Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. It became the first state in the nation to do so. For many, the video has raised awareness about an important issue: The chemicals in our products. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. And they made that call after food safety officials said it could damage DNA, which could lead to cancer. 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. 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? Chemistry class was a long time ago. 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. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. It's mainly used for color. Read reviews and buy Tampax Pure Cotton Tampons - Super - 24ct at Target. The FDA has tested and cleared traditionally used tampons for women to use safely and with confidence.". But first. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) "I love these non-applicator tampons," raved one reviewer. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. 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. What is great is that we are reading the ingredients on these products and asking important questions about their safety. 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? 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. "I highly recommend these tampons," wrote one customer. So what do you do instead? One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. No tampon should be used more than once. Unfortunately, this question doesnt have a simple answer. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. 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. So there are lots of ways to be exposed to this chemical. Price at time of publication: $6.98 for 20 count. ", If you do decide to give organic tampons a try, Dr. Ross recommends checking the box for ingredients before buying. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. womensvoices@womensvoices.org. Sunscreens can have concentrations of up to 25%. While there's concern over This Is L Incs tampons, the use of the ingredient in period products isnt new. The other thing that we know [about titanium dioxide is] you don't wanna inhale it, Scranton said. L. Organic Cotton Regular and Super Absorbency Compact Tampons 76CT. "[P]revious studies have shown that titanium dioxide can cause alterations to the reproductive system, including reducing the ovarian follicles and leading to the formation of ovarian cysts," she says. Ask them how they are ensuring the safety of their tampons and pads. We also reached out to Proctor & Gamble, which makes the L. tampons, for comment multiple times with no response. (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. We know from rat studies, rats that inhale it are getting lung cancer.. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. Lets look at the concerns around todays feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. The tampons come in both regular and super sizes, and customers say a regular size is a great option for light flow days. 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? 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. Its used in sunscreen, all kinds of cosmetics, medications, and youll find it in food. Is this an emergency? Pain Inserting a Tampon? I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! For example, here's the ingredient list for Tampax Peal And, spoiler: Its in plenty of other products you probably use in your day-to-day life. ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. You can opt-out at any time. 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. Have a beautiful child. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. While they are not safer to use, there are some benefits to switching to organic tamponsparticularly for environmental reasons. According to the brand, the tampons feature a unique design that keeps "fluids locked in the core for added security. Nonetheless, doctors on TikTok and across social media have come out to say that tampon users should not panic, as there is no scientific evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons cause any harm. Then you can make your own decision. No tampon should be used more than once. That said, well-known brands like Tampax and L. include TiO2 in their products, while brands like Rael, Cora, and The Honey Pot currently do not have this ingredient in their pads or tampons. 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. Here's what the experts suggest Keep it simple: Things like colorants, whiteners, and fragrances are not necessary to the product, Scranton said. Love, love, love it. And do not smoke. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. And that's a really good thing to drive science [and] safer products. (no offense) Alexandra Scranton is the director of science and research at Womens Voices for the Earth, an environmental nonprofit. ", Price at time of publication: $12.74 for 16 count. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved titanium dioxide for human consumption in 1966, cementing its presence in a variety of foods, including candies and other processed foods.. As of the time of publication of this article, Morgans TikTok as well as others on the subject with the hashtag #titaniumdioxide were still on the platform racking up views. $46 at Amazon. You might be racking your brain and thinking, But what about all the studies you just mentioned. Science is complex. Shoppers love that they are made from responsibly sourced, organic cotton and that their applicator is made from 92% of plant-based materials. 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.. Are We Seeing the End of Scented Tampons? Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. "If you feel uncomfortable with the potential risks associated with titanium dioxide, look for products that dont include titanium dioxide on the ingredients list," says Flynn. Including. 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 . Thanks again for sharing your story its voices like yours that can make all the difference. The nice thing is that finally companies are at least required to tell you what is in their products. Im 27 years old. The tampons themselves are made from 100% organic cotton and have been produced using sustainable and ethical processes. Let's take a moment to review cotton production and the concept of GMO (genetically modified organism) farming. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. "Organic tampons are available as an alternative for women who prefer to go this route," said Dr. Ross. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? 3 Safety Considerations for Silica Supplements. If you have sensitive skin, these hypoallergenic, certified organic cotton tampons from Cora might be just what you're looking for. Lifetime customer here. This finding prompted the European Union to ban TiO2 as a food additive earlier this year, but in the U.S., the ingredient is still considered to be safe in food at the limits set by the FDA. We will keep fighting for the need for safer products and more thorough research! How do they not see that this is a dire health issue, they play it off as if we are losing our minds. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. Let's look at the concerns around today's feminine hygiene products, specifically national brand tampons and pads. How Bad Is It Really to Use Baby Powder 'Down There?'. 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.. 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. AT AMAZON. I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. "Again, the data is inconclusive on whether these products are really linked to excessive bleeding, cancer and infertility, so it's not right or wrong to continue using these products based on currently available information," Dr. Gohar says. Hundreds of Amazon shoppers love these organic cotton tampons from Seventh Generation because of their comfortable, dual-layer design that prevents leaks. Now that you know the difference between organic and non-organic tampons, if you are looking to make the switch to more eco-friendly period products, we've got you covered. ", Price at time of publication: $13.99 for 36 count. 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. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. In addition, more informative tampon labeling, as well as educational efforts by the FDA and manufacturers, may have contributed to the reduction in TSS cases. 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. 4.7 out of 5 stars. You may want to talk with your health care provider about whether tampons are right for you. 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. "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.". The FDA has found that regulated amounts of titanium dioxide are considered safe. Titanium dioxide is a white powder and a common ingredient in many products. our process. And certainly there are a few red flags with titanium dioxide, so its not unreasonable to be concerned. I have been researching health impacts of pads and tampons for nearly a decade, so I love having all this new ingredient info. I cant guarantee that the FDA will take any immediate action, but it can help get their attention, if they see a number of reports associated with a product. It's used in sunscreen, toothpaste, some food, and it is used to whiten the string of tampons. Theres been a lot of alarmist concern, she said. 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. For more details, see our Privacy Policy. 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. But titanium dioxides potential health effects depend on how it's used. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. 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. You know why? Wallace told Gizmodo in an email that anecdotal stories like the one in Morgans TikTok go viral all the time because they are sensational and get a lot of shares and comments. Only use tampons when you have your period. They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. 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.. We are committed to working for justice and equity, and are in solidarity with social, racial, and environmental justice organizations to build community, understanding and honest dialogue to address the root causes of violence, harm and hate. 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. People have gotten into a debate over whether or not organic tampons and pads shorten the length of menstrual cycles. Shoppers are fans of the tampon's compact design that fits in the palm of their hand, allowing them to discreetly carry one to the bathroom. It wasnt that long ago (read: 2020) that a New York law requiring ingredients to be listed in period product packaging went into effect.
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