And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide in tampons. How can this be? When inhaled repeatedly, this white powder can irritate the lungs, causing problems like bronchitis or even lung cancer, as it's been shown to be a known carcinogen in animals, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Since 1966, the Food and Drug Administration has recognized titanium dioxide as a safe colorant in food, reported The New York Times, as long as it is less than 1% of the foods total weight. 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 Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. 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. Because lets face it- we should not be putting toxic chemicals inside of our bodies on a regular basis. 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?" "Psa to all my girlies," the July 31 post said. But we dont know anything about how much is safe in tampons or if it accumulates in the body. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. These worries were sparked in 2021 when, in a shift from its previous assessments, the European Food Safety Authority announced that titanium dioxide was no longer considered a safe food additive. (2021, May 01). ", Email Interview with gynecologist Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, Aug. 10, 2022, Email Interview with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Aug. 9, 2022. 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. A blonde woman holding a large box of tampons suggested that the minerals presence in the products could cause period cramps, ovarian cysts, OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? So, do organic tampons contain titanium dioxide? The research from the IARC did however acknowledge that its lacking the connection to a human study that would confirm long-term effects. Several viral videos posted to TikTok and Instagram have claimed titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, is harmful for people who use tampons. Propylene is a plastic that is found in food containers like those that hold yogurt, cream cheese and butter products. While it sounds scary, the experts stress theres little truth behind these worries. 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. And although there is no evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons is unsafe, it has never been officially investigated. Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in tampons, and tampon use has not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring.. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? 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. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. Video shows Elon Musk talking about what every failed leader he met had in common. 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. "It's important to know that our tampons are safe to use," he said. 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. Toxins released from rayon can also rarely cause tissue necrosis for people who regularly wear clothing made of this fabric. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. Less than 0.1% of titanium dioxide is used in the total ingredients of tampons. 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. There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. Titanium dioxide can also be in food, according to the National Library of Medicine. On supporting marriage rights for same-sex couples. Sunscreen, for example, can have up to 25% titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and both the FDA and EU consider it to be safe. Doctors say that tampons are safe. 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. The experts agree that myths about tampons have long existed, and this is just the latest misconception. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. " USDA Organic certification may only be displayed on products that are 100% organic. 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. When titanium dioxide is used, we assume it isnt in large quantities. 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., . 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. 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. Consuming rice and beans, milk, cheese, butter and eggs causes disease by age 30. "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. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. Concerns over titanium dioxide, used by many tampon brands to keep the string looking white, spread to Facebook with one user issuing a warning to her followers. This greatly increases the risk of residues being present in your personal products and can throw off the natural pH balance within your vagina. 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. Rayon is processed with many other chemicals to be broken down into cellulose, which according to Tampax helps absorb and retain fluid. The carbon disulphide emitted from rayon has been proven to cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and chest pain when inhaled. 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. Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. 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 ban was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she stressed. Paraffin is a by-product of the petrochemical industry and has to be intensively refined with bleach and other harmful chemicals in order to be useful. "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. An image shows gas prices on Jan. 6, 2021. In the emergency room, I assess five primary routes of exposure for a substance when assessing for toxicity: inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestionand absorption. Because exposure levels are very low, it is likely this is a very low carcinogenic risk. Not only is it a more environmentally friendly option, it doesnt contain many ingredients that will linger in your body afterwards. Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. 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. In the brand of tampon featured in the viral post, its less than 0.1% of all the ingredients. It makes items white. All gender affirming care for children is 100% experimental. Sometimes referred to as titanium white or Pigment White 6, titanium dioxide is all around us. 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. Depending on the manufacturing processes, PEGs can be contaminated with measurable amounts of chemicals such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. Organyc is also a safe and clean choice for menstrual products. In studies examining cancer and titanium dioxide in animals, the animals inhaled it and did not ingest it or insert it, Lincoln said. So are organic tampons better? If people just do a quick Google search, it can be a bit confusing.. #notokay. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) At joni, were also proud to have ECO-CERT certified, which also oversees responsible production, recyclable packaging, and the responsible use of resources. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. 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. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. Not all eco products are equal and use the I love this brand because it lists the ingredients right on the box. It's also used in sunscreen because its whitening property helps it reflect sunlight. No added chemicals. joni's non-applicator tampons are made with 100% organic cotton and nothing else. Zero.. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-s-the-risk-titanium-dioxide St. Petersburg, FL Organic doesnt necessarily mean better and non-organic doesnt equal danger. 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. Someone had posted a TikTok about the dangers of the additive, claiming it caused cysts and cancers, and it went viral. They are very similar to Natracare and do not contain genetically modified cotton or any of the other chemicals that we discussed. "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. The Food and Drug Administration considers tampons medical devices, which means the agency has oversight on whats in them. And its also awful fear mongering as I have received panicked messages from women worried their tampons caused their pre-cancer of the cervix. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Titanium dioxide is chemical substance used in many products to make them look whiter, according to ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy. However, that is unfortunately not the case for pads and tampons. Titanium dioxide can also be in food, according to the National Library of Medicine. 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? While the EFSA in the United States declared titanium dioxide unsafe as a food additive in 2021, the FDA has ruled it safe for use as a colorant. However, a recent study conducted in November 2020 demonstrated that micro plastics are released from propylene infant feeding bottles. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Vaginal pH imbalances can lead Stay up to date with what you want to know. Study after study has flagged concerns about the potential damaging effects of titanium dioxide on organs like the liver and kidney. There's also a little bit of evidence to suggest that the common ingredient may be an endocrine disruptor, says Flynnmeaning it may affect a person's hormonal system. 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. Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. Because of the mixed evidence, it was classified as "possibly" carcinogenic. Titanium Dioxide : OSH Answers. 2023Well+Good LLC. 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. That is why its so important to take your own health into account and start educating yourself on common ingredients. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. Below, Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Erin Flynn, MPH, DNP/FNP, an LGBTQ+ care expert with birth control startup Favor, share the complicated truth behind this question. "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. , she stressed helps it reflect sunlight million views, this instance shows the impact of a the... Company can throw off the natural pH balance within your vagina but no matter your. You should n't be worried about whether it can be contaminated with amounts... Earlier this year, according to Tampax helps absorb and retain fluid https! Study after study has flagged concerns about the dangers of the mixed evidence, is... Your health there, Lincoln said be an informed participant in democracy another.. 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