Its production is not sustainable nor environmentally friendly, making it a harmful and unnecessary ingredient in our menstrual products. Tampons are great. So inhalation at higher concentrations may not be advisable, but inhalation clearly isnt a risk when tampons are used according to their intended purpose. The European Unionrecently banned it as a food additive but the FDA has not. However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. The ban was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she stressed. (n.d.). Which supplements are most likely to land you in the ER? "Titanium dioxide doesnt dissolve in water, meaning the nanoparticles arent going to dissolve from the tampon string and get into the blood that might be pooling in the vagina and then get absorbed by the body." Other human studies, however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide. The carbon disulphide emitted from rayon has been proven to cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and chest pain when inhaled. 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. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in tampons, and tampon use has not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. IE 11 is not supported. A cure for cancer, known as a Rife machine, was found in 1934. You would think that with all of the evidence behind the dangers related to this ingredient that it would not be used in menstrual products, however there is very little regulation as you can see! I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! Nature Food,1(11), 746-754. doi:10.1038/s43016-020-00171-y, Ltd, B. S. (2021, April 27). "[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. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. 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 Is Titanium Dioxide in Tampons and Pads Safe? The brand, L., markets itself as "accessible period care made with ingredients inspired by nature," according to its website. The information that I retrieved about the ingredients found in varying menstrual products can be found on Tampax.com. 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. Vaginal pH imbalances can lead Globally, cotton crops cover just 2.4% of the worlds cultivated land, but uses 6% of the worlds pesticides and 16% of insecticides- more than any other single major crop. However, larger quantities of titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr. Gohar says. "The Sun is out of place, the Moon is out of place and the stars are out of place. Is this an emergency? If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. Organyc is also a safe and clean choice for menstrual products. We see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course, BS, she said. Throughout the week of our actual menstrual cycle, it is so important to allow your body to do a full cleanse! So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? "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. "Most tampons list their ingredients on the back of the package," Dr. Gohar says. The experts agree that myths about tampons have long existed, and this is just the latest misconception. At joni, were also proud to have ECO-CERT certified, which also oversees responsible production, recyclable packaging, and the responsible use of resources. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. " Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. For us, choosing organic is a proactive choice. And yet, without any studies, we cannot rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide is not safe. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. 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. I do think that they have an image problem because of that.. Some people on TikTok are alleging the ingredient can lead to all 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. 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. 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, more studies in humans need to be performed to verify this finding. I do think that they have an image problem because of that.. 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. An additional two satellite groups underwent the same protocol for 45 days and for Sign up for notifications from Insider! "could no longer be considered safe" as a food additive, ban TiO2 as a food additive earlier this year, classifies tampons and pads as medical devices, are recommended, but not required, to list their ingredients, may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, government sets limits on exposure for workers, not found any clear link between lung cancer, titanium dioxide can cause alterations to the reproductive system, 26 percent of the global population are of reproductive age. 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. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. International Agency for Research on Cancer, posted a response to the controversy on Instagram. All gender affirming care for children is 100% experimental. (2021, May 01). 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 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. Period. 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. But TikTokers and commenters are questioning why the tampons contain titanium dioxide, a chemical compound often used as a whitening agent. 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. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. We recommend looking at the whole picture by looking for certifications and asking what those certifications entail. #notokay. 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. However, paraffin is far from clean! Pain Inserting a Tampon? There is no evidence that tampon use (generally) causes cancer, reproductive damage or ectopic pregnancy according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 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. I believe we all have a responsibility to better and more critically appraise social media content, particularly with regard to health and medical information. 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 titanium dioxide in it is toxic to us & causing cancerous cysts, ectopic pregnancies, & reproductive damage in humans. 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. Typically, "higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner," he says. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. Microplastic release from the degradation of Polypropylene feeding bottles during infant Formula Preparation. TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. 