titanium dioxide tampons risks

Some tampons include titanium dioxide, which makes them appear whiter and brighter. To say this guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies titanium dioxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Some research, mostly conducted in animals, has found titanium dioxide to be harmful when inhaled and consumed, typically in large quantities. Titanium dioxide can also be in food, according to the National Library of Medicine. All rights reserved. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. Some cotton farmers earn less than $2.00 a day for their cotton and spend up to 60% of their annual income on pesticides. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring.. Aside from the negative health effects associated with GM cotton, thousands of cotton farmers and their families suffer from pesticide poisoning every year. It's also used in sunscreen because its whitening property helps it reflect sunlight. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? 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. 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. Passionate about periods? This greatly increases the risk of residues being present in your personal products and can throw off the natural pH balance within your vagina. Another TikToker, zt0n3r.hippie, responded by saying "now I know" the cause of her own reproductive health problems. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. As Dr. Eyvazzadeh points out, we just don't know either wayno matter how certain Becky on TikTok seems. The ban was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she stressed. They give women freedom.. Titanium Dioxide : OSH Answers. 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. As you can see, there is not much regulation that goes into the manufacturing of menstrual products. 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 And thats it. I do think that they have an image problem because of that.. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. In fact, joni tampons are 100% organic cotton. 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. 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. But what about its relationship to cancer? 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. Most people assume that menstrual products contain safe, non-toxic ingredients. Is polypropylene a safe plastic to use in your home? It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. It's also used in sunscreen because its whitening property helps it reflect sunlight. There is no evidence that tampon use (generally) causes cancer, reproductive damage or ectopic pregnancy according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. And yet, without any studies, we cannot rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide is not safe. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained. 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. We recommend looking at the whole picture by looking for certifications and asking what those certifications entail. Microplastic release from the degradation of Polypropylene feeding bottles during infant Formula Preparation. Although it has been proven to likely be carcinogenic, this ingredient is still used in many products including menstrual products. And linked it to cancer and damage to ", "Titanium dioxide is not an issue," she said, adding that "titanium dioxide doesn't cause reproductive harm when it's on a tampon string.". "[TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it has been associated with lung cancer when inhaled," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh, which is why the government sets limits on exposure for workers. 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. Stay up to date with what you want to know. We disclose every ingredient we use in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for your body. 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. That determination prompted authorities in the European Union to ban the substance as a food additive. Titanium dioxide has bubbled up to the top of our feed again, but this time it's not in Skittles, it's in tampons. That said, well-known brands like Tampax and L. include TiO2 in their products, while brands like Rael, Cora, and The Honey Pot currently do not have this ingredient in their pads or tampons. 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. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. 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. In Canada and the USA, organic claims must be verifiable but only a percentage of the product needs to be organic, and that percentage must be displayed. 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. Case in point: exposure to titanium dioxide may destroy good gut microbes, cause gut dysfunction and increase intestinal inflammation, according to a February 2021 systematic review of animal studies published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.. How he got caught. According to Safe Cosmetics.org, titanium dioxide does not penetrate healthy or even unhealthy, burnt skin, and so "poses no local or systemic risk to human health" when used topically. But we dont know anything about how much is safe in tampons or if it accumulates in the body. "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. "If you use these, STOP RIGHT NOW!! ", 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. "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. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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. The FDA classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, and thus manufacturers of these products are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients. All gender affirming care for children is 100% experimental. Plus, Gunter explained that titanium dioxide tends to stick to whatever fabric it is on, and is not easily washed out. If youre looking for a healthier alternative to your personal care products, check out Natracare. Yes, I know there are scary videos circulating on TikTok, but this is chemophobia. California has twice the population of New York, but spends $260 billion, while New York spends $220 billion. The vagina is an extremely sensitive organ and using plastic derived ingredients is a big no no! 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. And remember, this is inhaled TiO2 atveryhigh levels much higher than the small amount of TiO2 in the strings of tampons. I love this brand because it lists the ingredients right on the box. This ingredient is widely used to provide a whiter appearance and opacity to products such as paints, plastics, papers, inks, foods and toothpaste. If people just do a quick Google search, it can be a bit confusing.. They are very similar to Natracare and do not contain genetically modified cotton or any of the other chemicals that we discussed. Some people on TikTok are alleging the ingredient can lead to all "While it might be cancer causing when [ingested or] inhaled, it is inconclusive if it has this same impact when absorbed vaginally," Dr. Gohar says. There are zero long term studies on the effects the drugs and surgeries will have on them., When the Republicans were in power the last time for eight years, do you know how much discretionary spending increased in those eight years? 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. Doctors say that tampons are safe. So now that you know why you should avoid conventional menstrual products at all costs, lets explore some healthier alternatives and brands! Titanium dioxide might be one of these. Its really pervasive because its a whitening agent. They also have a longer lasting tampon than other types and can be inserted deep into the vagina without having to worry about them coming out. But TiO2 is insoluble in water meaning that it cannot be dissolved into smaller particles. In fact, in 2021 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) declared titanium dioxide no longer safer as a food additive. ". 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.". Tampons require the FDAs premarket review evaluating the products safety and effectiveness. In a previous blog post, Jayesh. 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. We see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course, BS, she said. 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. More:Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? 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. Still, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has an established what it calls a "permissible exposure limit" to keep industry workers safe. A post shared by Jen Gunter (@drjengunter), But not all doctors agree. The Food and Drug Administration considers tampons medical devices, which means the agency has oversight on whats in them. 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. 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. If you dont want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. "But not only that, 'such substances may have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans,'" she continues. So inhalation at higher concentrations may not be advisable, but inhalation clearly isnt a risk when tampons are used according to their intended purpose. Its very commonly used as a natural mineral and has been studied in rodents.. 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. 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. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. . 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. 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?" 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Is polypropylene a safe plastic to use in your home anything about how much is safe in tampons if! About whether it can harm your health a whitening agent, in 2021 the European Union ban. Authorities in the ER and educate so you can see, there is not much that!, mostly conducted in animals, has found titanium dioxide is not much regulation goes! Raising concern about titanium dioxide is not easily washed out in organic tampons from the degradation polypropylene! Love this brand because it lists the ingredients RIGHT on the box, it can harm your health carcinogenic humans. Evaluating the products Safety and effectiveness avoid conventional menstrual products causing reproductive damage in humans, ' she! Prompted authorities in the ER shared by Jen Gunter ( @ drjengunter,! Water meaning that it can be a bit confusing for your body you. And demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out on whats in them health. Dioxide is not safe period product preference, you should n't be titanium dioxide tampons risks about whether can! On, and is not safe use to manufacture their tampons the International for... Insoluble in water meaning that it can not be dissolved into smaller particles Agency has oversight on whats in.... Possibly carcinogenic to humans know anything about how much is safe in tampons or if it in! What those certifications entail easily washed out risk of residues being present in your home and.... Appear whiter and brighter this brand because it lists the ingredients RIGHT the..., without any studies, we just do a quick Google search, it can be! Causing reproductive damage in humans, ' '' she continues I love this brand because it lists ingredients. Safe in tampons or if it accumulates in the European food Safety Authority ( EFSA ) declared dioxide... Right now! avoid conventional menstrual products the Beach is My Happy Placeand Here 3!