If you dont want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. 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. 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. A cure for cancer, known as a Rife machine, was found in 1934. The agency could not rule out potential damage to DNA,but this is much different than the agency stating there was an identified cause and effect. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the So manufacturers add preservatives, fragrance and bleach to make it more appealing. They found values ranging from 14,600-4,550,000 particles per capita per day, depending on the region. In the brand of tampon featured in the viral post, its less than 0.1% of all the ingredients. 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. But powdered cosmetics were safe up to 25%. 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. Most people assume that their personal products are safe and are willing to use them regardless of ingredients which is why big companies are still using cheap and unsafe ingredients. Meanwhile, in the US, the FDA continues to allow for safe use of TiO2 as a food additive as long as manufacturers provide evidence that it is safe at its intended level of use. 727-821-9494. But TikTokers and commenters are questioning why the tampons contain titanium dioxide, a chemical compound often used as a whitening agent. 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. 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. Still, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. Please dont panic about titanium dioxide in tampon strings. 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. July 29, 2022, European Commission, "Sunscreens with titanium dioxide as nanoparticles," accessed Aug. 9, 2022, The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, "Safety of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in cosmetics," Nov. 2019, The Skin Cancer Foundation, "Sunscreen Safety," June 6, 2018, Today, "New York becomes first state to require ingredients list on pads, tampons," Oct. 12, 2019, The Atlantic, "The Tampon: A History," (archived) June 2015, The New York Times, "Are Skittles Toxic? In fact, joni tampons are 100% organic cotton. 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. Sometimes referred to as titanium white or Pigment White 6, titanium dioxide is all around us. But what about its relationship to cancer? Lets look at what can happen with an acute TiO2 exposure: The last route absorption is the route of question when it comes to the TiO2 in tampons. "For example, inhaling it at high concentrations can irritate the nose and throat." Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. [TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it The amount of titanium dioxide in each tampon is minuscule. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). Full disclosure: our ingredient list is simple and. Are common multivitamins worth the money? They are about the same price as regular pads and tampons, but contain much cleaner ingredients! Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. As you can see, there is not much regulation that goes into the manufacturing of menstrual products. (LogOut/ July 21, 2021, Britannica, "Titanium Dioxide," accessed Aug. 8, 2022, Food and Drug Administration, "Color Additives Exempt from Certification - Titanium Dioxide - Foods," March 29, 2022, Food and Drug Administration, "Color Additives Exempt from Certification - Titanium Dioxide - Cosmetics," March 29, 2022, Food and Drug Administration, "Color Additives Exempt from Certification - Titanium Dioxide - Drugs," March 29, 2022, Food and Drug Administration, "Color Additives Exempt from Certification - Titanium Dioxide - Medical Devices," March 29, 2022, Food and Drug Administration, "The Facts on Tamponsand How to Use Them Safely," Sept. 30, 2020, Food and Drug Administration, "Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-The-Counter Human Use," March 29, 2022, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, "European Union: Titanium Dioxide Banned as a Food Additive in the EU," March 3, 2022, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, "Titanium Dioxide," Jan. 13, 2021, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, "Opinion on Titanium dioxide (TiO2) used in cosmetic products that lead to exposure by inhalation," Oct. 6, 2022, European Food Safety Authority, "Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive," May 6, 2021, European Food Safety Authority, "Safety assessment of titanium dioxide (E171) as a food additive," May 6, 2021, Journal of Nanobiotechnology, "Critical review of the safety assessment of titanium dioxide additives in food," June 1, 2018, Health Canada, "Titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a food additive: Current science report," June 20, 2022, Scientific American, "Are Skittles Toxic from Titanium Dioxide?" Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) occurs when a super-absorbent tampons is inserted for longer than medically recommended, which may lead certain types of bacteria to grow. Although it has been proven to likely be carcinogenic, this ingredient is still used in many products including menstrual products. View all posts by Sara Mastrangelo. When titanium dioxide is used, we assume it isnt in large quantities. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. 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. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. "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 and then get absorbed by the body." California has twice the population of New York, but spends $260 billion, while New York spends $220 billion. Dr. Philip M. Tierno, Jr., a professor of microbiology and pathology at the NYU School of Medicine, told Insider that while titanium dioxide is used in plenty of everyday products, "tampons are especially a problem" since it's possible the chemical could be absorbed into the bloodstream through the vagina's lining. Consuming rice and beans, milk, cheese, butter and eggs causes disease by age 30. 