 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. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. 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. "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. "[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. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. 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. There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . "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. What we need to think about is, if that's what can happen within the gut, there's a lot to be said for what can happen in the vaginal area., Scranton is among the many experts who agree that its a topic that requires more investigation. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. Read our, What Exposure Could Mean for Your Reproductive Health. "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. 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. Well, unfortunately, we just dont know if that causes health effects.There is no published research available that has ever examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. The 12-page complaint says that despite the front-label promise that the tampons are entirely organic, they contain the non-organic ingredients polyester, glycerin, paraffin and titanium dioxide . I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. "They come in two different sizesregular and superwhich are very convenient depending on the day. Mostly organic produce. 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.. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. Theres also period underwear. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. For all I know at this time, titanium dioxide in pads and tampons might be just fine, but Im not sure we have the science to prove it. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? 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. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. Think: Many of them are animal studies. 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. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? womensvoices@womensvoices.org. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . "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.". "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. And how can we learn more about the products were using? The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. 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. You can opt-out at any time. Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. 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. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. Media inquiries? 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. 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. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. As part of the FDAs review, manufacturers submit data including the results of testing to evaluate the safety of the materials used to make tampons and applicators (if present); tampon absorbency, strength, and integrity; and whether tampons enhance the growth of certain harmful bacteria or change normal bacteria levels in the vagina. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. 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. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. 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. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. Our editors independently select these products. This is totally safe.. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. Unbelievable. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. How Bad Is It Really to Use Baby Powder 'Down There?'. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. But this amount varies by product. Only use tampons when you have your period. 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. 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. 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. 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. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. This needs to be properly investigated. Some. 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. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. After August 7, the EU is banning it. 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. 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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved titanium dioxide for human consumption in 1966, cementing its presence in a variety of foods, including candies and other processed foods.. These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. 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 . Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . 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.. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. 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. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . 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. 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. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. 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. Also Im not looking for attention. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. 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. "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. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. 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. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. National Library of Medicines list Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. 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. Marino emphasized that this is only when the mineral is inhaled and that it has only been demonstrated to be a true concern in rats, not humans. 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. Indeed, this white pigment lightens everything from paints, paper coatings and plastics to sunscreen, pharmaceutical tablets, flours and dairy products, according to the National Library of Medicine. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. I used this exact brand. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. "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.". ", 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. 2023Well+Good LLC. 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. 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. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. 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. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. 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. If so, keep reading! 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. 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. As a result, it's not too difficult to shop for TiO2-free tampons if you're concernedand have the financial means to do so. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. 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. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. (no offense) Tampax. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! Tens of thousands of users have flooded the comments many claiming to have had similar experiences. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You?