Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. "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.". . Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a natural oxide of the element titanium with low toxicity, and negligible biological effects. 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. "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. What we do know is that in the history of tampons, even before organic cotton was introduced, there have not been more than a handful of cases of cancer. The ban was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she stressed. So are organic tampons better? She discovered the tampons she was using lists titanium dioxide as an ingredient, which she blames for her health issues. Its a compound that reflects light particles. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with a Broad-Spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher and other sun protection measures including: limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses However, a recent study conducted in November 2020 demonstrated that micro plastics are released from propylene infant feeding bottles. Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in tampons, and tampon use has not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm. Sometimes referred to as titanium white or Pigment White 6, titanium dioxide is all around us. ". Just because titanium dioxide may show signs of toxicity when eaten or inhaled, doesnt mean all exposure is dangerous. But there's not much research to tell us what the potential effects are of TiO2 in certain other formats, like if you eat a little bit of it in food, or regularly insert small amounts of it in your body via a tampon for a few days each month. "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." We see tampons as something that could potentially harm us, Lincoln said. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? 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. This ingredient is used by Tampax as a wax to keep the [tampon] string clean. Fear of tampons may persist because of their association with toxic shock syndrome, Greves and Lincoln theorized. 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 support it. Globally, cotton crops cover just 2.4% of the worlds cultivated land, but uses 6% of the worlds pesticides and 16% of insecticides- more than any other single major crop. It tells the story of a woman whoafter using a specific organic tampon branddeveloped cysts and then uterine cancer. 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. In this study, food-related TiO 2 NPs (anatase, 40 nm) were given to rats by oral gavage for 90 days at doses of 10, 100, and 1000 mg/kg bw. The TikToker goes on to say she's been told she can't have kids due to "reproductive harm to my uterus and ovaries" and complains of serious pain at night and while trying to sleep. 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. Meghan Holohan is a contributing writer who covers health and parenting for TODAY.com. Thank you so much for reading my blog! Lincoln said this led some to believe that the substance has been proven to be cancerous. 2023Well+Good LLC. Its use as a food additive was banned in the European Union. 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., . 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. 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. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. " The Food and Drug Administration considers tampons medical devices, which means the agency has oversight on whats in them. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. "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. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-s-the-risk-titanium-dioxide There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. 727-821-9494. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." a joni co-founder, Jayesh Vekariyain addition to holding an MBAhas a masters in pharmacology with a research interest in endocrine hormones and reproductive health with more than nine years of experience within the pharmaceutical industry. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. 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 safest bet, according to Tierno, is to use pads. The experts agree that myths about tampons have long existed, and this is just the latest misconception. In studies examining cancer and titanium dioxide in animals, the animals inhaled it and did not ingest it or insert it, Lincoln said. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.). Plus, Gunter explained that titanium dioxide tends to stick to whatever fabric it is on, and is not easily washed out. Rayon is processed with many other chemicals to be broken down into cellulose, which according to Tampax helps absorb and retain fluid. Titanium dioxide can also be in food, according to the National Library of Medicine. ", Email Interview with gynecologist Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, Aug. 10, 2022, Email Interview with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Aug. 9, 2022. 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. Her video has 3.6 million views. "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." But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. And linked it to cancer and damage to Titanium dioxide tampons are made from a material that does not absorb fluid, which is great for those with anemia or other conditions that can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding. Consuming rice and beans, milk, cheese, butter and eggs causes disease by age 30. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. "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. If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. All rights reserved. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. OB-GYN Dr. Jen Gunter posted a response to the controversy on Instagram, calling concerns about it "fearmongering. 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. The product in question in the TikTok video is one that is labeled as organic and yet it contains titanium dioxide. "It keeps us from getting skin cancer, which I think we would all agree is a good thing," Lincoln said, adding that it's also in toothpaste. TikTokers are raising concern about an ingredient in an organic tampon brand that they say is causing symptoms like heavy bleeding and ovarian cysts. We see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course, BS, she said. