It's also used in sunscreen because its whitening property helps it reflect sunlight. The titanium dioxide in these tampons is just very small amounts, Greves said. 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. 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 carbon disulphide emitted from rayon has been proven to cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and chest pain when inhaled. Video shows Elon Musk talking about what every failed leader he met had in common. This greatly increases the risk of residues being present in your personal products and can throw off the natural pH balance within your vagina. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://cfda.com/resources/materials/detail/rayon-viscose, Schwebel, D. C., & Swart, D. (2009). 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 Sign up for notifications from Insider! But the same 2010 assessment by the International Agency for Research on Cancer did not find adequate evidence that the same was true for humans. 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. Titanium dioxide can also be in food, according to the National Library of Medicine. Is Titanium Dioxide Safe 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. But there is also no published research on vaginal 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. We see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course, BS, she said. Before I dive into the horrible and unnecessary ingredients in both pads & tampons, I want to talk about why a menstrual period is such an important cycle that happens within the human body. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane as a possible human carcinogen. It tells the story of a woman whoafter using a specific organic tampon branddeveloped cysts and then uterine cancer. If theyre using titanium dioxide, its because related studies have shown it doesnt pose a threat. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Lincoln said this led some to believe that the substance has been proven to be cancerous. Tampons are great. Because lets face it- we should not be putting toxic chemicals inside of our bodies on a regular basis. 801 3rd St. S Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. Reach out! Below, Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Erin Flynn, MPH, DNP/FNP, an LGBTQ+ care expert with birth control startup Favor, share the complicated truth behind this question. You can find their products at Healthy Planet or order from their website. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://balmonds.co.uk/blogs/blog/the-problem-with-paraffin-in-emollients, Mancini, F., Bruggen, A. H., Jiggins, J. L., Ambatipudi, A. C., & Murphy, H. (2005). Propylene is a plastic that is found in food containers like those that hold yogurt, cream cheese and butter products. 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. Still, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has an established what it calls a "permissible exposure limit" to keep industry workers safe. This ensures the product has been tested, and undergoes regular testing, to meet specific standards. Because of the mixed evidence, it was classified as "possibly" carcinogenic. I do think that they have an image problem because of that.. And its also awful fear mongering as I have received panicked messages from women worried their tampons caused their pre-cancer of the cervix. Titanium dioxide can also be in food, according to the National Library of Medicine. Its very commonly used as a natural mineral and has been studied in rodents.. Pain Inserting a Tampon? Other concerns of titanium dioxide toxicity involve food, highlighted by the recent lawsuit alleging that Skittles, a popular candy,contain a "known toxin." Titanium dioxide doesnt dissolve in water, meaning the nanoparticles arent going to dissolve from the tampon string and get into the blood that might be pooling in the vagina But it said that the concern of genotoxicity the ability for a substance to harm a cells DNA could not be completely ruled out. They give women freedom.. Zero.. joni's non-applicator tampons are made with 100% organic cotton and nothing else. 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. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the compound is safe in regulated amounts meaning less than 1% of a food's weight to up to 25% of a sunscreen's concentration. (LogOut/ The FDA also lists titanium dioxide as a safe ingredient for use in cosmetics. (2020, February 12). Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. If youre looking for a healthier alternative to your personal care products, check out Natracare. In the study, 48 regions were surveyed to estimate the global exposure to infants up to 12 months. 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 is considered one of the most dangerous fabrics, but is still one of the main ingredients in our menstrual products! That said, with all the scientific evidence accumulating in other areas, consumers should be more aware of titanium dioxide's potential effect on reproductive health, Dr. Gohar says. That determination prompted authorities in the European Union to ban the substance as a food additive. So are organic tampons better? So when asked if titanium dioxide in tampons can cause cancer, Jayesh says, I dont know because it simply hasnt been studied for this application. Titanium dioxide is chemical substance used in many products to make them look whiter, according to ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. However, a recent study conducted in November 2020 demonstrated that micro plastics are released from propylene infant feeding bottles. There are zero long term studies on the effects the drugs and surgeries will have on them., When the Republicans were in power the last time for eight years, do you know how much discretionary spending increased in those eight years? 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. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. (n.d.). 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. All rights reserved. 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. This can be experienced emotionally such as crying (PMS) or even just focusing more on your diet. The National Library of Medicine noted that there's "inadequate evidence in humans" that the additive contributes to cancer. But if you are truly looking for organic, look for certifications on the packaging. She enjoys cooking, yoga, reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs. If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. If you dont want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. Ive been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. Change). Fear of tampons may persist because of their association with toxic shock syndrome, Greves and Lincoln theorized. 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. One of our founding values at joni is radical transparency. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. Some people on TikTok are alleging the ingredient can lead to all Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. PEGS or polyethylene glycols are petroleum-based compounds that are widely used in the cosmetic industry as thickeners, solvents and softeners. Fitness, Acupuncture & Healthy Lifestyle Blog. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. Consuming rice and beans, milk, cheese, butter and eggs causes disease by age 30. Bobby Parrish, a social media influencer with more than 1 million followers on Instagram, said titanium dioxide is really bad for reproductive health and claims it can cause excessive bleeding. So inhalation at higher concentrations may not be advisable, but inhalation clearly isnt a risk when tampons are used according to their intended purpose. One of our founding values at joni is radical transparency. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. 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. Yes, I know there are scary videos circulating on TikTok, but this is chemophobia. In a previous blog post, Jayesh. Examples of this include the follicular phase, ovulatory phase and the luteal phase. Because exposure levels are very low, it is likely this is a very low carcinogenic risk. So manufacturers add preservatives, fragrance and bleach to make it more appealing. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. " 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. [TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. The widespread use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) in the food industry has brought about human safety risks related to nanotoxicity. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. There's also a little bit of evidence to suggest that the common ingredient may be an endocrine disruptor, says Flynnmeaning it may affect a person's hormonal system. Vaginal pH imbalances can lead to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and can cause allergy related symptoms such as itching. I love this brand because it lists the ingredients right on the box. But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. 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. 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. 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. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. If people just do a quick Google search, it can be a bit confusing.. 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 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. 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 L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-s-the-risk-titanium-dioxide We see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course, BS, she said. They are very similar to Natracare and do not contain genetically modified cotton or any of the other chemicals that we discussed. It seems that because most people trust the ingredients, big companies and corporations can get away with adding cheap and harmful ingredients to our personal products. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. "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. 20006, Florida "We really know very little, or almost nothing really, about something that could impact the health of millions of women," she said. "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. 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. When it comes to tampons and other period care, what does organic mean? "It's important to know that our tampons are safe to use," he said. 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. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the People on social media are worried that titanium dioxide on tampons can cause cancer or irregular periods thanks to a viral video. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. Melanie Whyte 8/4/2022. A period is a way for the body to cleanse itself, reproduce necessary hormones and shed off the lining of the uterus. So now that you know why you should avoid conventional menstrual products at all costs, lets explore some healthier alternatives and brands! But what about its relationship to cancer? No added chemicals. . 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. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. 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., . In an interview with Popsugar, ob-gyn Jen Gunter, MD said that within her 30 years of experience, there has never been a case where cancer, endometriosis, or other serious health conditions have been linked to tampons themselvesexcept toxic shock syndrome, which is rare. A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide in tampons. New study explores the benefits,harms. Her video has 3.6 million views. July 29, 2022, European Commission, "Sunscreens with titanium dioxide as nanoparticles," accessed Aug. 9, 2022, The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, "Safety of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in cosmetics," Nov. 2019, The Skin Cancer Foundation, "Sunscreen Safety," June 6, 2018, Today, "New York becomes first state to require ingredients list on pads, tampons," Oct. 12, 2019, The Atlantic, "The Tampon: A History," (archived) June 2015, The New York Times, "Are Skittles Toxic? "To date, there is no published research that has researched the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Eyvazzadeh said. Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. To say this guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement. Most people assume that their personal products are safe and are willing to use them regardless of ingredients which is why big companies are still using cheap and unsafe ingredients. 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. Several viral videos posted to TikTok and Instagram have claimed titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, is harmful for people who use tampons. 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. 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. Not all regulatory agencies agree: The Canada Health Department, for example, like the FDA, found titanium dioxide to be a safe food additive. An additional two satellite groups underwent the same protocol for 45 days and for Theyre really tightly regulated. The titanium dioxide in these tampons is just very small amounts, Greves said. So while there is no evidence of danger, "we also dont have the science to assure us that this kind of exposure is safe either. 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. The titanium dioxide in it is toxic to us & causing cancerous cysts, ectopic pregnancies, & reproductive damage in humans. The choice is yours. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! This ingredient is widely used to provide a whiter appearance and opacity to products such as paints, plastics, papers, inks, foods and toothpaste. At joni, were also proud to have ECO-CERT certified, which also oversees responsible production, recyclable packaging, and the responsible use of resources. There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. Although it has been proven to likely be carcinogenic, this ingredient is still used in many products including menstrual products. Nature Food,1(11), 746-754. doi:10.1038/s43016-020-00171-y, Ltd, B. S. (2021, April 27). Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. Sometimes referred to as titanium white or Pigment White 6, titanium dioxide is all around us. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies titanium dioxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans. So, do organic tampons contain titanium dioxide? Given that titanium dioxide has already been linked to causing adverse reactions, it is not unreasonable to be cautiously concerned. That is why its so important to take your own health into account and start educating yourself on common ingredients. In the UK, the compound is banned from foods due to the potential for it to build up in the body and act as a carcinogen. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. More:Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? However, paraffin is far from clean! Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene#Health_concerns, Rayon (Viscose). (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.). Its important to question ingredients and read the studies for a balanced view to understand any risk. 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 experts agree that myths about tampons have long existed, and this is just the latest misconception. Doctors say that tampons are safe. OB-GYN Dr. Jen Gunter posted a response to the controversy on Instagram, calling concerns about it "fearmongering. Existing research sheds little conclusive light on this claim. Most people assume that menstrual products contain safe, non-toxic ingredients. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. The titanium dioxide many of the products contain is a naturally occurring mineral used in numerous everyday products as a pigment to keep colors bright and white or filter ultraviolet rays. Its on the string so its not even in the part of the tampon thats inside the vagina," Lincoln said. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. TikTokers are raising concern about an ingredient in an organic tampon brand that they say is causing symptoms like heavy bleeding and ovarian cysts. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. 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. We disclose every ingredient we use in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for your body. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. 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.

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