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. (no offense) 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. But what does it mean for tampons, pads, and reproductive health overall? "Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring substance that is often used in food and other topical products to create a whiter and brighter look," Dr. Gohar says. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. Theres even a lawsuit alleging that the candy company Mars, which makes Skittles, didnt inform its customers about the potential taste the rainbow dangers of titanium dioxide in its product. 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. Pro tip: It can also appear as Pigment White 6 and White Pigment in packaging. This disruption of certain biological pathways can lead to the development of the disease. 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 are experiencing like ovarian cysts, miscarriages, UTIs and more. Tampons are designed to be inserted into the vagina with or without an applicator. 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,. Titanium dioxide was news to me; no companies have ever disclosed using it before. So what can you do to stay healthy and safe? "But while no study has positively linked titanium dioxide exposure to ovarian cancer, miscarriages, or UTIs, we also dont have the science to assure us that this kind of exposure is perfectly safe either." There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. But we [also] don't have the data to support, Don't worry about this. Overall, what i know is there is two types of titanium dioxide but now the food grade is considered unfit for Skittles. "Minimal waste and perfect for everyone especially those that are extra sensitive. Thats huge, considering the FDA doesnt require companies to list the individual ingredients in tampons and pads since theyre considered medical devices. 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. L. Organic Cotton Ultra Thin Pads for Women, Regular Absorbency, Free from Chlorine Bleaching Pesticides Fragrances Or Dyes, 84 Count. So heres a refresher: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. js.src = '//p2a.co/js/embed/widget/advocacywidget.min.js'; The tampons are made from 100% organic cotton that is both soft and breathable. Not only are the tampons made from 100% certified organic cotton, but the rounded cardboard applicators are fully biodegradable, making them a fantastic eco-friendly product. I changed them every 2-3 hours, and even then I'd feel dry and chaffed or just felt them there. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. And performed in ways that account for different titanium dioxide levels and time of exposure. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? "I have been using these for a few years now and I love them," raved one shopper. A world where workers are treated with dignity from our paychecks to our working conditions. "could no longer be considered safe" as a food additive, ban TiO2 as a food additive earlier this year, classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients, may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, government sets limits on exposure for workers, not found any clear link between lung cancer, titanium dioxide can cause alterations to the reproductive system, 26 percent of the global population are of reproductive age. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. And the data seems to [indicate] that not very much gets into your body. Though some research identified a link between the . They also like the fact that the tampons are gynecologist-approved and from a women-owned business. New study explores the benefits,harms. For more information on TSS, see the tampon safety tips, below. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." 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. 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. 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. I wouldn't raise the alarm. With all these questions, we turned to experts for answers. Just because someone had health problems after they used something doesnt necessarily mean an ingredient in that thing caused the problem, Wallace said. While you may have heard about reusable tampons, the FDA has not cleared or approved these products. Titanium dioxide is in food, cosmetics, dye, tampons. He reiterated that no such evidence exists. Peter Weiss, MD, is a board-certified OB/GYN and expert in women's health. 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. Made with a 100% cotton core, the company's feminine care products are produced without any dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching. As the name suggests, these tampons are, indeed, organic, made of cotton and free of synthetic ingredientszero chemicals, fragrances or dyes involved. This is misleading; the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the compound's use in food and cosmetics, and experts say no studies have proven a link between tampon strings and cancer in humans. Tens of thousands of users have flooded the comments many claiming to have had similar experiences. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Estimated ship dimensions: 2.795 inches length x 4.37 inches width x 5.669 inches height. Subscribe to receive Consumer Updates email notifications. "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. Only tampons that have been cleared by the FDA can be legally marketed in the U.S. ", Price at time of publication: $13.98 for 36 count. 2023Well+Good LLC. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. productslearn more about And then look up and vet the products that we do have available.. 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. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. Likely in your daily life, you have much more significant exposures to this class of chemicals. 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. It's mainly used for color. 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. Most brands only started listing their ingredients on their packages for the first time late last year (2021) thanks to a new law in New York state. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. 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. 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. Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. 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. More: Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? No tampon should be used more than once. Ultimately the end product produced from the cotton may also contain some amount of the chemical. What Are the Symptoms of Having Your Period? 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. 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. 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. Walmart customers love these super plus organic cotton tampons from Lola so much, they have given them an impressive 4.3-star rating. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Wondering the Best Organic Tampons? The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. $17.50 ($0.24/Count) Sold by Utopia Distributors and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. It became the first state in the nation to do so. So companies need to come forward and explain what gives them confidence in using it. "They come in two different sizesregular and superwhich are very convenient depending on the day. And many of these chemicals have been associated with contributing to cancer and other medical problems. 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.