In general, Dr. Gunter says that there is no evidence that titanium dioxide on tampon strings can cause any harm. Within her 30 years as a gynecologist, Dr. Gunter says https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-s-the-risk-titanium-dioxide 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. Titanium dioxide in food Should you be concerned? The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. The ban was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she stressed. "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, Skittles (and its parent company, Mars Inc.), approved titanium dioxide for human consumptionin 1966. including candies and other processed foods. There have been studies in animals that have shown the carcinogenic effects of titanium dioxide when inhaled. But powdered cosmetics were safe up to 25%. debunked the myth that non-organic pads can cause cancer. "[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. "They use it to make the string look whiter.. As you can see, there is not much regulation that goes into the manufacturing of menstrual products. "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." 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. according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service, Periods happen: Heres how 2 sisters are normalizing the taboo, Lauren Wasser, model who lost leg to toxic shock syndrome, speaks out, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Email Interview with the Food and Drug Administration, Aug. 11, 2022, Email Interview with the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Aug. 11, 2022, Well + Good, "Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe?" Propylene is a plastic that is found in food containers like those that hold yogurt, cream cheese and butter products. Chemicals and ingredients found in conventional tampons have many unadvertised side effects and dangers so lets get into it and explore healthier alternatives! He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. In studies examining cancer and titanium dioxide in animals, the animals inhaled it and did not ingest it or insert it, Lincoln said. In Canada and the USA, organic claims must be verifiable but only a percentage of the product needs to be organic, and that percentage must be displayed. Throughout the week of our actual menstrual cycle, it is so important to allow your body to do a full cleanse! But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) occurs when a super-absorbent tampons is inserted for longer than medically recommended, which may lead certain types of bacteria to grow. 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 The FDA told PolitiFact that it is not currently aware of any evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons is toxic or harmsthe body. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. The information that I retrieved about the ingredients found in varying menstrual products can be found on Tampax.com. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. There is some Existing research sheds little conclusive light on this claim. The brand, L., markets itself as "accessible period care made with ingredients inspired by nature," according to its website. Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. But if you are truly looking for organic, look for certifications on the packaging. 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? 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Its use as a food additive was banned in the European Union. 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. Paraffin on its own can cause inflammation and irritation, but with the concoction of other chemicals added during production, its the perfect storm to throw off your pH. 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. We follow them for beauty tutorials and fashion tips, fitness and more. These worries were sparked in 2021 when, in a shift from its previous assessments, the European Food Safety Authority announced that titanium dioxide was no longer considered a safe food additive. 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. Thank you so much for reading my blog! Because lets face it- we should not be putting toxic chemicals inside of our bodies on a regular basis. (LogOut/ Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. "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 people on TikTok are alleging the ingredient can lead to all 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. Get it daily. And its equally important to question the motivations behind trending conspiracies that prey on emotions (and boost social virality), adds Jayesh. During clinical trials the amount of titanium dioxide Still, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has an established what it calls a "permissible exposure limit" to keep industry workers safe. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. 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. The Problem With Paraffin In Emollients. "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. 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. For us, choosing organic is a proactive choice. 4 min read. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The second reason? They have teams of scientists and gynecologists. But there is also no published research on vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide that can guarantee its safety. 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. Tampons are great. Its pretty worth enough for me. Passionate about periods? This greatly increases the risk of residues being present in your personal products and can throw off the natural pH balance within your vagina. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. Zero.. Several viral videos posted to TikTok and Instagram have claimed titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, is harmful for people who use tampons. Consuming rice and beans, milk, cheese, butter and eggs causes disease by age 30. ", Email Interview with gynecologist Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, Aug. 10, 2022, Email Interview with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Aug. 9, 2022. 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 Sun is out of place, the Moon is out of place and the stars are out of place. In studies examining cancer and titanium dioxide in animals, the animals inhaled it and did not ingest it or insert it, Lincoln said. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Suspect in Whaling Museum's $75,000 artifact theft 'seemed likable'. 