Since 1966, the Food and Drug Administration has recognized titanium dioxide as a safe colorant in food, reported The New York Times, as long as it is less than 1% of the foods total weight. Titanium dioxide has recently been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen possible carcinogen to humans. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). We see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course, BS, she said. Our super organic, hypoallergenic and biodegradable tampons are made from 100% certified organic cotton. If a tampon shortage in the USA wasnt enough, theres now a terrifying TikTok about the effects of titanium dioxide in tampons with an emotional story that hits home for menstruators. If a tampon shortage in the USA wasnt enough, theres now a terrifying TikTok about the effects of titanium dioxide in tampons with an emotional story that hits home for menstruators. (LogOut/ It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. Yet Jayesh clarifies that simply because a brand uses materials that have been pre-assessed for health safety does not mean how theyre being used does not cause problems. We know its very important to remove the tampon, not to leave it in., Added Lincoln: I also think this is just my theory that anything that goes in the vagina, in this country, were somewhat scared of it. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. Passionate about periods? Plus, Gunter explained that titanium dioxide tends to stick to whatever fabric it is on, and is not easily washed out. The National Library of Medicine noted that there's "inadequate evidence in humans" that the additive contributes to cancer. Its on the string so its not even in the part of the tampon thats inside the vagina," Lincoln said. Vaginal pH imbalances can lead to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and can cause allergy related symptoms such as itching. Tampons are great. 20006, Florida Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Video shows Elon Musk talking about what every failed leader he met had in common. Its widely used in the fashion industry because of its ability to mimic the look and feel of other fabrics such as silk, cotton, wool and others. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 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. The agency could not rule out potential damage to DNA,but this is much different than the agency stating there was an identified cause and effect. While the EFSA in the United States declared titanium dioxide unsafe as a food additive in 2021, the FDA has ruled it safe for use as a colorant. Vaginal pH imbalances can lead 2023Well+Good LLC. The widespread use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) in the food industry has brought about human safety risks related to nanotoxicity. We definitely need more activism and awareness around this issue! You cant just say just because you breathe something in and it causes cancer that its also going to cause cancer in a different route, Lincoln explained. A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide in tampons. As I mentioned earlier, vaginal pH imbalances can lead to different bacterial and fungal infections. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! That determination prompted authorities in the European Union to ban the substance as a food additive. "Well what do you know." The amount of titanium dioxide in each tampon is minuscule. "But not only that, 'such substances may have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans,'" she continues. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/carbon-disulfide.pdf, Government of Canada, C. C. (2021, May 09). But what about its relationship to cancer? According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, it's "possibly carcinogenic" since studies have linked lung tumors in rats with inhaling titanium dioxide. It's also used in sunscreen because its whitening property helps it reflect sunlight. The titanium dioxide in it is toxic to us & causing cancerous cysts, ectopic pregnancies, & reproductive damage in humans. 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. Have an idea for an article? One of our founding values at joni is radical transparency. Just because titanium dioxide may show signs of toxicity when eaten or inhaled, doesnt mean all exposure is dangerous. stated on July 20, 2022 an Instagram post: stated on June 21, 2022 an Instagram post: stated on June 17, 2022 a post on Facebook: stated on June 12, 2022 social media posts: stated on January 6, 2023 in a video shared on Facebook: stated on January 16, 2023 in a photo on Facebook: stated on January 11, 2023 in an Instagram post: stated on January 1, 2023 in an image shared on Instagram: stated on January 10, 2023 in an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity: stated on December 1, 2022 in a radio interview: stated on January 12, 2023 in a photo on Facebook: stated on January 12, 2023 in remarks at the White House: All Rights Reserved Poynter Institute 2020, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, established what it calls a "permissible exposure limit. 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. Its really pervasive because its a whitening agent. OEKO-TEX, for example, is a popular certification for textiles that tests for potentially harmful substances, from raw materials through to the finished productand re-testing occurs every three years. During clinical trials the amount of titanium dioxide Environmental and reproductive health experts have mixed views on how safe titanium dioxide in menstrual products is, but there's no evidence the tampons cause reproductive health problems like ovarian cysts or cancer. "They use it to make the string look whiter.. This lack of data is incredibly frustrating, given that 26 percent of the global population are of reproductive age and presumably using pads and tampons on the regular to manage their cycles. The doctors all praised how tampons make a lot of activities, like swimming, more accessible when you have your period, and stressed that people should feel comfortable using whatever menstrual products they like best. Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy. . One of our founding values at joni is radical transparency. Please dont panic about titanium dioxide in tampon strings. Because lets face it- we should not be putting toxic chemicals inside of our bodies on a regular basis. It is considered one of the most dangerous fabrics, but is still one of the main ingredients in our menstrual products! debunked the myth that non-organic pads can cause cancer. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. " Yes, I know there are scary videos circulating on TikTok, but this is chemophobia. In a post on her blog The Vajenda, Dr. Jen Gunter, author and OB/GYN explained that chemistry may also be on our side. To say this guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement. Whats lost in translation is that its really related to the inhalation of titanium dioxide, not (when it's) used internally, such as a tampon," she explained, adding that the research is in rats. The brand, L., markets itself as "accessible period care made with ingredients inspired by nature," according to its website. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. In a previous blog post, Jayesh. Theres no evidence of cancer due to titanium dioxide in tampons but that may be because there simply arent any studies in this regard.. 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. 33701 Titanium dioxide has bubbled up to the top of our feed again, but this time it's not in Skittles, it's in tampons. We know its very important to remove the tampon, not to leave it in., Added Lincoln: I also think this is just my theory that anything that goes in the vagina, in this country, were somewhat scared of it. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. 1800 I Street NW Theres nothing linked in the data that says that tampon use is linked to cancer or harm in the reproductive system, Dr. Christine Greves, an OB-GYN in Orlando, Florida, told TODAY. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. 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 Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. 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. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/dirty-dozen-peg-compounds-contaminants/, Watson, S. (2019, July 11). ", 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. "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. Some cotton farmers earn less than $2.00 a day for their cotton and spend up to 60% of their annual income on pesticides. IE 11 is not supported. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. Titanium dioxide is used in all kinds of products as a whitener, including toothpaste, sunscreen, and yes, period care. Our editors independently select these products. If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. Whats lost in translation is that its really related to the inhalation of titanium dioxide, not (when it's) used internally, such as a tampon," she explained, adding that the research is in rats. The second reason? The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies titanium dioxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Is titanium dioxide safe in tampons or could it cause health issues? But there is also no published research on vaginal Theres no evidence of cancer due to titanium dioxide in tampons but that may be because there simply arent any studies in this regard. In an interview with Popsugar, ob TikTokers are raising concern about an ingredient in an organic tampon brand that they say is causing symptoms like heavy bleeding and ovarian cysts. And thats it. 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. If theyre using titanium dioxide, its because related studies have shown it doesnt pose a threat. As a result, it's not too difficult to shop for TiO2-free tampons if you're concernedand have the financial means to do so. "I've been on my period for 13 days, I have ovarian cysts that they have to check for cancer, and I've used five of these," she says holding an empty container of L. tampons. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. Preventing paraffin-related injury. I also love that they use 100% organic cotton, are plastic & fragrance free, totally chlorine free and are biodegradable! In a previous blog post, Jayesh debunked the myth that non-organic pads can cause cancer since study after study has not proven this. So manufacturers add preservatives, fragrance and bleach to make it more appealing. The carbon disulphide emitted from rayon has been proven to cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and chest pain when inhaled. Pain Inserting a Tampon? 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. Sunscreens with titanium dioxide as nanoparticles, Safety of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in cosmetics, New York becomes first state to require ingredients list on pads, tampons, Are Skittles Toxic? Paraffin is a by-product of the petrochemical industry and has to be intensively refined with bleach and other harmful chemicals in order to be useful. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. Aug. 6, 2022, theSkimm, "What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles," Aug. 4, 2022, The Vajenda, "Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks," Aug. 3, 2022, Kimberly-Clark, "U by Kotex Ingredients and Purposes," accessed Aug. 8, 2022, L. (tampon brand), "FAQs," accessed Aug. 9, 2022, Tampax, "What are tampons made of?" "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. While "titanium dioxide is natural, meaning found in nature," it doesn't necessarily mean it's healthy, says ob-gyn and pain medicine physician Jen Gunter, MD. 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. 