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 issues with the applicator and love the discreet packaging. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. "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. 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. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. 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. Here are 11 organic tampons that reviewers love. 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. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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. 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. I have been researching health impacts of pads and tampons for nearly a decade, so I love having all this new ingredient info. 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. ', Consuming it orally appears to be a different story. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. This box of organic tampons from Top comes in both super and regular sizes, for light and heavy days. 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. For about the last twenty years the majority of cotton farmers have been using seeds that were modified to have resistance to a major herbicide known as glyphosate. Most importantly, reviewers say the tampons are both comfortable and absorbent. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (function(d, s, id) { 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. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. Including how tampons affect vaginal bacteria. Best Organic Tampons. Theyre actually in other brands like Always pads and Tampax tampons. But I can tell you this cyst has made my job exhausting and totally draining chasing my toddler around. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. 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. The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. 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. Visit our press room or contact our communications director. The potential problem lies in the specific chemical. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. Certainly, we don't have the data to support that alarmist concern. ", One shopper wrote, "I used to use Tampax, but things changed as I got older and I needed something more absorbent and more comfortable. What do they know about titanium dioxide that assures them its safe? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria. But it is becoming a controversial chemical. Organyc 100% Certified Organic Cotton Tampons. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? "I stopped using tampons when I noticed they'd irritate my lady parts after use. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. 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. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. ", Price at time of publication: $7.95 for 14 count. 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. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. While animal studies give us important information, they cannot be directly generalized to people, Marino said. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. Dr. Ryan Marino, a medical toxicologist and assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, told Gizmodo in an email that inhaled titanium dioxide (primarily related to industrial exposure) is considered possibly carcinogenic. 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. at the Posner Center Think: Many of them are animal studies. Tampax comes in light, regular, and super absorbencies and . Glyphosateis from a class of chemicals known as endocrine disrupters. 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. 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. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. One shopper called the Top tampons a "must try" before adding, "I've used many different brands of organic tampons. 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.. This is totally safe.. "They're organic, and I love how compact they are! However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. We also reached out to Proctor & Gamble, which makes the L. tampons, for comment multiple times with no response. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 2023Well+Good LLC. T. 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 there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. 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. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. ", 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. It's mainly used for color. 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). 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,. The FDA has tested and cleared traditionally used tampons for women to use safely and with confidence.". If you prefer to use cardboard applicators, check out these tampons from Oi. This is L. tampons are labeled as being made with organic cotton, and the company's marketing promises a simple product: "Only the ingredients you need for the confidence, comfort, and protection you . Read our, What Exposure Could Mean for Your Reproductive Health. 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. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . 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). 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. No applicator also means less plastic, less waste, and they're also way more discreet, and I can pack more of them into a smaller space. But the video is raising important questions: What is titanium dioxide? 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. "They come in two different sizesregular and superwhich are very convenient depending on the day. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. According to the brand, these organic O.b. 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 viral TikTok video is spreading misinformation that an ingredient occasionally found in tampons titanium dioxide can cause 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. 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? Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. "Didn't get the weird tingling that other tampons can give you. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals or EDCs can act like the naturally occurring hormones in your body. 4.7 out of 5 stars. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. 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. These options are often referred to as green alternatives and include: By Andrea Chisholm, MD But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. How well do you know the ingredients in the foods you eat or products you use every day? So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? Titanium dioxide might be one of these. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. Along with being hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, the tampons feature twisted organic cotton fibers for added absorbency. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? At TOTM, we can confirm that we do not use titanium dioxide at any stage of our . "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. the she-quel and creator of URJA Intimates skincare products for the vulva and vagina. FDA-cleared tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. Is it possible todays feminine hygiene products are exposing me to cancer-causing chemicals? But this amount varies by product. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. 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.. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. Titanium dioxide is common chemical. 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. But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. In addition to being gynecologist-tested, the tampons are also biodegradable and free from fragrances, dyes, synthetics, and chemicals. 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 https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal Tampons are not intended to be used at any other time or . PO Box 8743 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. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 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. Andrea Chisolm, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN who has taught at both Tufts University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. Get it daily. Dr. Jennifer Gunter, an OB/GYN and frequent debunker of outrageous and fake advice online, is one of the doctors that came out this week to try to reassure individuals that their tampons were not toxic death sticks.. Chemistry class was a long time ago. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. Regarding risk of cancer, there is an oft-cited study that shows that chronic high-level exposure of inhaled TiO2 could be linked to lung cancer in rats. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. 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.. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide 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.