Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. "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. 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. 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. And though tampons have not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm, experts say more research is needed. as well as other partner offers and accept our. 801 3rd St. S Before I wrote this blog, I knew tampons and pads contained harmful chemicals but I will admit that Im a bit shocked by the amount of information there is on this already. It's also is often used to make things like paint, and most relevant for our purposes, it's used to make pads and tampons appear whiter. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a natural oxide of the element titanium with low toxicity, and negligible biological effects. 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. Its important to question ingredients and read the studies for a balanced view to understand any risk. We see tampons as something that could potentially harm us, Lincoln said. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. Period. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/titanium_dioxide.html, Joy, R. (2020, September 23). Aside from the negative health effects associated with GM cotton, thousands of cotton farmers and their families suffer from pesticide poisoning every year. However, these studies were conducted on mice who orally consumed titanium dioxide, so we'll still need extensive clinical research on humans before we can definitively link TiO2 with reproductive disruptionor assume those risks definitely come from other intakes of the ingredient. For us, choosing organic is a proactive choice. Keep in mind that products labeled as natural don't mean anything and are a form of greenwashing. But powdered cosmetics were safe up to 25%. ", The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved titanium dioxide for human consumptionin 1966, cementing its presence in a variety of foods, including candies and other processed foods. And just as titanium dioxide has not been tested for use with tampons, certified organic tampons have not been tested for any negative or positive medical results. 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. 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. She enjoys cooking, yoga, reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs. Feminine hygiene products are seen as an employee restocks a shelf at Compton's Market, Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP). T his past August, a video about titanium dioxide in tampons went viral on TikTok. Her video has 3.6 million views. Bottom line: "When it comes to period products, the priority should be using products that you feel comfortable with and are accessible to you," he says. 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 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. ", Email Interview with gynecologist Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, Aug. 10, 2022, Email Interview with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Aug. 9, 2022. So are organic tampons better? Although the FDA considers titanium dioxide safe, the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." 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?" 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. "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. Pain Inserting a Tampon? 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. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. The information that I retrieved about the ingredients found in varying menstrual products can be found on Tampax.com. 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. 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. Vaginal pH imbalances can lead to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and can cause allergy related symptoms such as itching. Its really pervasive because its a whitening agent. 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. 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. If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. Titanium dioxide in food Should you be concerned? In a previous blog post, Jayesh debunked the myth that non-organic pads can cause cancer since study after study has not proven this. 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. "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. (LogOut/ 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. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. Her team is working on a pilot project analyzing tampons for the presence of metals and pesticides. Inhaling titanium dioxide may also result in adverse respiratory reactions, Dr. Gohar says. The FDA also lists titanium dioxide as a safe ingredient for use in cosmetics. So what do you do instead? Cancer is a complex phenomenon that can be correlated with many factors. Epidemiological But if you are truly looking for organic, look for certifications on the packaging. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. Full disclosure: our ingredient list is simple and does not contain titanium dioxide or any other chemicals or fragrances. 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! Still, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has an established what it calls a "permissible exposure limit" to keep industry workers safe. 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. It is considered one of the most dangerous fabrics, but is still one of the main ingredients in our menstrual products! Organic doesnt necessarily mean better and non-organic doesnt equal danger. Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. But if you don't see the word titanium dioxide, that doesn't necessarily mean the chemical isn't in your tampons. 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. . Zero.. 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. 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. Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy. We go through many phases both before and after our monthly cycles based on the hormones being released. Our editors independently select these products. joni's non-applicator tampons are made with 100% organic cotton and nothing else. Tampons are great. #notokay. To say this guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement. Find him on Instagram@dr.daignault. 2023Well+Good LLC. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Microplastic release from the degradation of Polypropylene feeding bottles during infant Formula Preparation. 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. 