Though some research identified a link between the . According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their 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.. 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Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? 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 love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. The reality of life today is that you are bombarded with multiple chemical exposures. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. 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. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. 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]. You can opt-out at any time. ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. 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. It makes items white. 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. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. 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. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. None. A video with millions of views on TikTok claims titanium dioxide, an ingredient in many tampons, causes cancer and other gynecological and reproductive issues. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. 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. No tampon should be used more than once. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. 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. polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. According to the brand, these organic O.b. productslearn more about Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. And since the chemical is in the cotton plant it will also be in the cotton produced from the plant. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. 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. 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. 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. National Library of Medicines list "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. Nonetheless, doctors on TikTok and across social media have come out to say that tampon users should not panic, as there is no scientific evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons cause any harm. 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. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. 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). 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. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. We also reached out to Proctor & Gamble, which makes the L. tampons, for comment multiple times with no response. "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. Theres also period underwear. I am not into social media. And they made that call after food safety officials said it could damage DNA, which could lead to cancer. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; 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. This means that farmers could use this herbicide to kill the weeds in their fields without worrying about it harming the cotton crops. If so, keep reading! But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. 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. "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. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. 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. 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! 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. Mostly organic produce. [My container] doesnt say it, but its getting thrown out regardless, because how can I consciously just be like, Oh sure, yeah, I trust you. So yeah, go check your fucking box and if you had any adverse symptoms like her, call a fucking lawyer.. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. It is also important to note that the high-profile studies in mice showing inflammation and genetic changes involved force ingestion of massive amounts of titanium dioxide, which would not be possible for every day Americans to replicate through consumer product exposures., Marino speculated that the confusion and recent attention to titanium dioxide was related to a 2021 ban of the mineral by the European Food Safety Authority, which cited concern about the mouse data in its decision although even that data did not support the idea that it is a carcinogen.. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. 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. 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. 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. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. Denver, Colorado 80205, Phone: (406) 543-3747 But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. There's just a lot of unknowns and I think it requires further investigation, Dr. Olivia Dziadek, gynecologist with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, said. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. TikTok is a powerful platform thats influencing peoples lives including their physical health. As a result, it's not too difficult to shop for TiO2-free tampons if you're concernedand have the financial means to do so. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. But this amount varies by product. 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. These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. The thread is so soft and they absorb perfectly. And Scranton thinks that the more people read and learn about what theyre using, the more likely theyll push for change. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. 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. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. 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. 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. For sunscreen, the research that's been done has looked at how much titanium dioxide do you absorb through your skin when you put it on as a sunscreen, she said. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! People have gotten into a debate over whether or not organic tampons and pads shorten the length of menstrual cycles. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. 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.