801 3rd St. S This can be experienced emotionally such as crying (PMS) or even just focusing more on your diet. The Skin Cancer foundation even recommends sunscreen with titanium dioxide to protect against harmful cancer-causing UV rays. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. According to Safe Cosmetics.org, titanium dioxide does not penetrate healthy or even unhealthy, burnt skin, and so "poses no local or systemic risk to human health" when used topically. They dont set out to do harm. Is this an emergency? Just because titanium dioxide may show signs of toxicity when eaten or inhaled, doesnt mean all exposure is dangerous. Additionally, ethylene oxide can also harm the nervous system and has been classified as a developmental toxicant by the California Environmental Protection Agency. While it sounds scary, the experts stress theres little truth behind these worries. View all posts by Sara Mastrangelo. Preventing paraffin-related injury. (LogOut/ Video shows Elon Musk talking about what every failed leader he met had in common. 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. Titanium dioxide is used in all kinds of products as a whitener, including toothpaste, sunscreen, and yes, period care. There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. "While it might be cancer causing when [ingested or] inhaled, it is inconclusive if it has this same impact when absorbed vaginally," Dr. Gohar says. 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. Its a compound that reflects light particles. "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. Most big companies will do anything to make a bit of profit. The European Unionrecently banned it as a food additive but the FDA has not. Genetically modified cotton was introduced in 1996 (only 25 years ago) and is thought to be one of the worlds dirtiest crops. Examples of this include the follicular phase, ovulatory phase and the luteal phase. What I want to get at here is that its so important to not add toxic chemicals to your cycle because this can later cause hormonal imbalances, bacterial infections or even a heavier flow. Titanium Dioxide is a pigment that is used in both pads and tampons to make them appear whiter. On its own, paraffin is greasy and has an unpleasant odour. "Exposure can irritate eyes, nose, and throat, and causes cancer," TikToker monirubio8 reads from a state government webpageon titanium dioxide. While it sounds scary, the experts stress theres little truth behind these worries. It's also used in sunscreen because its whitening property helps it reflect sunlight. Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in tampons, and tampon use has not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. If people just do a quick Google search, it can be a bit confusing.. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? 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. "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 and then get absorbed by the body." When it comes to tampons and other period care, what does organic mean? This may sound great for fashion and clothing, but it does not belong in our bodies! Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. Fitness, Acupuncture & Healthy Lifestyle Blog. Full disclosure: our ingredient list is simple and. Some cotton farmers earn less than $2.00 a day for their cotton and spend up to 60% of their annual income on pesticides. Everything You Need to Know About Maintaining Your Vaginal pH Balance: Normal Levels Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-ph-balance, My name is Sara and I love anything to do with natural health, nutrition & fitness! There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? In a post on her blog The Vajenda, Dr. Jen Gunter, author and OB/GYN explained that chemistry may also be on our side. Not only is it a more environmentally friendly option, it doesnt contain many ingredients that will linger in your body afterwards. The widespread use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) in the food industry has brought about human safety risks related to nanotoxicity. But we dont know anything about how much is safe in tampons or if it accumulates in the body. Its really pervasive because its a whitening agent. 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 Melanie Whyte 8/4/2022. 727-821-9494. 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. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. "There are no published studies on titanium dioxide causing excessive bleeding, infertility or cancer, so it is hard to say if it is dangerous to women's health or not," he says. One of our founding values at joni is radical transparency. Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. Not all eco products are equal and use the However, a recent study conducted in November 2020 demonstrated that micro plastics are released from propylene infant feeding bottles. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. "Well what do you know." National Library of Medicines list However, rayon is processed with many chemicals such as carbon disulphide, sulphuric acid, ammonia, acetone and others. I also love that they use 100% organic cotton, are plastic & fragrance free, totally chlorine free and are biodegradable! Whether titanium dioxide is toxic depends on how a person is exposed to it and in what amount. Because of the mixed evidence, it was classified as "possibly" carcinogenic. One of our founding values at joni is radical transparency. They give women freedom.. Plus, Gunter explained that titanium dioxide tends to stick to whatever fabric it is on, and is not easily washed out. She discovered the tampons she was using lists titanium dioxide as an ingredient, which she blames for her health issues. We go through many phases both before and after our monthly cycles based on the hormones being released. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. We definitely need more activism and awareness around this issue! Wang, J. J. We see tampons as something that could potentially harm us, Lincoln said. More:Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? They are very similar to Natracare and do not contain genetically modified cotton or any of the other chemicals that we discussed. The use of titanium dioxide in tampons is not explicitly regulated, because the agency only "makes clearance or approval decisions for medical devices, such as tampons, pads, and menstrual cups, as they are supplied in their final, finished form," the FDA spokesperson said. And thats it. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. USDA Organic certification may only be displayed on products that are 100% organic. The FDA also lists titanium dioxide as a safe ingredient for use in cosmetics. But what about its relationship to cancer? But this is not the only report that is sparking concerns. Sign up for notifications from Insider! 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. There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. However, paraffin is far from clean! This ingredient is used by Tampax as a wax to keep the [tampon] string clean. Concerns over titanium dioxide, used by many tampon brands to keep the string looking white, spread to Facebook with one user issuing a warning to her followers. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. "It's important to know that our tampons are safe to use," he said. NASA photos of the moon and Earth show that space is fake., A small area in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico has enough oil to fuel America for the next 200 years., Florida Gov. They give women freedom., according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Just hours before the Idaho slayings, another grisly scene unfolded outside Bryan Kohberger's window, Polar bear kills woman, boy in remote Alaska village, Hawaii fisherman overboard, missing after hooking large ahi, Reality TV star Julie Chrisley reassigned from Florida prison to federal medical center, The rich and powerful flocked to Davos via private jet to discuss climate change, study finds. 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. Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. If you think of all the cosmetics and dyes and candy and food its everywhere, Dr. Jennifer Wu, an OB-GYN at Lenox Hill Hospital, told TODAY. And yet, without any studies, we cannot rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide is not safe. Reach out! "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. https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/titanium-dioxide-in-tampons-pads-48908320, https://www.canada-organic.ca/sites/default/files/organic_labelling_in_canada_booklet_aug2018.pdf, https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2014/10/23/organic-101-organic-brand-nameorganic-package. The National Library of Medicine noted that there's "inadequate evidence in humans" that the additive contributes to cancer. The problem with Tampax, O.B and other conventional menstrual product manufacturers is that they use genetically modified cotton, as well as a list of other toxic ingredients such as wood pulp, plastics and dyes. [TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it 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. 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 Meanwhile, in the US, the FDA continues to allow for safe use of TiO2 as a food additive as long as manufacturers provide evidence that it is safe at its intended level of use. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? Epidemiological Washington, DC "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. 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. St. Petersburg, FL Manufacturers are expected to conduct "biocompatibility" tests, assess chemical residues in the device and determine how the tampon affects the vaginal microbiome, the collection of microbes that live naturally on and inside ones body. Are Skittles Toxic from Titanium Dioxide? 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 dont want to speak much on something that I personally have never tried, but I have heard great things about the Diva Cup! "Psa to all my girlies," the July 31 post said. Check out my personalized services and be sure to follow me on Instagram for updates , Carbon disulfide US EPA. A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. #notokay. The National Library of Medicine noted that there's "inadequate evidence in humans" that the additive contributes to cancer. Some research, mostly conducted in animals, has found titanium dioxide to be harmful when inhaled and consumed, typically in large quantities. Doctors say that tampons are safe. A recent viral TikTok had social media users alarmed about the idea of tampons causing cancer because they contain titanium dioxide, but OB-GYNs say there's no data to She enjoys cooking, yoga, reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs. 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 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. OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? Given that titanium dioxide has already been linked to causing adverse reactions, it is not unreasonable to be cautiously concerned. You can find their products at Healthy Planet or order from their website. Pain Inserting a Tampon? Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. Stay up to date with what you want to know. "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. Acute Pesticide Poisoning among Female and Male Cotton Growers in India. The carbon disulphide emitted from rayon has been proven to cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and chest pain when inhaled. A spokesperson for Proctor and Gamble, which manufactures the L. tampons brand, told Insider titanium dioxide is used in the thread that attaches the cord to the absorbent part of the tampon, and represents less than 0.1% of all ingredients in the product. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! as well as other partner offers and accept our. Tampons require the FDAs premarket review evaluating the products safety and effectiveness. The amount of titanium dioxide in each tampon is minuscule. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. They found values ranging from 14,600-4,550,000 particles per capita per day, depending on the region. Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Her team is working on a pilot project analyzing tampons for the presence of metals and pesticides. This means that youll find absolutely no titanium dioxide in them or any other toxic substances, synthetic fibres, chemical residues, dyes, pesticides, chlorine bleach or fragrances. We disclose every ingredient we use in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for your body. All gender affirming care for children is 100% experimental. Depending on the manufacturing processes, PEGs can be contaminated with measurable amounts of chemicals such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. 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. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/titanium_dioxide.html, Joy, R. (2020, September 23).