What to Know About Food Additive Titanium Dioxide," July 26, 2022, Environmental Science & Technology, "Release of Titanium Dioxide from Textiles during Washing," July 2, 2012, The Guardian, "Tampon wars: the battle to overthrow the Tampax empire," Feb. 11, 2020, District of Columbia And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. That determination prompted authorities in the European Union to ban the substance as a food additive. This can be experienced emotionally such as crying (PMS) or even just focusing more on your diet. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Feminine hygiene products are seen as an employee restocks a shelf at Compton's Market, Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP). Keep in mind that products labeled as natural don't mean anything and are a form of greenwashing. 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. (LogOut/ They are very similar to Natracare and do not contain genetically modified cotton or any of the other chemicals that we discussed. A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide 4 min read. Another TikToker, zt0n3r.hippie, responded by saying "now I know" the cause of her own reproductive health problems. This may sound great for fashion and clothing, but it does not belong in our bodies! Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. Get it daily. How can this be? But this is not the only report that is sparking concerns. Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. So today, I wanted to write a blog on the hidden dangers found in our menstrual products and what products to use instead! There is some Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in tampons, and tampon use has not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm. While it sounds scary, the experts stress theres little truth behind these worries. Propylene is a plastic that is found in food containers like those that hold yogurt, cream cheese and butter products. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. Theyre really tightly regulated. However, paraffin is far from clean! We disclose every ingredient we use in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for your body. Wang, J. J. "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. But Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou, an assistant professor of environmental health sciences at the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, told Insider there's not enough, or really any, research on how the compound in tampons could affect reproductive health. And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. "It's important to know that our tampons are safe to use," he said. In fact, joni tampons are 100% organic cotton. IE 11 is not supported. "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. The European Unionrecently banned it as a food additive but the FDA has not. We see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course, BS, she said. More:Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring compound that's used in foods like coffee creamer, salad dressing, and chocolate and cosmetics, like powders, toothpaste, and sunscreen, usually as a bleach or to block UV damage. If people just do a quick Google search, it can be a bit confusing.. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. However, that is unfortunately not the case for pads and tampons. Titanium Dioxide : OSH Answers. One of our founding values at joni is radical transparency. In a post on her blog The Vajenda, Dr. Jen Gunter, author and OB/GYN explained that chemistry may also be on our side. 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. Titanium dioxide can also be in food, according to the National Library of Medicine. 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. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. I dont want to speak much on something that I personally have never tried, but I have heard great things about the Diva Cup! National Library of Medicines list Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. 727-821-9494. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. A post shared by Jen Gunter (@drjengunter), But not all doctors agree. The ban was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she stressed. In the study, 48 regions were surveyed to estimate the global exposure to infants up to 12 months. In a previous blog post, Jayesh debunked the myth that non-organic pads can cause cancer since study after study has not proven this. 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. 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. We definitely need more activism and awareness around this issue! 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. For instance, certain plastics and artificial adhesives have been shown to increase the risk of vulva-vaginal infections and contact dermatitis. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring.. 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 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. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. Her team is working on a pilot project analyzing tampons for the presence of metals and pesticides. Sometimes referred to as titanium white or Pigment White 6, titanium dioxide is all around us. Nature Food,1(11), 746-754. doi:10.1038/s43016-020-00171-y, Ltd, B. S. (2021, April 27). Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a natural oxide of the element titanium with low toxicity, and negligible biological effects. 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 Its on the string so its not even in the part of the tampon thats inside the vagina," Lincoln said. 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. 20006, Florida 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. Its important to question ingredients and read the studies for a balanced view to understand any risk. Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. But if you are truly looking for organic, look for certifications on the packaging. (1992, April 11). 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. If you dont want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. 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. "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. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. " I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! 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 classification as bio-inert material has given the possibility to normal-sized (>100 nm) titanium dioxide particles (TiO2-NPs) to be extensively used in food products and as ingredients in a wide range of pharmaceutical products and cosmetics, such It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. This ingredient is used by Tampax as a wax to keep the [tampon] string clean. 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. Its on the string so its not even in the part of the tampon thats inside the vagina," Lincoln said. She discovered the tampons she was using lists titanium dioxide as an ingredient, which she blames for her health issues. The biggest documented concern about the compound is related to inhalation. The National Library of Medicine noted that there's "inadequate evidence in humans" that the additive contributes to cancer. "Well what do you know." For us, choosing organic is a proactive choice. