It wasnt that long ago (read: 2020) that a New York law requiring ingredients to be listed in period product packaging went into effect. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. 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? We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! 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. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. 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. 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. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. 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. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. 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. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about 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]. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. 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 tampon should be used more than once. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. 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. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. "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. And see what they say. I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? 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. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. 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. None. Used these This is L. Tampons for 2 cycles and now have a 6cm cyst, bleeding for almost 2 weeks straight, blood tests, doctors visits and now having to pay over $l000 for two sonograms. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. Estimated ship . Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. A viral TikTok with millions views about how tampons that contain titanium dioxide can cause cancer and other health problems has spurred calls on the platform to throw away all products that match that description. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. 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. New study explores the benefits,harms. ", 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. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. 2023Well+Good LLC. As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. 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. "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. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. "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. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." 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. So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with tampons? "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. "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. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. 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. They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. This is why we fight tirelessly for ingredient transparency and your right to know! Stressing itll rupture or cause my ovary to twist while my husband is hours away. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. We may earn a commission from links on this page. So what do you do instead? But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? 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. Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. And do not smoke. Chemicals are everywhere. 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. 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. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! Im 27 years old. 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. Since many of us have been loyal to the same feminine care products that we've been using since we first got our periods, you may have some questions before switching products. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. 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. 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. 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. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. "[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. 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. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. Love, love, love it. Think: Many of them are animal studies. at the Posner Center 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. Now 12% Off. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. And live a healthy lifestyle. But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. Though some research identified a link between 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.". It's protecting you from UV rays. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? That said, with all the scientific evidence accumulating in other areas, consumers should be more aware of titanium dioxide's potential effect on reproductive health, Dr. Gohar says. This is totally safe.. If so, keep reading! And, spoiler: Its in plenty of other products you probably use in your day-to-day life. productslearn more about That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. How Bad Is It Really to Use Baby Powder 'Down There?'. 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's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. I wouldn't raise the alarm. And not by experts on tiktoc. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. A spokesperson for Proctor and Gamble, which manufactures the L. tampons brand, told Insider titanium dioxide is used in the thread that attaches the cord to the absorbent part of the tampon, and . This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. 6 min read. 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. All rights reserved. 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. And there honestly isn't a ton of reliable data on the ingredient to help us draw better conclusions, argues the authors of this 2011 review. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. After August 7, the EU is banning it. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. 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). But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. But this amount varies by product. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. 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. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the Also Im not looking for attention. 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. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. Because of this, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists along with the American Reproductive Medicine Society have published a statement encouraging doctors to discuss environmental exposures including certain chemicals especially before and during pregnancy. I used this exact brand. 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 .