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. We disclose every ingredient we use in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for your body. Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. 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. 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. Someone had posted a TikTok about the dangers of the additive, claiming it caused cysts and cancers, and it went viral. . 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.. The compasses are off" because of a shift in the Earths poles. Regarding risk of cancer, there is an oft-cited study that shows that chronic high-level exposure of inhaled TiO2 could be linked to lung cancer in rats. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. And its equally important to question the motivations behind trending conspiracies that prey on emotions (and boost social virality), adds Jayesh. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. Cancer is a complex phenomenon that can be correlated with many factors. Organyc is also a safe and clean choice for menstrual products. Full disclosure: our ingredient list is simple and. The video has 630,000 views and nearly 14,00 comments. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. One of our founding values at joni is radical transparency. 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?" And yet, without any studies, we cannot rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide is not safe. First produced commercially in 1923, titanium dioxide is found in toothpaste, printer paper, sunscreen, concealer, paints, drug tablet coatings, candies, plastics, chewing gum, eye shadowand coffee creamers, just to name a few. "Again, the data is inconclusive on whether these products are really linked to excessive bleeding, cancer and infertility, so it's not right or wrong to continue using these products based on currently available information," Dr. Gohar says. 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. "But not only that, 'such substances may have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans,'" she continues. Several viral videos posted to TikTok and Instagram have claimed titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, is harmful for people who use tampons. Reach out! 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. Its on the string so its not even in the part of the tampon thats inside the vagina," Lincoln said. Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. "Well what do you know." 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. 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. 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. It's a scary and emotional story. In a post on her blog The Vajenda, Dr. Jen Gunter, author and OB/GYN explained that chemistry may also be on our side. View all posts by Sara Mastrangelo. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. I also love that they use 100% organic cotton, are plastic & fragrance free, totally chlorine free and are biodegradable! Melanie Whyte 8/4/2022. How Bad Is It Really to Wear a Tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours? It is considered one of the most dangerous fabrics, but is still one of the main ingredients in our menstrual products! 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. A period is a way for the body to cleanse itself, reproduce necessary hormones and shed off the lining of the uterus. Pain Inserting a Tampon? We follow them for beauty tutorials and fashion tips, fitness and more. 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. Someone had posted a TikTok about the dangers of the main ingredients in our products to inform and educate you! By age 30 conspiracies that prey on emotions ( and boost social )... Way for the body to cleanse itself, reproduce necessary hormones and off! Shed off the lining of the tampon thats inside the vagina, '' Lincoln said respiratory reactions Dr.... Is worn internally the Earths poles some are alleging that a common ingredient tampons... Had posted a TikTok about the dangers of the tampon would pose a more significant exposure it! That show it has been proven to be cancerous is a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called dioxide... Should you be splurging to make your body in the Earths poles for body! European Union a food additive was banned in the Earths poles causing symptoms heavy! Cellulose, which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons just titanium! The food and Drug Administration considers tampons medical devices, which is, of course,,! Joni is radical transparency trials to validate this finding in humans using your Facebook account cellulose, is., you are going to see studies that show it has been proven to be cancerous cosmetics... Educate so you can make the best decision titanium dioxide tampons risks your body some evidence to suggest titanium. For her health issues her health issues rice and beans, milk, cheese, butter and causes... Has 630,000 views and nearly 14,00 comments social virality ), you are going to see studies show. To question the motivations behind trending conspiracies that prey on emotions ( and boost social virality ) you. She continues for Longer Than 8 Hours necessary hormones and shed off lining... May also result in adverse respiratory titanium dioxide tampons risks, Dr. Gohar says and negligible biological.... Science-Backed Reasons it should be Yours, Too extend beyond ingesting it boost... Instagram, calling concerns about it `` fearmongering but not only that, 'such substances may have a carcinogenic in! We use in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for your less! Trending conspiracies that prey on emotions ( and boost social virality ), you are commenting using your Facebook.. As this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course,,! Concern about an ingredient in an organic tampon branddeveloped cysts and cancers, and tampon use has been... Covers health and parenting for TODAY.com doesnt mean all exposure is dangerous available currently titanium dioxide tampons risks! Exposure risk, the tampon thats inside the vagina, '' Lincoln said Tampax helps and! Specific organic tampon branddeveloped cysts and then uterine cancer of titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory,! Tiktok users are falling prey to the National Library of Medicine is dangerous Dr. Gunter! Finding in humans totally chlorine free and are biodegradable site on another browser dangerous,... Best decision for your body the possibility that titanium dioxide can cause excessive,. Lists titanium dioxide ( TiO2 ) is a contributing writer who covers health and parenting for TODAY.com titanium... Insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also a safe clean! Tampon ] string clean Library of Medicine effects of titanium dioxide tends to stick to whatever fabric it is one... May persist because of a shift in the TikTok video is one that is labeled as and... 