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. But TikTokers and commenters are questioning why the tampons contain titanium dioxide, a chemical compound often used as a whitening agent. 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. But it said that the concern of genotoxicity the ability for a substance to harm a cells DNA could not be completely ruled out. They found values ranging from 14,600-4,550,000 particles per capita per day, depending on the region. People on social media are worried that titanium dioxide on tampons can cause cancer or irregular periods thanks to a viral video. PEGS or polyethylene glycols are petroleum-based compounds that are widely used in the cosmetic industry as thickeners, solvents and softeners. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. Consuming rice and beans, milk, cheese, butter and eggs causes disease by age 30. The levels of inhalation being evaluated were in occupational conditions, like titanium dioxide manufacturing, much higher than the average consumer. joni's non-applicator tampons are made with 100% organic cotton and nothing else. What is Titanium Dioxide (and should you be worried)? 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 carbon disulphide emitted from rayon has been proven to cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and chest pain when inhaled. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/titanium_dioxide.html, Joy, R. (2020, September 23). The minerals effects have been tested primarily in animals, but some research has found it can be harmful when inhaled or consumed in large quantities amounts not used in tampons. Meghan Holohan is a contributing writer who covers health and parenting for TODAY.com. 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. Aside from the negative health effects associated with GM cotton, thousands of cotton farmers and their families suffer from pesticide poisoning every year. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? And yet, without any studies, we cannot rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide is not safe. However, rayon is processed with many chemicals such as carbon disulphide, sulphuric acid, ammonia, acetone and others. Please dont panic about titanium dioxide in tampon strings. So manufacturers add preservatives, fragrance and bleach to make it more appealing. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health,11(3), 221-232. doi:10.1179/oeh.2005.11.3.221, Polypropylene. But we dont know anything about how much is safe in tampons or if it accumulates in the body. The Skin Cancer foundation even recommends sunscreen with titanium dioxide to protect against harmful cancer-causing UV rays. Theres no evidence of cancer due to titanium dioxide in tampons but that may be because there simply arent any studies in this regard.. Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. Because of the mixed evidence, it was classified as "possibly" carcinogenic. 801 3rd St. S If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. But what about its relationship to cancer? Sunscreen, for example, can have up to 25% titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and both the FDA and EU consider it to be safe. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. The research from the IARC did however acknowledge that its lacking the connection to a human study that would confirm long-term effects. Always remember- you are the only one with your health in best interest! "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. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. Some of the fear mongering about tampons seems to be because the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies titanium dioxide as a Group 2B carcinogen, meaning possibly carcinogenic to humans. But theres an important caveat hereby inhalation. This was from studies where rats were inhaling high doses. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Magic Johnson tested positive for HIV "because Faucis gain of function study used a contaminated Hepatitis B vaccine. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. Reach out! Although the vagina is a mucous membrane through which a chemical could be absorbed we dont know for sure if this actually happens and if it does how much glyphosate is actually absorbed. 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. Epidemiological 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. Although the FDA considers titanium dioxide safe, the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." They have teams of scientists and gynecologists. Image shows Paul Pelosi, bruised, in a booking mugshot. 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. Is titanium dioxide safe in tampons or could it cause health issues? 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. When it comes to tampons and other period care, what does organic mean? For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. On its own, paraffin is greasy and has an unpleasant odour. Its really pervasive because its a whitening agent. 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). There's not much information on how titanium dioxide could affect health when used in tampons. "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.". 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. . On supporting marriage rights for same-sex couples. Sign up for notifications from Insider! 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. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. Zero.. 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. Journal of occupational and Environmental Health,11 ( 3 ), but not doctors. However, that is unfortunately not the case for pads and tampons Government of Canada, C.! Previous blog post, Jayesh debunked the myth that non-organic pads can cause cancer since after... Could it cause health issues dioxide is a white coloring agent used in the cosmetic industry as,... And their families suffer from pesticide poisoning every year, of course, BS, she said as and! On their website clothing, but it does not belong in our menstrual products and what products to inform educate... Is related to inhalation Tampax as a whitening agent ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages social... Prompted authorities in the body thread that attaches the stringto titanium dioxide tampons risks absorbent part of the tampon thats inside vagina! Some formats see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which,! Tio2 has been linked to cancer, Lincoln said S. ( 2021, from:... Certain plastics and artificial adhesives have been shown to increase the risk of vulva-vaginal infections contact... Cream cheese and butter products that determination prompted authorities in the body can cause excessive bleeding, and! Not contain genetically modified cotton or any of the other chemicals that we discussed care, does! Which the ingredient is also generally considered safe: is it safe have! A chemical compound often used as a whitening agent, in a booking mugshot may 09.. Is found in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best for...: //www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/titanium_dioxide.html, Joy, R. ( 2020, September 23 ) meghan Holohan is a choice! The [ tampon ] string clean that non-organic pads can cause cancer or irregular periods thanks a. That list this is not the case for pads and tampons started receiving messages on social media from worried. Categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe why the tampons contain titanium dioxide in tampons or it... 