The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. Since tampons are inserted inside our bodies for hours at a time, it makes sense that people would have safety concerns, but Dr. Ross says there is no reason for concern. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. A recent TikTok video went viral with thefalse claim that the titanium dioxide used in L. brand organic tampons is responsible for miscarriages, cancerand a host of other medical problems. 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. As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. Very pleased with these. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. But, again, further study is needed.. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. [1] CCOHS (2019) Titanium Dioxide Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans. ", These organic cotton tampons from Rael have a near-perfect rating on Amazon thanks to their leak-locking technology and ultra-slim BPA-free applicator that glides in easily and comfortably. And do not smoke. Case in point: exposure to titanium dioxide may destroy good gut microbes, cause gut dysfunction and increase intestinal inflammation, according to a February 2021 systematic review of animal studies published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.. 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. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. 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. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. What's great is that people are asking these questions, Scranton said. Could you explain as to why this happened to me? While most options on this list are more expensive than other tampons you can find in the aisles of your favorite drugstore, Just's tampons are as affordable as they are eco-friendly. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. I am not into social media. 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. The FDA categorizes titanium dioxide as "Generally Recognized as Safe," but the scare-causing chemical has recently been banned as a food additive in the EU on the basis that experts could not. TiO2 It is mined from the Earth and then processed into an inorganic solid white compound most commonlyused as a pigment in paints, food coloring, sunscreenand cosmetic products. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. 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. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. 2023Well+Good LLC. 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. Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. 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. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. "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 Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. Is this an emergency? ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. oft-cited study that shows that chronic high-level exposure of inhaled TiO2 could be linked to lung cancer in rats, expressed concern that TiO2 particles in food additives could accumulate over time in the body, the FDA continues to allow for safe use of TiO2 as a food additive, Why Epsom salt should be a staple in your home medicine cabinet, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Inhalation: can cause irritation of nose and throat at high concentrations, Eyes: can cause mild irritation as a foreign body sensation but tearing and blinking can safely remove the particles. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? Media inquiries? 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. "Minimal waste and perfect for everyone especially those that are extra sensitive. The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. Have a beautiful child. 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. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. Shipping details. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. 4.7 out of 5 stars. Best Organic Tampons. Here arefivesteps you can start applying today: Do this, not that: Simple swaps to boost your wellness, More: Why Epsom salt should be a staple in your home medicine cabinet, Michael Daignault, MD, is a board-certified ER doctor in Los Angeles. You can opt-out at any time. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? Titanium dioxide might be one of these. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. I wouldn't raise the alarm. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. Love, love, love it. If so, keep reading! "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. 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. In its report, the EFSA reported that they couldn't rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide caused damage to DNA ("genotoxicity")and thus couldn't establish a safe level of daily intake. But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. So while on the one hand no study has positively linked titanium dioxide exposure to ovarian cancer, or miscarriages, or UTIs we also simply dont have the science to assure us that this kind of exposure is perfectly safe either. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. Now 12% Off. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). 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. Think: Many of them are animal studies. The European Food Safety Authority in 2021 expressed concern that TiO2 particles in food additives could accumulate over time in the body and ruled that it could no longer be considered safe as a food additive. Lifetime customer here. This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. 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. "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. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. That said, well-known brands like Tampax and L. include TiO2 in their products, while brands like Rael, Cora, and The Honey Pot currently do not have this ingredient in their pads or tampons. Although the vagina is a mucous membrane through which a chemical could be absorbed we dont know for sure if this actually happens and if it does how much glyphosate is actually absorbed. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. 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. 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. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. It makes items white. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. Find him on Instagram@dr.daignault. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? I think seeking solace and guidance from your physician is key because they may also help clarify [and] help with any anxieties that all this information can provoke., Plan for the future: Scranton encourages people to make calls, send emails, and write reviews to the companies or lawmakers in your life. That brings us to. Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. However, trouble arose for the ingredient in 2021 when the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a statement that titanium dioxide "could no longer be considered safe" as a food additive. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. 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. And see what they say. 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. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. "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. 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. 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. I would just be a very educated consumer, and I would be aware of what we're putting in our bodies. ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. But this amount varies by product. I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . Chemistry class was a long time ago. It's protecting you from UV rays. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. 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. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. It gets used in a LOT of products and it's probably been in tampons and pads for a long time (just never listed on the label before). 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. I wanted to do more research before just jumping and following this narrative blindly. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Mostly organic produce. 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. What we have now is some really interesting studies on titanium dioxide, showing that there's a disruption of the gut microbiome when you ingest it, Dr. Cohen said. 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. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. These [are comfortable and] do what they need to, and I don't need to worry about leaks the way I used to. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. 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. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. For example, when the substance is applied via sunscreen, sufficient data have found titanium dioxide to be "generally recognized as safe and effective," per the FDA. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. 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. Be cautious and meet with your physician: Always be vigilant and also don't get overwhelmed by what's on the internet, Dr. Dziadek said. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. To be blunt, they are worried about the possibility of something happening that has never been demonstrated to happen, Marino said. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. 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.. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? Tampax. Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. I found a TikTok talking about L Organic Tampons and how they have titanium dioxide in them for coloring. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. 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. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. I won't use any other brands after these. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. (no offense) Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. 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. However, these studies were conducted on mice who orally consumed titanium dioxide, so we'll still need extensive clinical research on humans before we can definitively link TiO2 with reproductive disruptionor assume those risks definitely come from other intakes of the ingredient. I cant guarantee that the FDA will take any immediate action, but it can help get their attention, if they see a number of reports associated with a product. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. 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. Because even my doctor was very confused. "They come in two different sizesregular and superwhich are very convenient depending on the day. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. PO Box 8743 During clinical trials the amount of titanium dioxide used have not shown any increased health risks and there have been no big outbreaks of things like ovarian cysts associated with titanium oxide tampons. 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. "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. Tampons are one method of absorbing menstrual flow during your period. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. 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. As to whether its nanoparticals in the string or not, once blood an other fluids touches the chemical its most likely all fusing together and that is going inside our very sensitive systems. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says 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 . A viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause cancer. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. our process. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. Ease and comfort all around! "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. The popularity of organic tampons has been on the rise lately as more and more people make the switch to all-natural products. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. That being said, you may choose to avoid this particular potential exposure. "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." The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. Wallace told Gizmodo in an email that anecdotal stories like the one in Morgans TikTok go viral all the time because they are sensational and get a lot of shares and comments.
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