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. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. People on social media are worried that titanium dioxide on tampons can cause cancer or irregular periods thanks to a viral video. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. 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. It makes items white. stated on July 20, 2022 an Instagram post: stated on June 21, 2022 an Instagram post: stated on June 17, 2022 a post on Facebook: stated on June 12, 2022 social media posts: stated on January 6, 2023 in a video shared on Facebook: stated on January 16, 2023 in a photo on Facebook: stated on January 11, 2023 in an Instagram post: stated on January 1, 2023 in an image shared on Instagram: stated on January 10, 2023 in an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity: stated on December 1, 2022 in a radio interview: stated on January 12, 2023 in a photo on Facebook: stated on January 12, 2023 in remarks at the White House: All Rights Reserved Poynter Institute 2020, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, established what it calls a "permissible exposure limit. Rayon is a semi synthetic fabric made from recycled wood pulp. Tampons are great. 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. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. 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. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . ", 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.". Is titanium dioxide safe in tampons or could it cause health issues? Its very commonly used as a natural mineral and has been studied in rodents.. Toxins released from rayon can also rarely cause tissue necrosis for people who regularly wear clothing made of this fabric. This can be experienced emotionally such as crying (PMS) or even just focusing more on your diet. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene#Health_concerns, Rayon (Viscose). There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. The titanium dioxide in these tampons is just very small amounts, Greves said. While it sounds scary, the experts stress theres little truth behind these worries. 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. Are Skittles Toxic from Titanium Dioxide? Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. Titanium Dioxide is a pigment that is used in both pads and tampons to make them appear whiter. It is the mostwidely used white pigment because of its brightness and very high refractive index meaning that its "brilliant whiteness" does not allow light to pass through. Genetically modified cotton was introduced in 1996 (only 25 years ago) and is thought to be one of the worlds dirtiest crops. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. So today, I wanted to write a blog on the hidden dangers found in our menstrual products and what products to use instead! The Food and Drug Administration considers tampons medical devices, which means the agency has oversight on whats in them. 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. A blonde woman holding a large box of tampons suggested that the minerals presence in the products could cause period cramps, ovarian cysts, 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 OB-GYN Dr. Jen Gunter posted a response to the controversy on Instagram, calling concerns about it "fearmongering. 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. Fear of tampons may persist because of their association with toxic shock syndrome, Greves and Lincoln theorized. Change). However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. To say this guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement. "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. as well as other partner offers and accept our. 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. "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. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. Jayesh adds that we have to be careful to not make assumptions without evidence-based facts. Theres really two reasons why people think that it could cause cancer, and I can understand why because its confusing, Lincoln, an OB-GYN and author of the book, Lets Talk about Down There: An OB-GYN Answers all Your Burning Questions Without Making You Feel Embarrassed for Asking, told TODAY. Is Titanium Dioxide Safe in Tampons? (n.d.). Its on the string so its not even in the part of the tampon thats inside the vagina," Lincoln said. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. The information that I retrieved about the ingredients found in varying menstrual products can be found on Tampax.com. In general, Dr. Gunter says that there is no evidence that titanium dioxide on tampon strings can cause any harm. Within her 30 years as a gynecologist, Dr. Gunter says Titanium dioxide has recently been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen possible carcinogen to humans. The experts agree that myths about tampons have long existed, and this is just the latest misconception. If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. On supporting marriage rights for same-sex couples. Examples of this include the follicular phase, ovulatory phase and the luteal phase. The National Library of Medicine noted that there's "inadequate evidence in humans" that the additive contributes to cancer. 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. 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. 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. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. There are several health concerns regarding TiO2. If people just do a quick Google search, it can be a bit confusing.. A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide in tampons.