15826245f15f2e664c1e3a433543b5844be72 titanium dioxide in tampons

This needs to be properly investigated. OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. 4.7 out of 5 stars. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. 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. 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. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. 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. Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. The absorbent fibers used in FDA-cleared tampons sold today are made with a bleaching process that is free from elemental chlorine, which also prevents products from having dangerous levels of dioxin (a type of pollutant found in the environment). The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. "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. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. 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. Very pleased with these. But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. The FDA has tested and cleared traditionally used tampons for women to use safely and with confidence.". FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. "Best product ever," raved one customer. 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. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. [1] CCOHS (2019) Titanium Dioxide Classified as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans. We are starting to recognize the health concerns of this class of chemicals. 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. And they made that call after food safety officials said it could damage DNA, which could lead to cancer. It wasnt that long ago (read: 2020) that a New York law requiring ingredients to be listed in period product packaging went into effect. Not only are the tampons made from 100% certified organic cotton, but the rounded cardboard applicators are fully biodegradable, making them a fantastic eco-friendly product. polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. 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. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. Heres what we know about exposure to titanium dioxide right now: If you inhale titanium dioxide particles it can possibly lead to lung cancer at least we know it causes lung cancer in rats [1]. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. 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. Some. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . 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. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. 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. And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. 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. 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. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 Aka a common coloring agent. 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. Titanium dioxide, or TiO 2, is a naturally occurring mineral that takes the form of a tasteless, white powder, according to the National Institutes of Health. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. Some country-level occupational health and safety organizations cite a lack of high-quality studies from which they can draw any concrete conclusions about the long-term risks of titanium dioxide exposure. If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. Gunter also added that when products like titanium dioxide are put on fabric, the point is to have them stay on the fabric. 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. It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. . Is the Acrylamide in Coffee Actually Bad for You? 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. The highly absorbent products are made without any dioxides, polyester, pesticides, or fragrances, and they are applicator-free. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. And suggested that the tampons from This Is L Inc are causing ovarian cysts. A viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause cancer. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. And live a healthy lifestyle. Meanwhile, in the US, the FDA continues to allow for safe use of TiO2 as a food additive as long as manufacturers provide evidence that it is safe at its intended level of use. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. Are common multivitamins worth the money? 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. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . Have a beautiful child. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. AT AMAZON. ", 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. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. 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. The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. Shipping details. Unbelievable. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. 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. 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. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. Pain Inserting a Tampon? 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. 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. With these there's no irritation or dryness, I honestly forget they're in. A viral TikTok with millions views about how tampons that contain titanium dioxide can cause cancer and other health problems has spurred calls on the platform to throw away all products that match that description. Another familiar one: Tampax is similar to Kotex in that these are your everyday, typical tampons. Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? 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.. Is this an emergency? And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. 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. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." Rates of reported TSS cases associated with tampons have declined significantly over the years. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. While paying $300 a month for health insurance. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. Rebecca Carhart is a Senior Ecommerce Reviews Writer covering home, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. But first. 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. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? 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. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. "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." Titanium dioxide might be one of these. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. $46 at Amazon. "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! "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. And there honestly isn't a ton of reliable data on the ingredient to help us draw better conclusions, argues the authors of this 2011 review. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. Think: Many of them are animal studies. Could you explain as to why this happened to me? Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. 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. 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. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. Along with being hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, the tampons feature twisted organic cotton fibers for added absorbency. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. Considering each pack comes with 32 tampons, their price isn't even that bad for an all-organic product! Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the productslearn more about 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. Alexandra Scranton, Director of Science and Research. 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. It makes items white. 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. 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. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. And not by experts on tiktoc. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. 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. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. 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. Theyre actually in other brands like Always pads and Tampax tampons. But, again, further study is needed.. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. "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. I wanted to do more research before just jumping and following this narrative blindly. Menstrual pads get even more complicated with top layers, middle layers of absorbent foam, super absorbent polymers, various waterproof backings, more fragrance, lots of coatings to wick fluid and aid absorption, lotion ingredients like petrolatum, adhesives made with styrene, more titanium dioxide to make it look whiter, as well as colored dyes for pretty designs. While experts agree more studies need to be done on titanium dioxides potential impact on reproductive health, one person's video is motivating millions of people to take control of their health and question what they consume every day. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give 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). The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. "[TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it has been associated with lung cancer when inhaled," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh, which is why the government sets limits on exposure for workers. 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. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. "If you feel uncomfortable with the potential risks associated with titanium dioxide, look for products that dont include titanium dioxide on the ingredients list," says Flynn. I just think its important to not think that because we see one TikTok of somebody having a problem and [saying] this is what caused it to understand that thats not the most scientific way to figure out whats going on., We may earn a commission from links on this page. Our editors independently select these products. Stressing itll rupture or cause my ovary to twist while my husband is hours away. ", Price at time of publication: $14.99 for 32 count. 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. 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. 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? In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. You know why? 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]. "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. And see what they say. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment.

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