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. 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. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? It's used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and you'll find it in food. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks - Substack These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. Questions About Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads? 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. Chemistry class was a long time ago. $12.59. 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? 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. Viral video wrongly blames titanium dioxide in organic tampon strings 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? It's also is often used to make things like paint, and most relevant for our purposes, it's used to make pads and tampons appear whiter. Meaning, you dont have to worry that the blood soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina.. titanium dioxide in tampons? : r/Periods Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Safe? | Penileclinic.com "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.". And the data seems to [indicate] that not very much gets into your body. I WOULD sue this company if I had the slightest idea where to start or the finances to get the ball rolling. You can opt-out at any time. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. 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). ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. I can wear them for as long as necessary and there is no leakage. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. 10 Best Tampon Brands In 2023, According To Ob-Gyns - Women's Health With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. 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. If you use tampons during your period (or menstruation), its important to know how to use them safely. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. a woman on tiktok said that she "has been bleeding for 13 days, has ovarian cysts, and has to check for cancer" because she's used the L. brand tampons. A video with millions of views on TikTok claims titanium dioxide, an ingredient in many tampons, causes cancer and other gynecological and reproductive issues. Tampax. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble, which carries the brands This Is L, Always, and Tampax, has been responding to concerns surrounding titanium dioxide in its products. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. However, as of 2022, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) still . 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. 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 process. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. "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. L. Organic 100% Cotton Core Tampons Regular, 76 Count WVEs Director of Science and Research, Alex Scranton, addresses your questions about titanium dioxide in tampons and pads in this session of #AskAlex. https://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html, [2] EFSA (2021) Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive. (If you reside outside of the U.S., please simply enter 00000 for zip code), ph:(406) 543-3747 | womensvoices@womensvoices.org | 2023 All rights reserved |, Introducing WVEs New Plan for a Thriving Future. Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct : Target Over the years, companies like Dunkin have announced theyre cutting ties with titanium dioxide (which used it for its powdered donuts). If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the 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). I wouldn't raise the alarm. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. "Similar to choosing organic vegetables, it's an alternative, but not necessarily better or safer for women to consume. "Best product ever," raved one customer. ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. I used this exact brand. Are common multivitamins worth the money? 4.7 out of 5 stars. 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). If that is the case, you can avoid glyphosate by using alternative feminine hygiene products. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. by theorganicbunny on August 3, 2022. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. Theres also period underwear. Including. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. Information reported to MedWatch helps the FDA to ensure tampons remain safe and effective. These popular period products are perfect for women with heavy flows because they are designed to expand in all directions to prevent leaks. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? 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. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. 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. "These tampons are fantastic," wrote one customer. 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. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; 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. "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.". Her job is to pore over ingredient lists and other scientific studies to find out what we know about the chemicals that are in our products and what their exposure could mean. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. Best Organic Tampons. So we talked to gynecologists to get the scoop on everything you need to know about organic tampons. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal 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. A TikTok with more than 3 million views is raising questions about just that. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? We Now Have More Information about Ingredients Used in Period Products 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 products are made from cotton and it is actually the cotton contained in these products that are the potential problem. 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 have been researching health impacts of pads and tampons for nearly a decade, so I love having all this new ingredient info. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. 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. Lifetime customer here. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. 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. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. 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. 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. And its important to note that individual experiences are valid. 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. 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. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . These are by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. 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. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. New study explores the benefits,harms. TikTokers say titanium dioxide in organic tampons led to severe side of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. "I have a very heavy flow, and I find that I don't have to change these too often. 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. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. 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. productslearn more about But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your 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. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. 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. Is this an emergency? Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. 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. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. Viral TikTok Falsely Says Tampon Titanium Dioxide Causes Cancer - Gizmodo 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. Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. 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. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. According to the suit, 80 percent of the tampons' ingredients are "not cotton," and 60 percent of the ingredients are "not organic," as . 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. 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. According to the brand, these organic O.b. We all know social media is a breeding ground for misinformation and disinformation. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. 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. Since the heaviness of your flow can fluctuate each day during your period, many women keep a variety of tampon sizes on hand. And how can we learn more about the products were using? 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. And that is what I encourage you all to do to contact the manufacturers of the products you use. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. 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. Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Maria McCallen, and Kamini Ramdeen-Chowdhury. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. polyester, glycerin, paraffin, titanium dioxide. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. There are however many brands who do not use this in their period products. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. $46 at Amazon. 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. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. Very pleased with these. Could it really be responsible for reproductive health issues? the she-quel and creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. 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. 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. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. 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. 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. 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. 1031 33rd Street 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. Other videos on TikTok pointed out that Mars, Inc. is currently being sued for not disclosing that Skittles contained titanium dioxide. 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. The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. 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. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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. Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. Never ever in my life have had an ovarian cyst. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their 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.