I won't use any other brands after these. Though some research identified a link between the . So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. Read our, What Exposure Could Mean for Your Reproductive Health. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. Shipping details. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles | theSkimm 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. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. No tampon should be used more than once. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. 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 . 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. Ease and comfort all around! You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. 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. 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]. 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. 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. After August 7, the EU is banning it. 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. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. The absorbent fibers used in FDA-cleared tampons sold today are made with a bleaching process that is free from elemental chlorine, which also prevents products from having dangerous levels of dioxin (a type of pollutant found in the environment). The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. 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. The site is secure. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Unsafe? | livestrong She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . PO Box 8743 So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. 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. our process. And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. 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 . They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. Viral TikTok Falsely Says Tampon Titanium Dioxide Causes Cancer - Gizmodo In Turmoil Over Tampons, Scientists See a Need for More Study Very pleased with these. I have been researching health impacts of pads and tampons for nearly a decade, so I love having all this new ingredient info. 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. polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. Not only are the tampons made from 100% certified organic cotton, but the rounded cardboard applicators are fully biodegradable, making them a fantastic eco-friendly product. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to - Yahoo! New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. 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. 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. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? . And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. Find him on Instagram@dr.daignault. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. 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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. I am not into social media. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. 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. "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. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. 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. 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. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. Tampax. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? It makes items white. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. That being said, you may choose to avoid this particular potential exposure. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the Her job is to pore over ingredient lists and other scientific studies to find out what we know about the chemicals that are in our products and what their exposure could mean. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. ", 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. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. It's protecting you from UV rays. 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. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. "could no longer be considered safe" as a food additive, ban TiO2 as a food additive earlier this year, classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients, may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, government sets limits on exposure for workers, not found any clear link between lung cancer, titanium dioxide can cause alterations to the reproductive system, 26 percent of the global population are of reproductive age. If youre still super worried, and I hear you, then use something else, like pads or menstrual cups or whatnot, Lincoln, who has 2.8 million followers on TikTok, said. Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. 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. 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. These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? 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. "When properly tested, regular tampons are safe and free of harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. So you can choose whether or not you want to accept a possible risk to have a whiter tampon OR choose a brand that doesnt include it. $46 at Amazon. It neutralizes smell as well. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Mostly organic produce. But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! 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]. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. Lets look at what can happen with an acute TiO2 exposure: The last route absorption is the route of question when it comes to the TiO2 in tampons. Chemistry class was a long time ago. We also reached out to Proctor & Gamble, which makes the L. tampons, for comment multiple times with no response. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. (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. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. 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. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. And do not smoke. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. 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. In a somewhat tasteless move, some tamponbrands even tried to take advantage of the fear gripping users on the platform and decided to take advantage of the moment to announce that their products did not have titanium dioxide. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. Also Im not looking for attention. 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. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best "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.". Organic Tampons Review - Health But this amount varies by product. "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. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. 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. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. 1031 33rd Street 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. 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. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? | Well+Good Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%.