C2h4 Isomers Or Resonance Structures, Poems About Heaven And Angels, Lance Renfrow Football Player, Jeremy's Razors Sales, Anfield Stadium Concert Seating Plan, Articles OTHER

And the importance of questioning what were consuming on the daily. These Veeda tampons are as eco-friendly as they can possibly get. That being said, you may choose to avoid this particular potential exposure. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about 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. 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. The popularity of organic tampons has been on the rise lately as more and more people make the switch to all-natural products. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. Missoula, MT 59807, Visit us in Denver Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes. 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. It makes items white. Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All rights reserved. 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. Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks - Substack Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which if you dont know, causes cancer, Morgan said. No tampon should be used more than once. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. 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. It neutralizes smell as well. 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. There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. It's protecting you from UV rays. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. 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. Plus, titanium dioxide is not water soluble, so it's unlikely to be dissolved and absorbed vaginally, according to the National Library of Medicine. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK.. In addition to being made with 100% natural cotton, the tampons don't come with any applicators, so no excess materials need to be thrown away. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. "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. 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. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. 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. Thanks, So sorry to hear of your experience it is indeed a frustrating situation. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. These videos were chemophobia, Gunter declared, and fear mongering. No issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. 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. 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. 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. L. '100% Organic' Tampons Contain Non-Organic Ingredients, Class Action Theres also period underwear. If so, keep reading! 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. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. I have been researching health impacts of pads and tampons for nearly a decade, so I love having all this new ingredient info. 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. Chemicals are everywhere. tampons can provide protection for up to 8 hours at a time, making them a good option for overnight use. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. No tampon should be used more than once. 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. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. And even heard from the company behind the tampons in question. You may be surprised to learn that the FDA regulates tampons as medical devices. Very pleased with these. 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. 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. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Titanium Dioxide in Tampons: OB-GYNs Debunk Myth It Causes Cancer So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. TikTokers Say Titanium Dioxide in Tampons Is Risky, What - Insider 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. 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. It wasnt that long ago (read: 2020) that a New York law requiring ingredients to be listed in period product packaging went into effect. 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. "Organic tampon companies make claims that the organic tampons 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 that may be harmful to a women's health," said Sherry A. Ross, MD, an ob-gyn, author of she-ology and she-ology. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. L. Organic 100% Cotton Core Tampons Regular, 76 Count Mounting evidence has resulted in the World Health Organization labeling glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen. But this amount varies by product. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. 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. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. It became the first state in the nation to do so. In addition, Gunter stated that this wouldnt apply anyway because no one is washing a tampon and reusing it, anyway. Heres What Your Bodys Trying to Tell You, National Library of Medicine: Titanium dioxide, U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Questions and Answers: FDA posts deemed final order and proposed order for over-the-counter sunscreen, European Food Safety Authority: Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive, U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, New Jersey Department of Health: Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet: Titanium Dioxide, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: Impact of Food Additive Titanium Dioxide on Gut Microbiota Composition, Microbiota-Associated Functions, and Gut Barrier: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Animal Studies. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? 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. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. 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. According to Dr. Aly Cohen, founder & medical director of The Smart Human LLC, all of these studies are different. 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. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. "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. 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. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. Experts resounding answer: We dont have enough data. 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? In 2021, the EFSA ruled that titanium dioxide is unsafe as a food additive and is suspected of causing cancer. "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. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. In an email statement to theSkimm, the FDA said it has not received any medical device reports related to titanium dioxide and menstrual products. And added that it requires manufacturers to evaluate their period products safety in a number of ways. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the Including. (The FDA says that manufacturers can have no more than 1 percent TiO2 in food.). 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]. "I love that these are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic," wrote one. We all deserve safe products and all you need to do is ask. Some worry it causes cancer, irregular periods. 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. Felt they had the same or better absorbency. 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 tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. An official website of the United States government, Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) Is this just a big conspiracy someone is trying to push? The problem is, although the cotton is resistant to the effects of the herbicide glyphosate, the chemical is still absorbed by the plant. "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. The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Chemistry class was a long time ago. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. But Im a stay at home mom with no income. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? 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]. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. According to the brand, these organic O.b. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. 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 by far the most comfortable, reliable, and absorbent. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. 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. Still, peoples stories on social media have left many shaken. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. "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. ", Price at time of publication: $10 for 16 count. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. 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. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. And linked it to cancer and damage to the immune system when certain amounts were ingested over a period of time. Because even my doctor was very confused. You can also register your story with the FDA Medwatch program their online form is here: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=consumer.reporting1 and on that form you can offer as much or as little information as you wish. The .gov means its official.Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. 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. Along with being hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, the tampons feature twisted organic cotton fibers for added absorbency. 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. You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. 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. $46 at Amazon. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. The 12-page complaint says that despite the front-label promise that the tampons are entirely organic, they contain the non-organic ingredients polyester, glycerin, paraffin and titanium dioxide . 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. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal if (d.getElementById(id)) return; The rule for food items is that the coloring agent can't exceed 1% of the food's weight. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. 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. Best Eco-Friendly Applicator: Tampax Pure . But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. Shipping details. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. Although there were also doctors and experts trying to quell the panic, like Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, they were, unfortunately, a minority. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. We also reached out to Proctor & Gamble, which makes the L. tampons, for comment multiple times with no response. How Bad Is It Really to Use Baby Powder 'Down There?'. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. Protective wrap stands up to the roughest of travel and yet is easily unwrapped so no time is wasted. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. This is why we fight tirelessly for ingredient transparency and your right to know! 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. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. Shoppers love that these organic Tampax tampons have an applicator that is comfortable and easy to use. Have a beautiful child. This is the case for period care products, even those made with organic cotton. 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.. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. PO Box 8743 Dr. Cohen agrees, saying its important to hold legislators to a higher standard in making sure that they follow through with legislation that really does make sense, like the New York policy.. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. Lifetime customer here. 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. Organic farming typically uses more sustainable practices, plus by not treating cotton with pesticides, fewer harmful chemicals have been released into the environment. The site is secure. It's mainly used for color. We should be able to make a period product that does not lead to cysts! The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely | FDA TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. Tag: Best Organic Tampons without titanium dioxide Tampons cleared by the FDA are meant to be used one time and then thrown away. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); 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. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles | theSkimm Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise.