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.. This needs to be properly investigated. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. Heres What Your Bodys Trying to Tell You, National Library of Medicine: Titanium dioxide, U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Questions and Answers: FDA posts deemed final order and proposed order for over-the-counter sunscreen, European Food Safety Authority: Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive, U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, New Jersey Department of Health: Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Titanium Dioxide, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: Impact of Food Additive Titanium Dioxide on Gut Microbiota Composition, Microbiota-Associated Functions, and Gut Barrier: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Animal Studies. For about the last twenty years the majority of cotton farmers have been using seeds that were modified to have resistance to a major herbicide known as glyphosate. "Minimal waste and perfect for everyone especially those that are extra sensitive. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. 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. 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. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? This is why we fight tirelessly for ingredient transparency and your right to know! }(document, 'script', 'advocacy-actionwidget-code')); Womens Voices for the Earth 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. "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. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. 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. No tampon should be used more than once. No rayon, dyes, perfumes, colors, or chlorine is used to make them either. "Organic" Tampon Brand Exposed for using Cancer-Causing Titanium Dioxide 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. It's mainly used for color. 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. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD 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. These are the best organic tampons to shop for: With nearly 3,000 five-star ratings, these organic tampons from Organyc are an Amazon favorite. So what do you do instead? Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. 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 is common chemical. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Despite a small percentage ofTiO2 present in the product, low toxicity risk and an unsupported cause-and-effect exampleare both factors that led me to debunk this claim. Just last year the European Food Safety Authority concluded that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe in food, because of genotoxicity concerns [2]. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. 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. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. 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. Very pleased with these. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. Health First: A Cleaning Products Industry Roadmap for Selecting Safer Chemicals, Beyond the Label: Health Impacts of Harmful Ingredients in Cleaning Products, https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=consumer.reporting1, More Period Policies are Addressing Ingredient Safety and Transparency, Thinx PFAS Lawsuit Also Calls Attention to Nanosilver Concerns, Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022: MOCRA Explained, First US approval of indoor air disinfectant draws NGO criticism, Johnson & Johnson Will Discontinue Talc-Based Baby Powder Globally in 2023. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. 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. 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. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer Are common multivitamins worth the money? 2023Well+Good LLC. "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. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. A viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause cancer. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. 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. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? Switch it up: Try something different for a month particularly if you're having some sort of acute reaction and see how you feel, Scranton suggested. PO Box 8743 "[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. 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. 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. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? For more details, see our Privacy Policy. Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct : Target The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. The FDA has tested and cleared traditionally used tampons for women to use safely and with confidence.". Pain Inserting a Tampon? 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. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. National Library of Medicines list 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. You can opt-out at any time. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. But, again, further study is needed.. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? While most options on this list are more expensive than other tampons you can find in the aisles of your favorite drugstore, Just's tampons are as affordable as they are eco-friendly. Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. Our editors independently select these products. If so, keep reading! These are the best organic tampons to shop for: Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. Because even my doctor was very confused. No tampon should be used more than once. Including. Get it daily. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' 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. Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. This is totally safe.. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Safe? | Penileclinic.com Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 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. Tag: Best Organic Tampons without titanium dioxide But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. "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. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? | Well+Good He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. Theres also period underwear. (no offense) According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. Lifetime customer here. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. 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. I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. 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. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. During clinical trials the amount of titanium dioxide used have not shown any increased health risks and there have been no big outbreaks of things like ovarian cysts associated with titanium oxide tampons. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. 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.. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. Although the vagina is a mucous membrane through which a chemical could be absorbed we dont know for sure if this actually happens and if it does how much glyphosate is actually absorbed. 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. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. 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. "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. 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 . 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. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. 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. Shoppers are fans of the tampon's compact design that fits in the palm of their hand, allowing them to discreetly carry one to the bathroom. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. 10 Best Tampon Brands In 2023, According To Ob-Gyns - Women's Health 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. Best Organic Tampons. 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. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. "Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring substance that is often used in food and other topical products to create a whiter and brighter look," Dr. Gohar says. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Likely in your daily life, you have much more significant exposures to this class of chemicals. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver 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. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. In its report, the EFSA reported that they couldn't rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide caused damage to DNA ("genotoxicity")and thus couldn't establish a safe level of daily intake. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. And live a healthy lifestyle. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? Love, love, love it. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Unsafe? | livestrong "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. 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. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? But this amount varies by product. Ive written multiple times in this columnabout how an observed association between two events or variables does not necessarily mean that one caused the other. OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? Im 27 years old. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. So, titanium dioxide on the tampon string is not going to be dissolved and absorbed by menstrual blood; and certainly, will not be absorbed into the body. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent.