So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? 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 tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. And Scranton thinks that the more people read and learn about what theyre using, the more likely theyll push for change. Understandably, some folks are pretty mad, some are very concerned. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. (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. 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. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. 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 . 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. Also Im not looking for attention. "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. They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. 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. 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. Then you can make your own decision. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. Only use tampons when you have your period. 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. 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. By now, you may have seen the viral video of the girl finding Titanium Dioxide and Polyester in her L Organic tampons and what's crazy is, I even had some of the same brand here at home. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 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. 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. "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. No rayon, dyes, perfumes, colors, or chlorine is used to make them either. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. 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. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. PO Box 8743 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's mainly used for color. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. 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. 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. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. 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. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Shipping details. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. That brings us to. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. 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. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. AT AMAZON. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. 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. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. "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. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. A video with millions of views on TikTok claims titanium dioxide, an ingredient in many tampons, causes cancer and other gynecological and reproductive issues. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. Tampax. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. The suit claims the substance is unfit for human consumption, but the toxicologist stated that the lawsuit is based on gross misinterpretations of the available data to claim a human cancer risk. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. 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. 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. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. 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. ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. 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,. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; 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. I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. Research has shown that fabrics with titanium dioxide that are washed repeatedly release very little of the mineral, she said. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. 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.. They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the 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. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. 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.
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