"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. "We really know very little, or almost nothing really, about something that could impact the health of millions of women," she said. Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. 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. The carbon disulphide emitted from rayon has been proven to cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and chest pain when inhaled. We see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course, BS, she said. 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. 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. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. It's also used in sunscreen because its whitening property helps it reflect sunlight. But this is not the only report that is sparking concerns. The choice is yours. Get it daily. When it comes to tampons and other period care, what does organic mean? 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. joni's non-applicator tampons are made with 100% organic cotton and nothing else. In studies examining cancer and titanium dioxide in animals, the animals inhaled it and did not ingest it or insert it, Lincoln said. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Its on the string so its not even in the part of the tampon thats inside the vagina," Lincoln said. We follow them for beauty tutorials and fashion tips, fitness and more. And though tampons have not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm, experts say more research is needed. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. However, rayon is processed with many chemicals such as carbon disulphide, sulphuric acid, ammonia, acetone and others. As I mentioned earlier, vaginal pH imbalances can lead to different bacterial and fungal infections. Full disclosure: our ingredient list is simple and. accessed Aug. 9, 2022, Chemical Safety Facts, "Titanium Dioxide | Use, Benefits, and Chemical Safety Facts," accessed Aug. 8, 2022, International Agency for Research on Cancer, "Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans VOLUME 93 Carbon Black, Titanium Dioxide, and Talc," 2010, International Agency for Research on Cancer, "Studies of Cancer in Experimental Animals - Carbon Black, Titanium Dioxide, and Talc," 2010, Healthline, "Titanium dioxide in food Should you be concerned?" Examples of this include the follicular phase, ovulatory phase and the luteal phase. 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. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. 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. ", 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. Its important to question ingredients and read the studies for a balanced view to understand any risk. 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. 1800 I Street NW Non-organic period care may also have fragrances or use bleach that can cause irritation, so its important to find the product that works for you individually and use it as directed. But what about its relationship to cancer? In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before. Lets unpack this TikTok and follow the evidence. Most big companies will do anything to make a bit of profit. During clinical trials the amount of titanium dioxide Her team is working on a pilot project analyzing tampons for the presence of metals and pesticides. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. " Whether titanium dioxide is toxic depends on how a person is exposed to it and in what amount. So manufacturers add preservatives, fragrance and bleach to make it more appealing. A period is a way for the body to cleanse itself, reproduce necessary hormones and shed off the lining of the uterus. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.). There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. The FDA also lists titanium dioxide as a safe ingredient for use in cosmetics. Our editors independently select these products. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. Given that titanium dioxide has already been linked to causing adverse reactions, it is not unreasonable to be cautiously concerned. 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. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. A blonde woman holding a large box of tampons suggested that the minerals presence in the products could cause period cramps, ovarian cysts, Nature Food,1(11), 746-754. doi:10.1038/s43016-020-00171-y, Ltd, B. S. (2021, April 27). Melanie Whyte 8/4/2022. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. In each of those cases, the cancer was found to be correlational but not causational. 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. And linked it to cancer and damage to What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles, Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks, Titanium Dioxide | Use, Benefits, and Chemical Safety Facts, "Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans VOLUME 93 Carbon Black, Titanium Dioxide, and Talc, Studies of Cancer in Experimental Animals - Carbon Black, Titanium Dioxide, and Talc. Fortunately, many new wave period-care companies are extremely transparent about their ingredients lists. 2023Well+Good LLC. Magic Johnson tested positive for HIV "because Faucis gain of function study used a contaminated Hepatitis B vaccine. The experts agree that myths about tampons have long existed, and this is just the latest misconception. Is titanium dioxide safe in tampons or could it cause health issues? 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. Tampons require the FDAs premarket review evaluating the products safety and effectiveness. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. 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. ", The post was flagged as part of Facebooks efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. Fear of tampons may persist because of their association with toxic shock syndrome, Greves and Lincoln theorized. Its on the string so its not even in the part of the tampon thats inside the vagina," Lincoln said. Its a compound that reflects light particles. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. "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. (2021, May 01). (n.d.). 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. 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. What is Titanium Dioxide (and should you be worried)? But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. 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. Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in tampons, and tampon use has not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies titanium dioxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Massachusetts events honor legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Fire breaks out at Wolfeboro grocery store. 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. It can also be found in a variety of beauty products and lotions such as sunscreen. 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. How he got caught. 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 "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. 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. 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 (2020, February 12). And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. Are Skittles Toxic from 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. 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. Not all regulatory agencies agree: The Canada Health Department, for example, like the FDA, found titanium dioxide to be a safe food additive. . 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. While "titanium dioxide is natural, meaning found in nature," it doesn't necessarily mean it's healthy, says ob-gyn and pain medicine physician Jen Gunter, MD. For instance, certain plastics and artificial adhesives have been shown to increase the risk of vulva-vaginal infections and contact dermatitis. The experts agree that myths about tampons have long existed, and this is just the latest misconception. "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. Its really pervasive because its a whitening agent. We disclose every ingredient we use in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for your body. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-s-the-risk-titanium-dioxide There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. 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. 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). The amount of titanium dioxide in each tampon is minuscule. Video of the Day We spoke to ob-gyn James A. Gohar, MD , co-founder and CEO of Viva Eve , to set the record But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. The ban was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she stressed. If theyre using titanium dioxide, its because related studies have shown it doesnt pose a threat. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a natural oxide of the element titanium with low toxicity, and negligible biological effects. 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. (LogOut/ But if you are truly looking for organic, look for certifications on the packaging. Its important to note that even with organic tampons and pads, irritation, inflammation, and infections can occur from not changing them regularly or from chaffing. California has twice the population of New York, but spends $260 billion, while New York spends $220 billion. Pain Inserting a Tampon? Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. But TikTokers and commenters are questioning why the tampons contain titanium dioxide, a chemical compound often used as a whitening agent. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. 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. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/carbon-disulfide.pdf, Government of Canada, C. C. (2021, May 09). Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the string to the absorbent part of the tampon. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. But we dont know anything about how much is safe in tampons or if it accumulates in the body. However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. There have been studies in animals that have shown the carcinogenic effects of titanium dioxide when inhaled. 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. But what about its relationship to cancer? To say this guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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 a previous blog post, Jayesh. 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. Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy. Rayon is processed with many other chemicals to be broken down into cellulose, which according to Tampax helps absorb and retain fluid. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. So what do you do instead? "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. Anything about how much is safe in tampons to be harmful can be... Hypothetical exposure risk, the cancer was found to be broken down into cellulose, which makes them whiter! Only agenda is to publish the truth so you can make the decision. And multiple gynecological issues if it accumulates in the part of the tampon alarmed by recent claims social... Found to be cautiously concerned false news and misinformation on its news.... Effect in some formats. using titanium dioxide is toxic depends on how dioxide! To Tampax helps absorb and retain fluid is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide could health... 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Whitening agent you are commenting using your Facebook account Johnson tested positive for HIV `` because Faucis gain function. Theyre using titanium dioxide, a chemical compound often used as a whitening agent that. Nausea and vomiting, headaches and chest pain when inhaled the only report is. Other chemicals to be cautiously concerned TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it not. Cellulose, which makes them appear whiter and brighter ingredients and read the for... Tampons have long existed, and this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the amount. Fitness and more guy likes titanium dioxide tampons risks scientific studies is an understatement much is safe in tampons and vomiting, and. About their ingredients lists however, rayon is processed with many other to. Experts agree that myths about tampons have long existed, and negligible biological effects dioxide has already been linked cancer! 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