20006, Florida Its important to note that even with organic tampons and pads, irritation, inflammation, and infections can occur from not changing them regularly or from chaffing. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. As an emergency roomdoctor, there would be many possible (and more likely) emergency room causes of excessive menstrual bleeding that I would evaluate a patient for. 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. Someone had posted a TikTok about the dangers of the additive, claiming it caused cysts and cancers, and it went viral. Some cotton farmers earn less than $2.00 a day for their cotton and spend up to 60% of their annual income on pesticides. 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. This greatly increases the risk of residues being present in your personal products and can throw off the natural pH balance within your vagina. Additionally, ethylene oxide can also harm the nervous system and has been classified as a developmental toxicant by the California Environmental Protection Agency. This lack of data is incredibly frustrating, given that 26 percent of the global population are of reproductive age and presumably using pads and tampons on the regular to manage their cycles. We need your help. The levels of inhalation being evaluated were in occupational conditions, like titanium dioxide manufacturing, much higher than the average consumer. If people just do a quick Google search, it can be a bit confusing.. She discovered the tampons she was using lists titanium dioxide as an ingredient, which she blames for her health issues. To decrease this risk, regularly use a sunscreen with a Broad-Spectrum SPF value of 15 or higher and other sun protection measures including: limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses New study explores the benefits,harms. 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. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. In the brand of tampon featured in the viral post, its less than 0.1% of all the ingredients. Consuming rice and beans, milk, cheese, butter and eggs causes disease by age 30. A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide in tampons. California has twice the population of New York, but spends $260 billion, while New York spends $220 billion. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. Washington, DC To say this guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. Tampons require the FDAs premarket review evaluating the products safety and effectiveness. Its on the string so its not even in the part of the tampon thats inside the vagina," Lincoln said. (LogOut/ The biggest documented concern about the compound is related to inhalation. Sign up for notifications from Insider! The second reason? of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911. We recommend looking at the whole picture by looking for certifications and asking what those certifications entail. But there is also no published research on vaginal Depending on the manufacturing processes, PEGs can be contaminated with measurable amounts of chemicals such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. 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. They found values ranging from 14,600-4,550,000 particles per capita per day, depending on the region. Activated charcoal benefits explained:Does it actually prevent hangovers? Most people assume that menstrual products contain safe, non-toxic ingredients. There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. So now that you know why you should avoid conventional menstrual products at all costs, lets explore some healthier alternatives and brands! And linked it to cancer and damage to The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane as a possible human carcinogen. "Our high-quality ingredients are rigorously tested and meet strict safety and government regulations around the world.". Some people on TikTok are alleging the ingredient can lead to all During clinical trials the amount of titanium dioxide Lincoln said this led some to believe that the substance has been proven to be cancerous. Not all regulatory agencies agree: The Canada Health Department, for example, like the FDA, found titanium dioxide to be a safe food additive. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. (2021, May 01). Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene#Health_concerns, Rayon (Viscose). We have to remember that even with the big corporate brands, they exist because they want to solve a problem while making money in the process. A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide in tampons. 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. Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the string to the absorbent part of the tampon. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. I do think that they have an image problem because of that.. . The problem with Tampax, O.B and other conventional menstrual product manufacturers is that they use genetically modified cotton, as well as a list of other toxic ingredients such as wood pulp, plastics and dyes. https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/titanium-dioxide-in-tampons-pads-48908320, https://www.canada-organic.ca/sites/default/files/organic_labelling_in_canada_booklet_aug2018.pdf, https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2014/10/23/organic-101-organic-brand-nameorganic-package. Indeed, this white pigment lightens everything from paints, paper coatings and plastics to sunscreen, pharmaceutical tablets, flours and dairy products, according to the National Library of Medicine. 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. Video shows Elon Musk talking about what every failed leader he met had in common. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. 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. Tierno said he believed "truly organic tampons" don't, and shouldn't, contain chemicals like titanium dioxide. Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? [TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. Ive been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. Magic Johnson tested positive for HIV "because Faucis gain of function study used a contaminated Hepatitis B vaccine. And it would be a stretch to correlate a possible connection in rats to a true cause-and-effect in humans. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. When titanium dioxide is used, we assume it isnt in large quantities. That determination prompted authorities in the European Union to ban the substance as a food additive. Titanium dioxide is chemical substance used in many products to make them look whiter, according to ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. In the study, 48 regions were surveyed to estimate the global exposure to infants up to 12 months. