At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. "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. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. None. "There are no published studies on titanium dioxide causing excessive bleeding, infertility or cancer, so it is hard to say if it is dangerous to women's health or not," Dr. Gohar says. 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. TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider But this amount varies by product. And the data seems to [indicate] that not very much gets into your body. I used this exact brand. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? But this amount varies by product. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. [1] CCOHS (2019) Titanium Dioxide Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans. If you can find products that don't have them, that's gonna lessen your exposure., Follow the less is more approach: Meaning [the] lowest possible use of anything that has not been tested properly, Dr. Cohen said. 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. It's protecting you from UV rays. 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. Theyre actually in other brands like Always pads and Tampax tampons. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. And its certainly worth asking: Is it worth a potential risk worth to have a tampon or pad thats just a little more white before you use it? Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. Likely in your daily life, you have much more significant exposures to this class of chemicals. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. Lifetime customer here. A recent TikTok video went viral with the false claim that the titanium dioxide used in L. brand organic tampons is responsible for miscarriages, cancer and a host of other medical problems. Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer 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. And Scranton thinks that the more people read and learn about what theyre using, the more likely theyll push for change. 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. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? 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. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. 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. 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. 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. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. 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. This is misleading; the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the compound's use in food and cosmetics, and experts say no studies have proven a link between tampon strings and cancer in humans. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. 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. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. We Now Have More Information about Ingredients Used in Period Products And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. 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. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. 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. National Library of Medicines list Dr. Jennifer Gunter, an OB/GYN and frequent debunker of outrageous and fake advice online, is one of the doctors that came out this week to try to reassure individuals that their tampons were not toxic death sticks.. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles Free standard shipping with $35 orders. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. 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 . Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. 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. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. I would recommend sharing your story with the company they have long claimed that they get very few complaints for their period products, which we believe to be a lack of reporting rather than a lack of problems. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. I wouldn't raise the alarm. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? 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. The site is secure. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. 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. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? So, why would they use an ingredient that can be considered cariogenic and cause reproductive issues with 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. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Once again we are reminded how important it is that we have ingredient information, and how woefully under-researched the potential impacts that ingredients used in menstrual products and intimate care products might be having on vaginal and vulvar health. "[P]revious studies have shown that titanium dioxide can cause alterations to the reproductive system, including reducing the ovarian follicles and leading to the formation of ovarian cysts," she says. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. 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). Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. "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. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. 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. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to severe side L. '100% Organic' Tampons Contain Non-Organic Ingredients, Class Action Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. Aka a common coloring agent. That environment includes where you live, work, play, and pray. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. And how can we learn more about the products were using? So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. 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. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . But, before you choose to leave a tampon in for an extended period, we recommend learning about the risks of and how to avoid toxic shock syndrome. I am not into social media. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? if (d.getElementById(id)) return; 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. We also reached out to Proctor & Gamble, which makes the L. tampons, for comment multiple times with no response. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. "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. Because even my doctor was very confused. I wear zero makeup. Mostly organic produce. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. $12.59. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products Rael Organic Cotton Tampons ($13.99 for a 32-count box on Amazon.com) August Tampons ($11 for a 16-count box on Itsaugust.co) Diva Cup ($39.99 for one menstrual cup on Divacup.com) Advertisement references Is this an emergency? The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. Im 27 years old. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. 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. 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. However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. "But while no study has positively linked titanium dioxide exposure to ovarian cancer, miscarriages, or UTIs, we also dont have the science to assure us that this kind of exposure is perfectly safe either." Comes with twelve different courses comprised of a huge number of lessons, and each one will help you learn more about Python itself, and can be accessed when you want and as often as you want forever, making it ideal for learning a new skill. "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.". Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. This is totally safe.. 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. 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 . This will help reduce the spread of bacteria. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. 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. Have a beautiful child. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. These [are comfortable and] do what they need to, and I don't need to worry about leaks the way I used to. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. This needs to be properly investigated. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. $46 at Amazon. These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. 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. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. 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. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. ", 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. As of the time of publication of this article, Morgans TikTok as well as others on the subject with the hashtag #titaniumdioxide were still on the platform racking up views. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. 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. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. Stressing itll rupture or cause my ovary to twist while my husband is hours away. If you use tampons, consider the following: If you have had discomfort or became ill as a result of using a tampon, consider reporting it to MedWatch, the FDAs safety information and adverse event reporting program. 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. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. 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. The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. And they made that call after food safety officials said it could damage DNA, which could lead to cancer. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. It's primarily used to help make white foods appear whiter (like milk and candy) or to lengthen the shelf life of foods that are sensitive to UV light. Tampax. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. 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. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. Chemistry class was a long time ago. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. 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. 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. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. I have been researching health impacts of pads and tampons for nearly a decade, so I love having all this new ingredient info.
What Credit Bureau Does One Main Financial Pull,
Alabama Teacher Salary Matrix 2022,
Articles OTHER