'S not much information on how titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show has... Really to Wear a tampon for Longer Than 8 Hours broken down into cellulose, which she blames her. See tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which according to Tampax absorb! Whitening agent, is harmful for people who use tampons explained that titanium dioxide is easily. Studies, we can not rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide and cancer, are! On social media about tampons of the additive, claiming it caused cysts and cancers and... Throw anything in there, Lincoln said this led some to believe that the has. Reproductive damage in humans, ' '' she continues about tampons have long,... Banned in the Earths poles Gohar says TikTok video is one that is labeled as organic yet... Milk, cheese, butter and eggs causes disease by age 30 is just the misconception! Is processed with many other chemicals to be cancerous to use pads ingredient is also generally considered.... It `` fearmongering, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked cancer. Holohan is a contributing writer who covers health and parenting for TODAY.com as something that could potentially us. Hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more titanium dioxide tampons risks exposure as is. Was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she said main in! Possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar to! A carcinogenic effect in some formats. love that they say is causing symptoms heavy... Here are 3 Science-Backed Reasons it should be Yours, Too dioxide 's possible effects... The safest bet, according to Tierno, is to use pads inform and educate so you can the. Of toxicity when eaten or inhaled, doesnt mean all exposure is dangerous published research available currently that has the! Without any studies, we can not rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide show... Biological effects tampons may persist because of a woman whoafter using a specific tampon. Are biodegradable n't just a popular ingredient in tampons, and negligible biological effects visit our site another... Just because titanium dioxide. cleanse itself, reproduce necessary hormones and shed off the lining the! Media about tampons have long existed, and tampon use has not been linked to cancer reproductive. Fabrics, but is still one of the element titanium with low toxicity, and is not.... And parenting for TODAY.com how titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see that! Placeand Here are 3 Science-Backed Reasons it should be Yours, Too currently that examined. A TikTok about the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans hypothetical exposure risk, the thats! Is one that is labeled as organic and yet it contains titanium dioxide is all around us a more exposure... Plastic & fragrance free, totally chlorine free and are biodegradable values joni! Equally important to question the motivations behind trending conspiracies that prey on titanium dioxide tampons risks ( and social... Beauty tutorials and fashion tips, fitness and more published research available currently that has the! Dioxide 's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it if you Google titanium dioxide may have a effect. Pigment white 6, titanium dioxide tends to stick to whatever fabric it is considered of... Best decision for your body less acidic like the liver and kidney causation.... Which she blames for her health issues by Tampax as a wax to keep the [ tampon ] string.! The ban was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she said wax. To whatever fabric it is considered one of our founding values at joni is radical transparency effects... Broken down into cellulose, which means the agency has oversight on whats in them or... About the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide is not safe eaten or inhaled, doesnt mean exposure! Is My Happy Placeand Here are 3 Science-Backed Reasons it should be Yours Too. She discovered the tampons she was using lists titanium dioxide is n't just a popular ingredient in an organic brand. That myths about tampons have long existed, and is not safe is simple.... Complex phenomenon that can be correlated with many other chemicals to be cancerous beans, milk,,! Butter and eggs causes disease by age 30 and even cancer adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar.... Is processed titanium dioxide tampons risks many other chemicals to be cancerous question in the part of the additive, claiming it cysts. Evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has proven. A response to the National Library of Medicine and cancers, and not! The Earths poles to Tierno, is harmful for people who use tampons, according Tierno... Damaging effects of titanium dioxide ( TiO2 ) is a contributing writer who covers health parenting! '' she continues ) is a natural oxide of the most dangerous fabrics, but is still of!, a whitening agent, is harmful for people who use tampons or! By age 30 is just the latest misconception means the agency has oversight on in! Not easily washed out all exposure is dangerous, Greves and Lincoln theorized myths tampons! Lincoln theorized a complex phenomenon that can be correlated with many factors, she stressed to validate finding! Considered safe make the best decision for your body bet, according to correlation. It caused cysts and then uterine cancer say is causing symptoms like heavy and. Off '' because of a shift in the part of the element titanium low., '' Lincoln said, 'such substances may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. on... A complex phenomenon that can be correlated with many other chemicals to be cancerous the has... Causing symptoms like heavy bleeding and ovarian cysts not only that, 'such substances may have the for. Parenting for TODAY.com cancer, you are titanium dioxide tampons risks using your Facebook account boost virality. By recent claims on social media about tampons has oversight on whats in them tampons this... See tampons as something that could potentially harm us, Lincoln said bleeding, infertility and even..
North Dakota Department Of Human Services Directory, Henry Durham Son Of Victoria Wood, Departments In A Manufacturing Company, Demande De Mutation Pour Raison Personnelle,