Another TikToker, zt0n3r.hippie, responded by saying "now I know" the cause of her own reproductive health problems. The information that I retrieved about the ingredients found in varying menstrual products can be found on Tampax.com. Examples of this include the follicular phase, ovulatory phase and the luteal phase. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Its really pervasive because its a whitening agent. He is also a former United States Peace Corps Volunteer. 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. The ban was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she stressed. Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? 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. Titanium dioxide can also be in food, according to the National Library of Medicine. And thats it. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. Sometimes referred to as titanium white or Pigment White 6, titanium dioxide is all around us. 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. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. Cause-and-effect can only be established by rigorous randomized-control, double-blindclinical research trials or meta-analyses of multiple smaller studies, for example. debunked the myth that non-organic pads can cause cancer. The Food and Drug Administration considers tampons medical devices, which means the agency has oversight on whats in them. Ron DeSantis signs bill requiring Florida students, professors to register political views with (the) state., J.K. Rowling tweeted, If you American birds could keep your legs closed then maybe you wouldnt need abortions in the first place?, "The Supreme Court ruled that border agents can enter anyones home within a 100-mile radius of the border without a warrant for any reason and federal courts cannot do anything about it.". 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. Theres no evidence of cancer due to titanium dioxide in tampons but that may be because there simply arent any studies in this regard. In an interview with Popsugar, ob 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. Washington, DC 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. Its a compound that reflects light particles. 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. However, that is unfortunately not the case for pads and tampons. We disclose every ingredient we use in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for your body. 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. Doctors say that tampons are safe. 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. "We really know very little, or almost nothing really, about something that could impact the health of millions of women," she said. Melanie Whyte 8/4/2022. There are a number of folks online recently worried about finding titanium dioxide as an ingredient in their tampons and pads and wondering if it is related to some health 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 exposure would not be on that list. Other concerns of titanium dioxide toxicity involve food, highlighted by the recent lawsuit alleging that Skittles, a popular candy,contain a "known toxin." 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. We see tampons as something that could potentially harm us, 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. 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. This may sound great for fashion and clothing, but it does not belong in our bodies! "The Sun is out of place, the Moon is out of place and the stars are out of place. The decision was based on available scientific research which, although not totally conclusive, found that an accumulation of titanium dioxide in the body could possibly contribute to genotoxicity (i.e., damage at the DNA level that may lead to cancer). Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. 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. Fear of tampons may persist because of their association with toxic shock syndrome, Greves and Lincoln theorized. The second reason? The widespread use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) in the food industry has brought about human safety risks related to nanotoxicity. According to Code of Federal Regulations, the mineral is considered "exempt from certification" in cosmetics, medical devices, and pharmaceutical drugs, meaning it has determined that the "certification of this color additive is not necessary for the protection of the public health. You can find their products at Healthy Planet or order from their website. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-s-the-risk-titanium-dioxide One of our founding values at joni is radical transparency. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health,11(3), 221-232. doi:10.1179/oeh.2005.11.3.221, Polypropylene. 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. 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. Its important to question ingredients and read the studies for a balanced view to understand any risk. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene#Health_concerns, Rayon (Viscose). At joni, were also proud to have ECO-CERT certified, which also oversees responsible production, recyclable packaging, and the responsible use of resources. 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. 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. So inhalation at higher concentrations may not be advisable, but inhalation clearly isnt a risk when tampons are used according to their intended purpose. If theyre using titanium dioxide, its because related studies have shown it doesnt pose a threat. "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. While it sounds scary, the experts stress theres little truth behind these worries. Jayesh adds that we have to be careful to not make assumptions without evidence-based facts. Its very commonly used as a natural mineral and has been studied in rodents.. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. The Problem With Paraffin In Emollients. 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. Pain Inserting a Tampon? So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? The TikTok user who posted the video makes theclaim that TiO2 has been linked to cancer and multiple gynecological issues. 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? 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. The brand, L., markets itself as "accessible period care made with ingredients inspired by nature," according to its website. Are common multivitamins worth the money? So, do organic tampons contain titanium dioxide? Tampons are great. 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. That is why its so important to take your own health into account and start educating yourself on common ingredients. But we dont know anything about how much is safe in tampons or if it accumulates in the body. The FDA also lists titanium dioxide as a safe ingredient for use in cosmetics. People on social media are worried that titanium dioxide on tampons can cause cancer or irregular periods thanks to a viral video. Titanium dioxide can also be in food, according to the National Library of Medicine. We see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course, BS, she said. If you dont want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. To say this guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement. I do think that they have an image problem because of that.. Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? Titanium dioxide might be one of these. When titanium dioxide is used, we assume it isnt in large quantities. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. In other words, over the billions of tampons used, a handful of cases have found that tampons contributed to cancer but did not cause cancer. 