titanium dioxide tampons risks

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. The National Library of Medicine noted that there's "inadequate evidence in humans" that the additive contributes to cancer. 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. He added that the vaginal mucosa has lots of blood vessels, which allow it to absorb what's in tampons, leading to complications like toxic shock syndrome. Sunscreen, for example, can have up to 25% titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and both the FDA and EU consider it to be safe. National Library of Medicines list 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. The European Unionrecently banned it as a food additive but the FDA has not. Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in tampons, and tampon use has not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm. This ingredient is used by Tampax as a wax to keep the [tampon] string clean. And thats it. ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. You would think that with all of the evidence behind the dangers related to this ingredient that it would not be used in menstrual products, however there is very little regulation as you can see! The Food and Drug Administration considers tampons medical devices, which means the agency has oversight on whats in them. If youre looking for a healthier alternative to your personal care products, check out Natracare. Lincoln said this led some to believe that the substance has been proven to be cancerous. Have an idea for an article? Its on the string so its not even in the part of the tampon thats inside the vagina," Lincoln said. 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. In other words, over the billions of tampons used, a handful of cases have found that tampons contributed to cancer but did not cause cancer. This brand is my go to- you can find it at Loblaws or even Amazon! Throughout the week of our actual menstrual cycle, it is so important to allow your body to do a full cleanse! There is some (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.). 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. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health,11(3), 221-232. doi:10.1179/oeh.2005.11.3.221, Polypropylene. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. Titanium dioxide is used in all kinds of products as a whitener, including toothpaste, sunscreen, and yes, period care. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Just bear in mind: If you have any specific health concerns to weigh, it's critical to reach out to your gynecologist or primary care physician to make the right choice for you. We see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course, BS, she said. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Titanium dioxide is chemical substance used in many products to make them look whiter, according to ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% 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 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. The widespread use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) in the food industry has brought about human safety risks related to nanotoxicity. She enjoys cooking, yoga, reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs. 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. "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. Toxins released from rayon can also rarely cause tissue necrosis for people who regularly wear clothing made of this fabric. Organic doesnt necessarily mean better and non-organic doesnt equal danger. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. Is polypropylene a safe plastic to use in your home? 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. 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. And although there is no evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons is unsafe, it has never been officially investigated. And its equally important to question the motivations behind trending conspiracies that prey on emotions (and boost social virality), adds Jayesh. 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. Titanium dioxide has bubbled up to the top of our feed again, but this time it's not in Skittles, it's in tampons. 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. Not all regulatory agencies agree: The Canada Health Department, for example, like the FDA, found titanium dioxide to be a safe food additive. Cancer is a complex phenomenon that can be correlated with many factors. Full disclosure: our ingredient list is simple and. There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. 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. "But not only that, 'such substances may have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans,'" she continues. But there is also no published research on vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide that can guarantee its safety. Doctors say that tampons are safe. But if you are truly looking for organic, look for certifications on the packaging. Although commercially produced tampons have been around since the 1930s, their ingredients only recently became the subject of public scrutiny, thanks to a 2019 New York law that required manufacturers to disclose them. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? Tampons are great. Is titanium dioxide safe in tampons or could it cause health issues? In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. a lot of people online are upset with tampon brands (tampax and L. specifically) because they include titanium dioxide in the tampons, which apparently can cause reproductive harm. The decision was based on available scientific research which, although not totally conclusive, found that an accumulation of titanium dioxide in the body could possibly contribute to genotoxicity (i.e., damage at the DNA level that may lead to cancer). And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. The safest bet, according to Tierno, is to use pads. Consuming rice and beans, milk, cheese, butter and eggs causes disease by age 30. 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. Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. 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. The product in question in the TikTok video is one that is labeled as organic and yet it contains titanium dioxide. Image shows Paul Pelosi, bruised, in a booking mugshot. It's a scary and emotional story. We recommend looking at the whole picture by looking for certifications and asking what those certifications entail. A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide in tampons. 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. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider If people just do a quick Google search, it can be a bit confusing.. Its really pervasive because its a whitening agent. ", 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. 