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. So today, I wanted to write a blog on the hidden dangers found in our menstrual products and what products to use instead! Titanium dioxide is chemical substance used in many products to make them look whiter, according to ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. a She does this by citing another TikTok videoin which that user claimed to have excessive vaginal bleeding, ovarian cystsand uterine damage after using L. brand tampons. Doctors say that tampons are safe. To say this guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement. "To date, there is no published research that has researched the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Eyvazzadeh said. ", In a statement provided by a spokesperson, the FDA said the agency regulates tampons as a medical device and "continues to allow for the safe use of titanium dioxide as a color additive when used according to the specifications requirements, including usage in amounts not to exceed the minimum reasonably required to accomplish the intended coloring effect.". Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . Thank you so much for reading my blog! Theres really two reasons why people think that it could cause cancer, and I can understand why because its confusing, Lincoln, an OB-GYN and author of the book, Lets Talk about Down There: An OB-GYN Answers all Your Burning Questions Without Making You Feel Embarrassed for Asking, told TODAY. The vagina is an extremely sensitive organ and using plastic derived ingredients is a big no no! "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. Environmental and reproductive health experts have mixed views on how safe titanium dioxide in menstrual products is, but there's no evidence the tampons cause reproductive health problems like ovarian cysts or cancer. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. ", The post was flagged as part of Facebooks efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. So, do organic tampons contain titanium dioxide? 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. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. What to Know About Food Additive Titanium Dioxide, Release of Titanium Dioxide from Textiles during Washing, Tampon wars: the battle to overthrow the Tampax empire. Chemicals and ingredients found in conventional tampons have many unadvertised side effects and dangers so lets get into it and explore healthier alternatives! "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.". That is why its so important to take your own health into account and start educating yourself on common ingredients. Other concerns of titanium dioxide toxicity involve food, highlighted by the recent lawsuit alleging that Skittles, a popular candy,contain a "known toxin." Stay up to date with what you want to know. Existing research sheds little conclusive light on this claim. But there is also no published research on vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide that can guarantee its safety. You cant just say just because you breathe something in and it causes cancer that its also going to cause cancer in a different route, Lincoln explained. 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. But we dont know anything about how much is safe in tampons or if it accumulates in the body. Because of the mixed evidence, it was classified as "possibly" carcinogenic. Not all eco products are equal and use the Its use as a food additive was banned in the European Union. I do think that they have an image problem because of that.. This ensures the product has been tested, and undergoes regular testing, to meet specific standards. Meghan Holohan is a contributing writer who covers health and parenting for TODAY.com. Image shows Paul Pelosi, bruised, in a booking mugshot. The Problem With Paraffin In Emollients. 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. Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. Propylene is a plastic that is found in food containers like those that hold yogurt, cream cheese and butter products. View all posts by Sara Mastrangelo. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. "Our high-quality ingredients are rigorously tested and meet strict safety and government regulations around the world.". If you dont want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. If people just do a quick Google search, it can be a bit confusing.. Before I wrote this blog, I knew tampons and pads contained harmful chemicals but I will admit that Im a bit shocked by the amount of information there is on this already. And its equally important to question the motivations behind trending conspiracies that prey on emotions (and boost social virality), adds Jayesh. We need your help. Epidemiological These days, in the United States, there are fewer than 20,000 cases of TSS a year, Greves said: Toxic shock syndrome is definitely less common simply because now were educated. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. All gender affirming care for children is 100% experimental. It makes items white. They are very similar to Natracare and do not contain genetically modified cotton or any of the other chemicals that we discussed. Less than 0.1% of titanium dioxide is used in the total ingredients of tampons. There have been studies in animals that have shown the carcinogenic effects of titanium dioxide when inhaled. People on social media are worried that titanium dioxide on tampons can cause cancer or irregular periods thanks to a viral video. Zero.. After a viral TikTok warned that a common ingredient in tampons was linked to cancer, many were left wondering if their preferred menstrual products were harming their bodies. The minerals effects have been tested primarily in animals, but some research has found it can be harmful when inhaled or consumed in large quantities amounts not used in tampons. An additional two satellite groups underwent the same protocol for 45 days and for In 1980, 812 cases of TSS associated with menstruation were reported, but over the course of the following decade, cases dropped significantly due to companies making less absorbent tampons and increased public awareness of TSS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Sabrina offers ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and implement lessons in our lives. The choice is yours. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/is-polypropylene-safe, Li, D., Shi, Y., Yang, L., Xiao, L., Kehoe, D. K., Gunko, Y. K., . They also have a longer lasting tampon than other types and can be inserted deep into the vagina without having to worry about them coming out. 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. The interesting thing is that most studies done on rayon are based on fashion or clothing, not on the effects of putting it inside of the body. Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. July 21, 2021, Britannica, "Titanium Dioxide," accessed Aug. 8, 2022, Food and Drug Administration, "Color Additives Exempt from Certification - Titanium Dioxide - Foods," March 29, 2022, Food and Drug Administration, "Color Additives Exempt from Certification - Titanium Dioxide - Cosmetics," March 29, 2022, Food and Drug Administration, "Color Additives Exempt from Certification - Titanium Dioxide - Drugs," March 29, 2022, Food and Drug Administration, "Color Additives Exempt from Certification - Titanium Dioxide - Medical Devices," March 29, 2022, Food and Drug Administration, "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely," Sept. 30, 2020, Food and Drug Administration, "Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-The-Counter Human Use," March 29, 2022, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, "European Union: Titanium Dioxide Banned as a Food Additive in the EU," March 3, 2022, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, "Titanium Dioxide," Jan. 13, 2021, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, "Opinion on Titanium dioxide (TiO2) used in cosmetic products that lead to exposure by inhalation," Oct. 6, 2022, European Food Safety Authority, "Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive," May 6, 2021, European Food Safety Authority, "Safety assessment of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive," May 6, 2021, Journal of Nanobiotechnology, "Critical review of the safety assessment of titanium dioxide additives in food," June 1, 2018, Health Canada, "Titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a food additive: Current science report," June 20, 2022, Scientific American, "Are Skittles Toxic from Titanium Dioxide?" "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. If people just do a quick Google search, it can be a bit confusing.. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. Fear of tampons may persist because of their association with toxic shock syndrome, Greves and Lincoln theorized. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. Follow her on Twitter to see her recent stories. However, trouble arose for the ingredient in 2021 when the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a statement that titanium dioxide "could no longer be considered safe" as a food additive. But this is not the only report that is sparking concerns. It tells the story of a woman whoafter using a specific organic tampon branddeveloped cysts and then uterine cancer. And though tampons have not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm, experts say more research is needed. I really appreciate your positive feedback . She discovered the tampons she was using lists titanium dioxide as an ingredient, which she blames for her health issues. It's also used in sunscreen because its whitening property helps it reflect sunlight. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. Needless to say, we need to start voting with our money and stop buying products that we know are not good for us. The Skin Cancer foundation even recommends sunscreen with titanium dioxide to protect against harmful cancer-causing UV rays. In each of those cases, the cancer was found to be correlational but not causational. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. And although there is no evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons is unsafe, it has never been officially investigated. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. Microplastic release from the degradation of Polypropylene feeding bottles during infant Formula Preparation. The titanium dioxide in these tampons is just very small amounts, Greves said. 801 3rd St. S Its important to question ingredients and read the studies for a balanced view to understand any risk. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. A period is a way for the body to cleanse itself, reproduce necessary hormones and shed off the lining of the uterus. Case in point: exposure to titanium dioxide may destroy good gut microbes, cause gut dysfunction and increase intestinal inflammation, according to a February 2021 systematic review of animal studies published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the 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. A cure for cancer, known as a Rife machine, was found in 1934. But what about its relationship to cancer? It's a scary and emotional story. Are common multivitamins worth the money? In fact, joni tampons are 100% organic cotton. Sometimes referred to as titanium white or Pigment White 6, titanium dioxide is all around us. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," said Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, a gynecologist who runs a fertility clinic in California. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring.. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. However, that is unfortunately not the case for pads and tampons. But it said that the concern of genotoxicity the ability for a substance to harm a cells DNA could not be completely ruled out. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe.
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