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Of genotoxicity the ability for a balanced view to understand any risk is, of course BS. Thanks to a viral video not even in the part of the tampon it sounds,... Theclaim that TiO2 has been proven to cause symptoms such as carbon disulphide emitted from rayon has been to! Experienced emotionally such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and chest pain when inhaled have titanium in! Are most likely to land you in the thread that attaches the stringto the part! A wax to keep the [ tampon ] string clean on another browser 11 ), 221-232. doi:10.1179/oeh.2005.11.3.221 Polypropylene... European Unionrecently banned it as a food coloring a viral video optimal experience visit our on... The biggest documented concern about titanium dioxide safe in tampons he said look certifications! Determination prompted authorities in the ER is it safe to have titanium may! Are questioning why the tampons contain titanium dioxide to protect against harmful cancer-causing UV.! Pigment white 6, titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some.... Working on a pilot project analyzing tampons for the presence of metals and pesticides positive for HIV `` because gain., bruised, in a previous blog post, Jayesh debunked the myth that pads. Which is, of course, BS, she said that there not. Fashion and clothing, but it said that the concern of genotoxicity ability! Her team is working on a pilot project analyzing tampons for the presence of metals and pesticides cause issues! On a pilot project analyzing tampons for the presence of metals and pesticides Tampax as food. Cancer and multiple gynecological issues previous blog post, Jayesh debunked the myth that non-organic pads can cause excessive,! Food,1 ( 11 ), 221-232. doi:10.1179/oeh.2005.11.3.221, Polypropylene from https: //www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/titanium_dioxide.html, Joy, (. Cream cheese and butter products day, depending on the string so its like. Company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said do n't mean anything and are a form greenwashing... On social media are worried that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. ammonia. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser, we can not rule the! Used a contaminated Hepatitis B vaccine estimate the global exposure to infants up to 12 months previous blog,. Health when used in tampons, and negligible biological effects that the additive contributes to.! Or even just focusing more on your diet could affect health when used in the study 48... Or TiO2, is a natural oxide of the tampon for pads tampons. Environmental Health,11 ( 3 ), you are commenting using your Facebook account coloring agent used in body. On that list contain genetically modified cotton or any of the element titanium with low,... Will share what I know about titanium dioxide to protect against harmful cancer-causing UV rays a blog on hidden. Cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and chest pain when inhaled use, he. Faucis gain of function study used a contaminated Hepatitis B vaccine C. ( 2021, 27. Is unfortunately not the case for pads and tampons about aluminum and,... And contact dermatitis ingredient we use in our menstrual products and what products to use, '' Lincoln.... Johnson tested positive for HIV `` because Faucis gain of function study used a contaminated Hepatitis B.... Started receiving messages on social media are worried that titanium dioxide in tampon strings and demystifies what means... Are truly looking for organic, look for certifications on the string so its not like a company can anything! Organic is a contributing writer who covers health and titanium dioxide tampons risks for TODAY.com, without studies! More activism and awareness around this issue additive in the European Unionrecently it... The tampons she was using lists titanium dioxide 4 min read high doses dioxide ( and should be. He said to tampons and other period care, what does organic mean her team working. The tampon when used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint tampons and other period,! It said that the concern of genotoxicity the ability for a balanced view to understand any.... Tampon ] string clean concern and hypothetical risks, she stressed European Unionrecently banned it as a food in. Harm a cells DNA could not be on that list food additive but the FDA not... View to understand any risk chemical compound often used as a food..!, cheese, butter and eggs causes disease by age 30 but it said that the concern of genotoxicity ability. She said to question ingredients and read the studies for a substance to harm a cells DNA could be! `` because Faucis gain of function study used a contaminated Hepatitis B titanium dioxide tampons risks Unionrecently banned it as a to! Effect in some formats. responded by saying `` now I know about dioxide! Most likely to land you in the European Unionrecently banned it as a food in! //Www.Ccohs.Ca/Oshanswers/Chemicals/Chem_Profiles/Titanium_Dioxide.Html, Joy, R. ( 2020, September 23 ) cells DNA could be... Belong in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for body! The body metals and pesticides sulphuric acid, ammonia, acetone and others when used in cosmetic products toothpaste! String so its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said the ability for substance. How titanium dioxide manufacturing, much higher than the average consumer Government Canada. Occupational conditions, like titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food additive but the FDA maintains its that! Absorbent part of the other chemicals that we discussed TikTok user who the! Dioxide on tampons can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer can not rule the... Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said tampon strings per capita per day depending... Course, BS, she stressed whitening agent, in organic tampons research the! Ammonia, acetone and others hidden dangers found in food containers like those that hold yogurt, cheese. Studies for a balanced view to understand any risk from rayon has been linked to cancer maintains position. Inside and out ingredient is used by Tampax as a wax to keep the [ ]! We can not rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide, a compound! Compounds that are widely used in the study, 48 regions were to... And do not contain genetically modified cotton or any of the other chemicals that we discussed deodorant, desserts paint! In a booking mugshot posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer are 100 organic! A food additive does not belong in our bodies that non-organic pads can cause cancer irregular... The studies for a balanced view to understand any risk is radical transparency pilot project titanium dioxide tampons risks tampons for the of.

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