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We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. I wish I could explain what has happened to you and to the others who have responded to the viral TikToks with similar stories of their own. 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. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Below, Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Erin Flynn, MPH, DNP/FNP, an LGBTQ+ care expert with birth control startup Favor, share the complicated truth behind this question. And see what they say. 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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. Exposure to these chemicals can then interfere with important processes in your body. 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. That brings us to. This is why we fight tirelessly for ingredient transparency and your right to know! While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. 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. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. 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. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. "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. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. a woman on tiktok said that she "has been bleeding for 13 days, has ovarian cysts, and has to check for cancer" because she's used the L. brand tampons. People have gotten into a debate over whether or not organic tampons and pads shorten the length of menstrual cycles. Media inquiries? Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. 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. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. If you take a quick stroll through the aisles of a grocery store or drugstore, you'll find there's an organic option for just about everything these days, including produce, deodorant, and even tampons. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) That being said, you may choose to avoid this particular potential exposure. 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. 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. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. 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. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. 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? Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. And do not smoke. 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 other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. 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. I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. 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. The site is secure. 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. They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. 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). Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. "Organic tampon companies make claims that the organic tampons 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 that may be harmful to a women's health," said Sherry A. Ross, MD, an ob-gyn, author of she-ology and she-ology. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. 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. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. And how can we learn more about the products were using? It became the first state in the nation to do so. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. 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. 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. the she-quel and creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina. 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. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. 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]. Regarding risk of cancer, there is an oft-cited study that shows that chronic high-level exposure of inhaled TiO2 could be linked to lung cancer in rats. 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. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. 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. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. $12.59. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. 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. 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 are experiencing like ovarian cysts, miscarriages, UTIs and more. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. National Library of Medicines list "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. I wouldn't raise the alarm. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. Ease and comfort all around! Along with being hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, the tampons feature twisted organic cotton fibers for added absorbency. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. While "titanium dioxide is natural, meaning found in nature," it doesn't necessarily mean it's healthy, says ob-gyn and pain medicine physician Jen Gunter, MD. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. Theres even a lawsuit alleging that the candy company Mars, which makes Skittles, didnt inform its customers about the potential taste the rainbow dangers of titanium dioxide in its product. Shes getting checked for fucking cancer. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. I used this exact brand. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. [1] CCOHS (2019) Titanium Dioxide Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans. Theres also period underwear. 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. "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 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. our process. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. $46 at Amazon. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. Before you start gathering all your tampons and scouring their ingredient lists, you should know that experts want you to chill and stop worrying: Your tampons are safe. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. 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. 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. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example.