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. They are very similar to Natracare and do not contain genetically modified cotton or any of the other chemicals that we discussed. 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. Titanium dioxide is chemical substance used in many products to make them look whiter, according to ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. View all posts by Sara Mastrangelo. So, do organic tampons contain titanium dioxide? accessed Aug. 9, 2022, Chemical Safety Facts, "Titanium Dioxide | Use, Benefits, and Chemical Safety Facts," accessed Aug. 8, 2022, International Agency for Research on Cancer, "Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans VOLUME 93 Carbon Black, Titanium Dioxide, and Talc," 2010, International Agency for Research on Cancer, "Studies of Cancer in Experimental Animals - Carbon Black, Titanium Dioxide, and Talc," 2010, Healthline, "Titanium dioxide in food Should you be concerned?" They have teams of scientists and gynecologists. Rayon is processed with many other chemicals to be broken down into cellulose, which according to Tampax helps absorb and retain fluid. Not all eco products are equal and use the 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. "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. Follow her on Twitter to see her recent stories. However, paraffin is far from clean! Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. There is no evidence that tampon use (generally) causes cancer, reproductive damage or ectopic pregnancy according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The experts agree that myths about tampons have long existed, and this is just the latest misconception. I love this brand because it lists the ingredients right on the box. 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 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. (2020, February 12). Because lets face it- we should not be putting toxic chemicals inside of our bodies on a regular basis. There is some So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? 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. Its derived from petroleum and is found in some beauty products because its very cheap and is considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 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 few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide Sunscreen, for example, can have up to 25% titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and both the FDA and EU consider it to be safe. Please dont panic about titanium dioxide in tampon strings. Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. After a viral TikTok warned that a common ingredient in tampons was linked to cancer, many were left wondering if their preferred menstrual products were harming their bodies. The Food and Drug Administration considers tampons medical devices, which means the agency has oversight on whats in them. Genetically modified cotton was introduced in 1996 (only 25 years ago) and is thought to be one of the worlds dirtiest crops. "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." For instance, certain plastics and artificial adhesives have been shown to increase the risk of vulva-vaginal infections and contact dermatitis. Wang, J. J. OK, so what about titanium dioxide in tampons, which sit inside you for hours at a time? Throughout the week of our actual menstrual cycle, it is so important to allow your body to do a full cleanse! And in 2020, The European Unions Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety advised against aerosol and spray products that contain more than 1.4% titanium dioxide due to concerns about inhalation. 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. Vaginal pH imbalances can lead But there is also no published research on vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide that can guarantee its safety. 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. You can find their products at Healthy Planet or order from their website. Because exposure levels are very low, it is likely this is a very low carcinogenic risk. At joni, were also proud to have ECO-CERT certified, which also oversees responsible production, recyclable packaging, and the responsible use of resources. Because there's so little conclusive research on the potential effects of titanium dioxide, you're not going to find clear, concise guidance for tampon shopping by studying up. The second reason? 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. I dont want to speak much on something that I personally have never tried, but I have heard great things about the Diva Cup! In studies examining cancer and titanium dioxide in animals, the animals inhaled it and did not ingest it or insert it, Lincoln said. 33701 Theres no evidence of cancer due to titanium dioxide in tampons but that may be because there simply arent any studies in this regard.. 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. Image shows Paul Pelosi, bruised, in a booking mugshot. Someone had posted a TikTok about the dangers of the additive, claiming it caused cysts and cancers, and it went viral. On supporting marriage rights for same-sex couples. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. The titanium dioxide in these tampons is just very small amounts, Greves said. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.). Its very commonly used as a natural mineral and has been studied in rodents.. Yes, I know there are scary videos circulating on TikTok, but this is chemophobia. "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. Ingestion: likely not harmful at the low levels we typically encounter it. The National Library of Medicine noted that there's "inadequate evidence in humans" that the additive contributes to cancer. Are common multivitamins worth the money? We need to know the truth about tampons. The choice is yours. I really appreciate your positive feedback . "The Sun is out of place, the Moon is out of place and the stars are out of place. Theyre really tightly regulated. 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). Always remember- you are the only one with your health in best interest! But it said that the concern of genotoxicity the ability for a substance to harm a cells DNA could not be completely ruled out. 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. Video of the Day We spoke to ob-gyn James A. Gohar, MD , co-founder and CEO of Viva Eve , to set the record "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Dr. Eyvazzadeh. 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.

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