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. I really appreciate your positive feedback . Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. 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 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. It is considered one of the most dangerous fabrics, but is still one of the main ingredients in our menstrual products! The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. One of the tricky things about titanium dioxide is that it can be consumed in a myriad of ways, making risk calculation difficult. "Psa to all my girlies," the July 31 post said. USDA Organic certification may only be displayed on products that are 100% organic. Fear of tampons may persist because of their association with toxic shock syndrome, Greves and Lincoln theorized. . #notokay. 1800 I Street NW 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 I dont want to speak much on something that I personally have never tried, but I have heard great things about the Diva Cup! Our editors independently select these products. 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. 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. "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.". In the brand of tampon featured in the viral post, its less than 0.1% of all the ingredients. Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy. The titanium dioxide in it is toxic to us & causing cancerous cysts, ectopic pregnancies, & reproductive damage in humans. 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? I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. 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. A period is a way for the body to cleanse itself, reproduce necessary hormones and shed off the lining of the uterus. In a previous blog post, Jayesh debunked the myth that non-organic pads can cause cancer since study after study has not proven this. 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. The FDA told PolitiFact that it is not currently aware of any evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons is toxic or harmsthe body. "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. Find him on Instagram@dr.daignault. From ankle weights to a pilates kit, 12 expert-approved picks for your fitness routine. All rights reserved. The Skin Cancer foundation even recommends sunscreen with titanium dioxide to protect against harmful cancer-causing UV rays. When it comes to tampons and other period care, what does organic mean? This can be experienced emotionally such as crying (PMS) or even just focusing more on your diet. 801 3rd St. S 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. 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. Given that titanium dioxide has already been linked to causing adverse reactions, it is not unreasonable to be cautiously concerned. 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. It makes items white. 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.. "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. To say this guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement. For us, choosing organic is a proactive choice. 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. 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. 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. All gender affirming care for children is 100% experimental. Its a compound that reflects light particles. So today, I wanted to write a blog on the hidden dangers found in our menstrual products and what products to use instead! 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. . joni's non-applicator tampons are made with 100% organic cotton and nothing else. Although the FDA considers titanium dioxide safe, the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." In a previous blog post, Jayesh. Color Additives Exempt from Certification - Titanium Dioxide - Foods, Color Additives Exempt from Certification - Titanium Dioxide - Cosmetics, Color Additives Exempt from Certification - Titanium Dioxide - Drugs, Color Additives Exempt from Certification - Titanium Dioxide - Medical Devices, The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely, Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-The-Counter Human Use, European Union: Titanium Dioxide Banned as a Food Additive in the EU, Opinion on Titanium dioxide (TiO2) used in cosmetic products that lead to exposure by inhalation, Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive, Safety assessment of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive, Critical review of the safety assessment of titanium dioxide additives in food, Titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a food additive: Current science report. So, do organic tampons contain titanium dioxide? Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? "[TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it has been associated with lung cancer when inhaled," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh, which is why the government sets limits on exposure for workers. 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. 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. So what do you do instead? Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene#Health_concerns, Rayon (Viscose). ", 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.". Titanium Dioxide is a pigment that is used in both pads and tampons to make them appear whiter. Its very commonly used as a natural mineral and has been studied in rodents.. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Sign up for notifications from Insider! "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. How can this be? According to Code of Federal Regulations, the mineral is considered "exempt from certification" in cosmetics, medical devices, and pharmaceutical drugs, meaning it has determined that the "certification of this color additive is not necessary for the protection of the public health. 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. So inhalation at higher concentrations may not be advisable, but inhalation clearly isnt a risk when tampons are used according to their intended purpose. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), California Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/carbon-disulfide.pdf, https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/titanium_dioxide.html, https://www.healthline.com/health/is-polypropylene-safe, https://balmonds.co.uk/blogs/blog/the-problem-with-paraffin-in-emollients, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene#Health_concerns, https://cfda.com/resources/materials/detail/rayon-viscose, https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/dirty-dozen-peg-compounds-contaminants/, https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-ph-balance.