This lack of data is incredibly frustrating, given that 26 percent of the global population are of reproductive age and presumably using pads and tampons on the regular to manage their cycles. Also, it may be genotoxic, meaning it can harm your DNA. 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. 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. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. 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. Though some research identified a link between the . 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. They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). 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. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. 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. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. "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.". 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. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. But this amount varies by product. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. 6 min read. Dr. Katrine Wallace, an epidemiologist and adjunct assistant professor at University of Illinois at Chicago, is another debunker of TikTok misinformation and has more than 267,000 followers on the platform. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. "While most cosmetic products will disclose whether or not titanium dioxide is an ingredientsome states require itit is important to note that the FDA does not currently require brands to disclose this information.". But their favorite part seems to be the fact that they are made from 90% plant-based materials. According to the brand, these organic O.b. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? 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]. 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. Some. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. titanium dioxide in tampons? : r/Periods "So, if titanium dioxide is giving you anxiety that you just can't shake," there are plenty of period care products and trustworthy tampon brands you can try without the chemical, Dr. Gohar says. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. 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. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. Theyre actually in other brands like Always pads and Tampax tampons. But, again, further study is needed.. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. Tampax. Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct : Target Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. Not surprisingly, because it is easier to spray weeds than it is to remove them by hand or machine, farmers started using more and more of this herbicide. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. 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. It's protecting you from UV rays. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. I used this exact brand. 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. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. "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. A viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause cancer. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. 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. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. Are common multivitamins worth the money? 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. Mostly organic produce. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. 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. 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. Stressing itll rupture or cause my ovary to twist while my husband is hours away. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. 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. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. 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? Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. 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. 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. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. Even better, organic tampons also typically use more eco-friendly applicators, such as biodegradable cardboard or BPA-free plastic applicators that are derived from plant-based materials. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. 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. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. 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. "Very pleased with these," wrote one reviewer. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. Very pleased with these. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. 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. Also Im not looking for attention. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. 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. None. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. We Now Have More Information about Ingredients Used in Period Products We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. 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. }(document, 'script', 'advocacy-actionwidget-code')); Womens Voices for the Earth Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. 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? These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. 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. Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? It gets used in a LOT of products and its probably been in tampons and pads for a long time (just never listed on the label before). "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? Viral TikTok Falsely Says Tampon Titanium Dioxide Causes Cancer - Gizmodo 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. Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! 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. They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. As shown in the viral TikTok video, some organic tampons contain titanium dioxide as a bleaching agent. National Library of Medicines list 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. 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. 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. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. Just bear in mind: If you have any specific health concerns to weigh, it's critical to reach out to your gynecologist or primary care physician to make the right choice for you. Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. 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. The simple answer is nothere is no scientific evidence that organic tampons are safer than other options on the market. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. So people are like, Okay, it's doing a good thing. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Our tampons are safe and all the ingredients that we use are rigorously tested to meet strict safety and government regulations around the world, Erica Noble, spokesperson for Procter & Gamble, said. 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. That brings us to. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. "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. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? 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.. "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 compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. But while many want to try and put two and two together, the bottom line is that there isnt enough data to confirm the claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is causing the ovarian cysts and other issues people are describing. 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.. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state).