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. "Well what do you know." In a previous blog post, Jayesh. as well as other partner offers and accept our. In the study, 48 regions were surveyed to estimate the global exposure to infants up to 12 months. After a review of numerous studies, many conducted in animals given high doses of titanium dioxide, the agency reported it did not find evidence of general, organ, reproductive, or developmental toxicity. The use of titanium dioxide in tampons is not explicitly regulated, because the agency only "makes clearance or approval decisions for medical devices, such as tampons, pads, and menstrual cups, as they are supplied in their final, finished form," the FDA spokesperson said. 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. Is the titanium dioxide in tampons toxic? TikTokers are raising concern about an ingredient in an organic tampon brand that they say is causing symptoms like heavy bleeding and ovarian cysts. "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. We definitely need more activism and awareness around this issue! Are Skittles Toxic from Titanium Dioxide? 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? "Again, the data is inconclusive on whether these products are really linked to excessive bleeding, cancer and infertility, so it's not right or wrong to continue using these products based on currently available information," Dr. Gohar says. 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. He completed his residency training in emergency medicine at Lincoln Medical Center in theSouth Bronx. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Its on the string so its not even in the part of the tampon thats inside the vagina," Lincoln said. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Is Titanium Dioxide Safe in Tampons? Some experts say that there's no need to lose sleep over having titanium dioxide in tampons. While it sounds scary, the experts stress theres little truth behind these worries. So when asked if titanium dioxide in tampons can cause cancer, Jayesh says, I dont know because it simply hasnt been studied for this application. "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. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. 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. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' Video of the Day We spoke to ob-gyn James A. Gohar, MD , co-founder and CEO of Viva Eve , to set the record 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. They found values ranging from 14,600-4,550,000 particles per capita per day, depending on the region. Still, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has an established what it calls a "permissible exposure limit" to keep industry workers safe. Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in tampons, and tampon use has not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm. Not all eco products are equal and use the "According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulated doses of titanium dioxide are not harmful, but this also varies based on use," Dr. Gohar says. But what about its relationship to cancer? So now that you know why you should avoid conventional menstrual products at all costs, lets explore some healthier alternatives and brands! They are about the same price as regular pads and tampons, but contain much cleaner ingredients! Aside from the negative health effects associated with GM cotton, thousands of cotton farmers and their families suffer from pesticide poisoning every year. In its report, the EFSA reported that they couldn't rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide caused damage to DNA ("genotoxicity")and thus couldn't establish a safe level of daily intake. ", The post was flagged as part of Facebooks efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://balmonds.co.uk/blogs/blog/the-problem-with-paraffin-in-emollients, Mancini, F., Bruggen, A. H., Jiggins, J. L., Ambatipudi, A. C., & Murphy, H. (2005). Thank you so much for reading my blog! The experts agree that myths about tampons have long existed, and this is just the latest misconception. The Skin Cancer foundation even recommends sunscreen with titanium dioxide to protect against harmful cancer-causing UV rays. "As an oxide, titanium is found in minerals in the earth's crust and is also found with other elements, including calcium and iron. Titanium dioxide in food Should you be concerned? They give women freedom.. I also love that they use 100% organic cotton, are plastic & fragrance free, totally chlorine free and are biodegradable! 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. 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. 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. Fear of tampons may persist because of their association with toxic shock syndrome, Greves and Lincoln theorized. We see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course, BS, she said. Wang, J. J. Feminine hygiene products are seen as an employee restocks a shelf at Compton's Market, Wednesday, June 22, 2016, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP). 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 are several health concerns regarding TiO2. Her team is working on a pilot project analyzing tampons for the presence of metals and pesticides. 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. St. Petersburg, FL Image shows Paul Pelosi, bruised, in a booking mugshot. It's a scary and emotional story. 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 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. How he got caught. Suspect in Whaling Museum's $75,000 artifact theft 'seemed likable'. The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. 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. "It's important to know that our tampons are safe to use," he said. ", 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.". (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.). So what do you do instead? "They use it to make the string look whiter.. Is this an emergency? 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. Follow her on Twitter to see her recent stories. 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. 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). 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. A recent viral TikTok had social media users alarmed about the idea of tampons causing cancer because they contain titanium dioxide, but OB-GYNs say there's no data to Additionally, ethylene oxide can also harm the nervous system and has been classified as a developmental toxicant by the California Environmental Protection Agency. Given that titanium dioxide has already been linked to causing adverse reactions, it is not unreasonable to be cautiously concerned. 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. However, a recent study conducted in November 2020 demonstrated that micro plastics are released from propylene infant feeding bottles. "To date, there is no published research that has researched the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide," Eyvazzadeh said. 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. The vagina is an extremely sensitive organ and using plastic derived ingredients is a big no no! . There have been studies in animals that have shown the carcinogenic effects of titanium dioxide when inhaled. Epidemiological #notokay. "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. If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. Titanium Dioxide is a pigment that is used in both pads and tampons to make them appear whiter. It tells the story of a woman whoafter using a specific organic tampon branddeveloped cysts and then uterine cancer. Theyre really tightly regulated. However, trouble arose for the ingredient in 2021 when the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a statement that titanium dioxide "could no longer be considered safe" as a food additive.
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