15826245f15f2e664c1e3a433543b5844be72 titanium dioxide in tampons

Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. The 2023 Complete Python Certification Bootcamp Bundle, Mourning the Loss of Addison Raes Debut Album | The Meme Machine. ", Price at time of publication: $6.95 for 16 count. 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. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. A company spokesperson told theSkimm that the ingredient represents much less than 0.1% of all ingredients used in a [P&G] tampon. And said its been used safely for years. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? These products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. In this world, every point in the cycle of production and consumption from extraction, to processing, to use, to disposal contributes not just to a less toxic world, but to a thriving world. So what do you do instead? "They're easy to use, easily concealable, and give me ease of mind that I'm doing something good for the environment. These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. 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. Dr. Dziadek added that if people dont feel comfortable with tampons, they can try menstrual cups. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. She stressed that its important to remember that correlation in this case does not equal causation. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. Lincoln said this led some to believe that. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; 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. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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. 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. If something is white, it often has titanium dioxide. 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. 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. Morgan explains that she learned about the purported dangers of these tampons after TikTok showed her a video of a girl using the same brand that had experienced two weeks of excessive bleeding and extreme pain, ovarian cysts, and irreversible uterine damage. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. 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 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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. The toxic substance produced by the bacteria can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. 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. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. Have a beautiful child. Probably, at this point in time, the best answer is, We dont know. Likely the amount of glyphosate in feminine hygiene products is relatively small. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. ", Price at time of publication: $11.25 for 32 count. And how can we learn more about the products were using? "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. Price at time of publication: $16 for 20 count. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. 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. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . 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. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. Difference Between Regular and Organic Tampons, Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons, Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure Organic Tampons, Best Cardboard Applicator: Oi Certified Organic Tampons, Best Applicator Free: Veeda Natural Cotton Applicator Free Tampons, Best for Light Flow: Seventh Generation Organic Cotton Tampons, Best for Heavy Flow: Lola Super Plus Organic Cotton Tampons, Best Variety Pack: Top Regular & Super Organic Tampons, Best Hypoallergenic Option: Cora Organic Cotton Tampons, Best Overnight Option: O.B. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. Our editors independently select these products. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. 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. 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. I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. And live a healthy lifestyle. If youre still super worried, and I hear you, then use something else, like pads or menstrual cups or whatnot, Lincoln, who has 2.8 million followers on TikTok, said. AT AMAZON. Reusable tampons may carry additional risks of infections such as yeast, fungal, and bacterial infections. And do not smoke. It's protecting you from UV rays. As an emergency roomdoctor, there would be many possible (and more likely) emergency room causes of excessive menstrual bleeding that I would evaluate a patient for. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. Lifetime customer here. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. New study explores the benefits,harms. Meanwhile, other countries are cracking down on the coloring agent. Chemicals are everywhere. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. As part of the FDAs review, manufacturers submit data including the results of testing to evaluate the safety of the materials used to make tampons and applicators (if present); tampon absorbency, strength, and integrity; and whether tampons enhance the growth of certain harmful bacteria or change normal bacteria levels in the vagina. 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. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. Are There Toxic Chemicals in Your Tampons? 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.. 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. 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. Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. Think: Many of them are animal studies. (The FDA says that manufacturers can have no more than 1 percent TiO2 in food.). 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. of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. T. "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. Doctors say there's no link between cancer titanium dioxide. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. 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. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. at the Posner Center 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. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Media inquiries? They are comfortable and easy to use, just make sure you press down completely on the applicator before removing (it sort of 'clicks' together). What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. "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. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. 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. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. 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. There's also a little bit of evidence to suggest that the common ingredient may be an endocrine disruptor, says Flynnmeaning it may affect a person's hormonal system. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. The only tampons cleared or approved by the FDA are designed for single-use. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. None. I started switching to organic food, so why not beauty/hygiene products as well? 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. Keep in mind that sometimes titanium dioxide might also be listed as white pigment or pigment white 6 so look for those terms as well. Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. ", 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. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . And is used as a coloring agent to brighten and whiten things like period products. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. 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. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. Given the mixed reviews on the substance, it's obvious why some are concerned about consuming it. But this amount varies by product. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. 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. Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. This needs to be properly investigated. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. "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.". 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. The reality is that these products are under-researched so we just dont know what impacts they may be having on our health, because neither researchers or companies are asking the questions that need to be asked. "I love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. 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. 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. the she-quel and creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina. And putting the different limits aside, it can be hard to find titanium dioxide on labels because not all companies are required to list it. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? 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. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. If you don't want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. Is this an emergency? L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. The FDA discourages the use of reusable tampons. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. All rights reserved. However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. 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.. The FDA has tested and cleared traditionally used tampons for women to use safely and with confidence.". Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. So you can choose whether or not you want to accept a possible risk to have a whiter tampon OR choose a brand that doesnt include it. There is accumulating data suggesting an association with the EDCs (including the glyphosate found in cotton) with several conditions including but not limited to: This is a complicated question. "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.". polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. This is what manufacturers need to know that people are reading these things and asking these questions.. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. 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). 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { 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. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. These are the best organic tampons to shop for: Best Overall: Organyc 100% Certified Organic Tampons. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. The popularity of organic tampons has been on the rise lately as more and more people make the switch to all-natural products. Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. They are in your food, your clothes, your makeup, and skincare products just to name a few of your daily exposures. 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). 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. 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. Im 27 years old. Hundreds of Walmart shoppers have given the tampons a near-perfect rating, with many raving about how they're absorbent and comfortable. 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]. Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. But if we are exposed to these same substances via a different route than how they are intended, or at a higher dose, they can be toxic. Tampax. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. 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. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. 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. 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. Love, love, love it. It makes items white. 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. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? 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.. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. 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. Mostly organic produce. 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. The main difference between regular and organic tampons are the materials used when making them. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? Addressing a popular TikTok concern over titanium dioxide getting absorbed by the vagina, Gunter said that this doesnt happen because of titanium dioxides chemical composition.

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