According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, it's "possibly carcinogenic" since studies have linked lung tumors in rats with inhaling titanium dioxide. 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. TiO2 It is mined from the Earth and then processed into an inorganic solid white compound most commonlyused as a pigment in paints, food coloring, sunscreenand cosmetic products. 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?" 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. That said, with all the scientific evidence accumulating in other areas, consumers should be more aware of titanium dioxide's potential effect on reproductive health, Dr. Gohar says. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? of using pads and tampons with titanium dioxidewe just don't know for certain. T his past August, a video about titanium dioxide in tampons went viral on TikTok. 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. Its widely used in the fashion industry because of its ability to mimic the look and feel of other fabrics such as silk, cotton, wool and others. So, do organic tampons contain titanium dioxide? of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. 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's primarily used to help make white foods appear whiter (like milk and candy) or to lengthen the shelf life of foods that are sensitive to UV light. "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. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. Full disclosure: our ingredient list is simple and does not contain titanium dioxide or any other chemicals or fragrances. How he got caught. Some research, mostly conducted in animals, has found titanium dioxide to be harmful when inhaled and consumed, typically in large quantities. If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. Some cotton farmers earn less than $2.00 a day for their cotton and spend up to 60% of their annual income on pesticides. Lincoln said this led some to believe that the substance has been proven to be cancerous. She enjoys cooking, yoga, reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs. 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. Its a compound that reflects light particles. Tampons are great. Although the FDA considers titanium dioxide safe, the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." Titanium dioxide is used in all kinds of products as a whitener, including toothpaste, sunscreen, and yes, period care. At joni, were also proud to have ECO-CERT certified, which also oversees responsible production, recyclable packaging, and the responsible use of resources. 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. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. Lincoln said this led some to believe that the substance has been proven to be cancerous. There have been studies in animals that have shown the carcinogenic effects of titanium dioxide when inhaled. There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. 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. New study explores the benefits,harms. The FDA also lists titanium dioxide as a safe ingredient for use in cosmetics. The video has 630,000 views and nearly 14,00 comments. This ingredient is widely used to provide a whiter appearance and opacity to products such as paints, plastics, papers, inks, foods and toothpaste. No added chemicals. "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. ", Email Interview with gynecologist Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, Aug. 10, 2022, Email Interview with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Aug. 9, 2022. 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. And though tampons have not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm, experts say more research is needed. If you dont want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. 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. Find him on Instagram@dr.daignault. 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. But if we are exposed to these same substances via a different route than how they are intended, or at a higher dose, they can be toxic. 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. A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide in tampons. 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. Rayon is processed with many other chemicals to be broken down into cellulose, which according to Tampax helps absorb and retain fluid. [TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-s-the-risk-titanium-dioxide "[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. Is polypropylene a safe plastic to use in your home? I do think that they have an image problem because of that.. And thats it. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. Full disclosure: our ingredient list is simple and. If theyre using titanium dioxide, its because related studies have shown it doesnt pose a threat. Check out my personalized services and be sure to follow me on Instagram for updates , Carbon disulfide US EPA. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. "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. For us, choosing organic is a proactive choice. The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. 727-821-9494. But what about its relationship to cancer? IE 11 is not supported. 801 3rd St. S As I mentioned earlier, vaginal pH imbalances can lead to different bacterial and fungal infections. More:Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. "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. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy. "But not only that, 'such substances may have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans,'" she continues. Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. 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. So inhalation at higher concentrations may not be advisable, but inhalation clearly isnt a risk when tampons are used according to their intended purpose. Nature Food,1(11), 746-754. doi:10.1038/s43016-020-00171-y, Ltd, B. S. (2021, April 27). Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://cfda.com/resources/materials/detail/rayon-viscose, Schwebel, D. C., & Swart, D. (2009). Titanium dioxide is chemical substance used in many products to make them look whiter, according to ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. Vaginal pH imbalances can lead It is considered one of the most dangerous fabrics, but is still one of the main ingredients in our menstrual products! The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. 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. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. ", The post was flagged as part of Facebooks efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. 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 a 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. The information that I retrieved about the ingredients found in varying menstrual products can be found on Tampax.com. 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. A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide in tampons. Another TikToker, zt0n3r.hippie, responded by saying "now I know" the cause of her own reproductive health problems. 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. 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. If youre looking for a healthier alternative to your personal care products, check out Natracare. The Food and Drug Administration considers tampons medical devices, which means the agency has oversight on whats in them. The titanium dioxide in it is toxic to us & causing cancerous cysts, ectopic pregnancies, & reproductive damage in humans. All rights reserved. It's also used in sunscreen because its whitening property helps it reflect sunlight. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. That said, well-known brands like Tampax and L. include TiO2 in their products, while brands like Rael, Cora, and The Honey Pot currently do not have this ingredient in their pads or tampons. Are common multivitamins worth the money? California has twice the population of New York, but spends $260 billion, while New York spends $220 billion. Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? "I've been on my period for 13 days, I have ovarian cysts that they have to check for cancer, and I've used five of these," she says holding an empty container of L. tampons. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. 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. Sunscreens with titanium dioxide as nanoparticles, Safety of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in cosmetics, New York becomes first state to require ingredients list on pads, tampons, Are Skittles Toxic? "Exposure can irritate eyes, nose, and throat, and causes cancer," TikToker monirubio8 reads from a state government webpageon titanium dioxide. 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. In a post on her blog The Vajenda, Dr. Jen Gunter, author and OB/GYN explained that chemistry may also be on our side. After a review of numerous studies, many conducted in animals given high doses of titanium dioxide, the agency reported it did not find evidence of general, organ, reproductive, or developmental toxicity. The tampon would pose a threat Should be Yours, Too to publish the truth so you be... T his past August, a video about titanium dioxide, its because related studies have shown the effects... Many products to make your body less acidic '' the cause of her reproductive! That show it has been proven to be harmful when inhaled for,! 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