We see tampons as something that could potentially harm us, Lincoln said. Yet Jayesh clarifies that simply because a brand uses materials that have been pre-assessed for health safety does not mean how theyre being used does not cause problems. We follow them for beauty tutorials and fashion tips, fitness and more. 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. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the stringto the absorbent part of the tampon. Journal of Injury and Violence Research,1(1), 3-5. doi:10.5249/jivr.v1i1.1, The Dirty Dozen: PEG Compounds and their contaminants. So manufacturers add preservatives, fragrance and bleach to make it more appealing. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. (LogOut/ How he got caught. The amount of titanium dioxide in each tampon is minuscule. Although it has been proven to likely be carcinogenic, this ingredient is still used in many products including menstrual products. There is no evidence that tampon use (generally) causes cancer, reproductive damage or ectopic pregnancy according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 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?" If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. "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. So inhalation at higher concentrations may not be advisable, but inhalation clearly isnt a risk when tampons are used according to their intended purpose. 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. National Library of Medicines list People on social media are worried that titanium dioxide on tampons can cause cancer or irregular periods thanks to a viral video. Video of the Day We spoke to ob-gyn James A. Gohar, MD , co-founder and CEO of Viva Eve , to set the record 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. Rayon is a semi synthetic fabric made from recycled wood pulp. Titanium dioxide is commonly found in countless everyday products including food, cosmetics, drugs, paper and toothpaste. Titanium dioxide is chemical substance used in many products to make them look whiter, according to ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. The ban was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she stressed. 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. Vaginal pH imbalances can lead "For example, inhaling it at high concentrations can irritate the nose and throat." Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a natural oxide of the element titanium with low toxicity, and negligible biological effects. Its very commonly used as a natural mineral and has been studied in rodents.. 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., . The titanium dioxide in it is toxic to us & causing cancerous cysts, ectopic pregnancies, & reproductive damage in humans. Titanium Dioxide : OSH Answers. Its pretty worth enough for me. Cancer is a complex phenomenon that can be correlated with many factors. And though tampons have not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm, experts say more research is needed. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? Nature Food,1(11), 746-754. doi:10.1038/s43016-020-00171-y, Ltd, B. S. (2021, April 27). At joni, were also proud to have ECO-CERT certified, which also oversees responsible production, recyclable packaging, and the responsible use of resources. Needless to say, we need to start voting with our money and stop buying products that we know are not good for us. For example, when the substance is applied via sunscreen, sufficient data have found titanium dioxide to be "generally recognized as safe and effective," per the FDA. 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. 801 3rd St. S Full disclosure: our ingredient list is simple and. Find him on Instagram@dr.daignault. We disclose every ingredient we use in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for your body. First produced commercially in 1923, titanium dioxide is found in toothpaste, printer paper, sunscreen, concealer, paints, drug tablet coatings, candies, plastics, chewing gum, eye shadowand coffee creamers, just to name a few. (2020, February 12). 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 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 Consuming rice and beans, milk, cheese, butter and eggs causes disease by age 30. Rayon is processed with many other chemicals to be broken down into cellulose, which according to Tampax helps absorb and retain fluid. Always remember- you are the only one with your health in best interest! According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the compound is safe in regulated amounts meaning less than 1% of a food's weight to up to 25% of a sunscreen's concentration. 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. This ensures the product has been tested, and undergoes regular testing, to meet specific standards. 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. "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. 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. 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. Given that titanium dioxide has already been linked to causing adverse reactions, it is not unreasonable to be cautiously concerned. Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. Still, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has an established what it calls a "permissible exposure limit" to keep industry workers safe. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. Toxins released from rayon can also rarely cause tissue necrosis for people who regularly wear clothing made of this fabric. "We really know very little, or almost nothing really, about something that could impact the health of millions of women," she said. ", The post was flagged as part of Facebooks efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. Microplastic release from the degradation of Polypropylene feeding bottles during infant Formula Preparation. This greatly demonstrates that propylene plastics release micro plastics into our bodies and can have damaging health effects. Melanie Whyte 8/4/2022. So, do organic tampons contain titanium dioxide? However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. But it said that the concern of genotoxicity the ability for a substance to harm a cells DNA could not be completely ruled out. Period. Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. This may sound great for fashion and clothing, but it does not belong in our bodies! The compound is used safely in many foods and cosmetics, but it's still banned in foods in the UK. An image shows gas prices on Jan. 6, 2021. All rights reserved. A post shared by Jen Gunter (@drjengunter), But not all doctors agree. Everything You Need to Know About Maintaining Your Vaginal pH Balance: Normal Levels Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-ph-balance, My name is Sara and I love anything to do with natural health, nutrition & fitness! The second reason? The Problem With Paraffin In Emollients. While it sounds scary, the experts stress theres little truth behind these worries. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), California Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/carbon-disulfide.pdf, https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/titanium_dioxide.html, https://www.healthline.com/health/is-polypropylene-safe, https://balmonds.co.uk/blogs/blog/the-problem-with-paraffin-in-emollients, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene#Health_concerns, https://cfda.com/resources/materials/detail/rayon-viscose, https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/dirty-dozen-peg-compounds-contaminants/, https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/vaginal-ph-balance. We definitely need more activism and awareness around this issue! 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. For us, choosing organic is a proactive choice. Some people on TikTok are alleging the ingredient can lead to all The FDA also lists titanium dioxide as a safe ingredient for use in cosmetics. Is titanium dioxide safe in tampons or could it cause health issues? Fear of tampons may persist because of their association with toxic shock syndrome, Greves and Lincoln theorized. "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.". 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. As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) Once that social media seed is planted, it is extremely difficult to convince people otherwise. "Psa to all my girlies," the July 31 post said. She enjoys cooking, yoga, reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs. 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. Some research, mostly conducted in animals, has found titanium dioxide to be harmful when inhaled and consumed, typically in large quantities. Some country-level occupational health and safety organizations cite a lack of high-quality studiesfrom which they can draw any concrete conclusions about the long-term risks of "Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring substance that is often used in food and other topical products to create a whiter and brighter look," Dr. Gohar says. "But while no study has positively linked titanium dioxide exposure to ovarian cancer, miscarriages, or UTIs, we also dont have the science to assure us that this kind of exposure is perfectly safe either." 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. This finding prompted the European Union to ban TiO2 as a food additive earlier this year, but in the U.S., the ingredient is still considered to be safe in food at the limits set by the FDA. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 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. They give women freedom.. The brand, L., markets itself as "accessible period care made with ingredients inspired by nature," according to its website. I really appreciate your positive feedback . Someone had posted a TikTok about the dangers of the additive, claiming it caused cysts and cancers, and it went viral. 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. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. Thank you so much for reading my blog! The choice is yours. Meghan Holohan is a contributing writer who covers health and parenting for TODAY.com. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. IE 11 is not supported. 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. Titanium dioxide has bubbled up to the top of our feed again, but this time it's not in Skittles, it's in tampons. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies titanium dioxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans. The information that I retrieved about the ingredients found in varying menstrual products can be found on Tampax.com. Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. (The FDA says that manufacturers can have no more than 1 percent TiO2 in food.). If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. Whats lost in translation is that its really related to the inhalation of titanium dioxide, not (when it's) used internally, such as a tampon," she explained, adding that the research is in rats. The second reason? 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. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. 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. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. Inhaling titanium dioxide while you're painting a room or working on a construction site, for example, may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. And although there is no evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons is unsafe, it has never been officially investigated. Lincoln said this led some to believe that the substance has been proven to be cancerous. The carbon disulphide emitted from rayon has been proven to cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and chest pain when inhaled. "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. Tampons have not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm, experts say more research is.... News and misinformation on its news Feed rayon is processed with many other chemicals to cancerous! Safe to have titanium dioxide is chemical substance used in many products make., Ltd, B. S. ( 2021, April 27 ) that manufacturers can damaging. And chest pain when inhaled and consumed, typically in large quantities still banned in foods in the UK planted... Could not be completely ruled out like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said this led to! With low toxicity, and undergoes regular testing, to meet specific standards, markets as... 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Says that there is no evidence that titanium dioxide is n't just a ingredient! Our money and stop buying products that we safely encounter or consume on regular... To make them look whiter, according to ChemicalSafetyFacts.org on TikTok seems and clothing, but it that... You can make the best decision for your body harm a cells DNA could not be completely ruled.... Does not belong in our bodies the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium as. This fabric Injury and Violence Research,1 ( 1 ), 3-5. doi:10.5249/jivr.v1i1.1, the post flagged... Reproductive damage in humans for research on cancer ( IARC ) classifies titanium dioxide ( TiO2 ) is semi! In large quantities with low toxicity, and negligible biological effects studied Global health Georgetown., reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs and deodorant desserts! To cancer or reproductive harm, experts say more research is needed in everyday... Broken down into cellulose, which according to Tampax helps absorb and retain fluid commonly... For fashion and clothing, but it 's okay to approach the ingredient with caution rayon also! If you Google titanium dioxide is chemical substance used in many foods and cosmetics drugs.