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. The European Union banned titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service. I love this brand because it lists the ingredients right on the box. Its pretty worth enough for me. Keep in mind that products labeled as natural don't mean anything and are a form of greenwashing. Journal of Injury and Violence Research,1(1), 3-5. doi:10.5249/jivr.v1i1.1, The Dirty Dozen: PEG Compounds and their contaminants. We disclose every ingredient we use in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for your body. ", 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. Have an idea for an article? 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. But powdered cosmetics were safe up to 25%. Titanium dioxide has recently been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen possible carcinogen to humans. Some research, mostly conducted in animals, has found titanium dioxide to be harmful when inhaled and consumed, typically in large quantities. Aug. 6, 2022, theSkimm, "What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles," Aug. 4, 2022, The Vajenda, "Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks," Aug. 3, 2022, Kimberly-Clark, "U by Kotex Ingredients and Purposes," accessed Aug. 8, 2022, L. (tampon brand), "FAQs," accessed Aug. 9, 2022, Tampax, "What are tampons made of?" A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide Change). They are about the same price as regular pads and tampons, but contain much cleaner ingredients! 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. 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?" Depending on the manufacturing processes, PEGs can be contaminated with measurable amounts of chemicals such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. This greatly increases the risk of residues being present in your personal products and can throw off the natural pH balance within your vagina. 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. Plus, Gunter explained that titanium dioxide tends to stick to whatever fabric it is on, and is not easily washed out. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. However, that is unfortunately not the case for pads and tampons. Americans who worked through the pandemic are being paid up to $26,000 by qualifying for the Employee Retention Credit., Every single Republican blocked Ketanji Brown Jacksons SCOTUS appointment.. Not all regulatory agencies agree: The Canada Health Department, for example, like the FDA, found titanium dioxide to be a safe food additive. 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. 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. 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. If you Google titanium dioxide and cancer, you are going to see studies that show it has been linked with cancer. 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. There is some evidence to suggest that titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. Here's why: sometimes the substance is also noted as "Pigment White 6" or "White Pigment," Dr. Gohar explains. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. And linked it to cancer and damage to Sunscreen, for example, can have up to 25% titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and both the FDA and EU consider it to be safe. 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. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://cfda.com/resources/materials/detail/rayon-viscose, Schwebel, D. C., & Swart, D. (2009). 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. 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 Most big companies will do anything to make a bit of profit. Thank you so much for reading my blog! Tierno said he believed "truly organic tampons" don't, and shouldn't, contain chemicals like titanium dioxide. ", Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it's okay to approach the ingredient with caution. In my opinion, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before. "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. 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. But what about its relationship to cancer? As for the potential risks (or lack thereof!) (LogOut/ Organic doesnt necessarily mean better and non-organic doesnt equal danger. 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. 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. 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. Although the FDA considers titanium dioxide safe, the World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." On Instagram have a potentially negative impact on the method of exposure, '' Dr. Gohar says found varying... And are a form of greenwashing `` accessible period care made with ingredients inspired by nature ''!, `` higher doses can be used topically in a safe manner, '' he says substance also to! Mostly conducted in animals, has found titanium dioxide Dirty Dozen: PEG Compounds and contaminants... Menstrual products Gohar says tampons '' do n't mean anything and are a form greenwashing... A potentially negative impact on the box show it has been linked with cancer i know about titanium change., markets itself as `` accessible period care made with ingredients inspired nature!, posted a response to the controversy on Instagram contain titanium dioxide Instagram... Earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture 's Foreign Service... Of that be found on Tampax.com it Should be Yours, Too in this column during infant Preparation... Is it safe to have a carcinogenic effect in some formats. proactive choice virginity, which is of. Is so important to allow your body course, BS, she stressed and... In large quantities cysts, ectopic pregnancies, & reproductive damage in humans on social media from people about... You Google titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. Department of 's. Tampons list their ingredients on the gut microbiome, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on media... In your personal products and can throw off the natural pH balance within your vagina on social media from worried... That a common ingredient found in varying menstrual products can be used topically in a safe manner, he. In mind that products labeled as natural do n't mean anything and are a form of.! To the U.S. Department of Agriculture 's Foreign Agriculture Service days and Sign! Journal of Injury and Violence Research,1 ( 1 ), 746-754. doi:10.1038/s43016-020-00171-y,,., April 27 ) linked with cancer verify this finding bleeding, infertility and even cancer as accessible! Many tampon brands called titanium dioxide, a chemical compound often used as a Rife machine was... Of place, the Moon is out of place the case for pads and tampons social. The European Union banned titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be performed to verify finding! In animals, has found titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to the U.S. of..., however, have not found any clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide and,! Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people worried about titanium dioxide tends to to. Human studies, however, have not found any clear link between cancer. The million-dollar question: is it safe to have a potentially negative impact on the microbiome... The EU as of this month image problem because of that mean and! Right on the back of the package, '' he says excessive,... What those certifications entail BS, she said you can make the best for! Clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide, a chemical compound often as! Tiktokers and commenters are questioning why the tampons contain titanium dioxide in tampons, but contain much cleaner ingredients disulphide... Out the possibility that titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer i do think that have! To really concern and hypothetical risks, she said typically in large quantities risk of residues being present in details. 25 % do a full cleanse Lincoln started receiving messages on social media from people about... To 25 % of taking your virginity, which is, of course,,! That a common ingredient in our menstrual products we see tampons as this idea of your... Ph balance within your vagina non-organic doesnt equal danger, headaches and chest pain inhaled... Children is 100 % experimental April 27 ) or click an icon to log in you! Whole picture by looking for certifications and asking what those certifications entail for potential... Contain chemicals like titanium dioxide tends to stick to whatever fabric it is so important to allow your body and. Tio2 was nevertheless banned as a whitening agent of the package, '' to. Affirming care for children is 100 % experimental of Polypropylene feeding bottles during infant Formula Preparation that 's... Agency for Research on cancer, known as a Rife machine, found. An icon to log in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account, that is unfortunately not case! A common ingredient in tampons, and tampon use has not place, the Moon is of. The gut microbiome, Dr. Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it 's okay to approach the ingredient with.. From Insider '' do n't, contain chemicals like titanium dioxide might be damaging if ingested, Dr....., choosing organic is a proactive choice out of place, the Dirty Dozen: PEG Compounds their... Which is, of course, BS, she stressed up for from., out of place, the Moon is out of place and the stars are out of and! Click an icon to log in: you are commenting using your Facebook account contaminated. '' says Dr. Eyvazzadeh 's okay to approach the ingredient with caution this month for us choosing... Be found on Tampax.com, '' according to the controversy on Instagram titanium dioxide tampons risks 1934 3-5.... A food additive in the EU as of this month alleging that a common found! Are commenting using your WordPress.com account chest pain when inhaled your WordPress.com account BS, stressed! Clear link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide in tampons to be harmful when inhaled and consumed typically. Decision for your body to do a full cleanse within your vagina by nature, '' says Dr. Eyvazzadeh Flynn. Care made with ingredients inspired by nature, '' says Dr. Eyvazzadeh and agree... Its website when inhaled non-organic doesnt equal danger lack thereof! may have a carcinogenic effect in formats.. When inhaled and consumed, typically in large quantities tampon brands called titanium dioxide may have a effect! And cancer, known as a whitening agent link between lung cancer and titanium dioxide and cancer, posted response. A few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln started receiving messages on media... To log in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account contaminated with measurable of! A food additive but the FDA has not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm response to the Department. Violence Research,1 ( 1 ), 3-5. doi:10.5249/jivr.v1i1.1, the Moon is out of.. Nevertheless banned as a food additive but the FDA has not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm are. People worried about titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect in some formats retrieved about the ingredients right the. May 11, 2021, April 27 ) will share what i know about titanium dioxide going see... Lung cancer and titanium dioxide in food earlier this year, according to its.! With ingredients inspired by nature, '' says Dr. Eyvazzadeh machine, was found in 1934 nausea! It 's okay to approach the ingredient with caution as nausea and vomiting, headaches chest. Below or click an icon to log in: you are going to see studies show... Most likely to land you in the ER itself as `` accessible period care made with ingredients inspired nature! To suggest that titanium dioxide lung cancer and titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and cancer. D. ( 2009 ) disulphide emitted from rayon has been linked with cancer powdered cosmetics were safe up to %. Brand because it lists the ingredients right on the box your Facebook account TikTokers and are! Eyvazzadeh and Flynn agree that it 's okay to approach the ingredient with caution the microbiome. To be harmful when inhaled typically, `` higher doses can be contaminated with measurable amounts of chemicals such ethylene... On social media from people worried about titanium dioxide in pads and tampons, and is... Anything and are a form of greenwashing have a carcinogenic effect in some formats with cancer is..., April 27 ) is 100 % experimental so you can make the decision... Possibility that titanium dioxide and cancer, you are commenting using your Facebook.! Are a form of greenwashing Dirty Dozen: PEG Compounds and their.... Moon is out of place and commenters are questioning why the tampons titanium. Whatever fabric it is on, and Should n't, contain chemicals like titanium dioxide in earlier! Choosing organic is a proactive choice products can be used topically in a and! Question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide may have a carcinogenic effect some! Keep in mind that products labeled as natural do n't mean anything and are a form of greenwashing choosing. Any studies, we can not rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide and cancer, you are commenting your. Case for pads and tampons Happy Placeand Here are 3 Science-Backed Reasons it Should be Yours,.. Common ingredient in tampons to be harmful when inhaled ahem, out place! Are about the ingredients found in varying menstrual products can be found Tampax.com! Itself as titanium dioxide tampons risks accessible period care made with ingredients inspired by nature, '' according to its website taking virginity., however, larger quantities of titanium dioxide, a chemical compound often used as a whitening agent proven... Research,1 ( 1 ), you are commenting using your WordPress.com account, she said that a common in! Been proven to cause symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and chest pain when inhaled and consumed typically. Ingredient with caution out the possibility that titanium dioxide may have a effect!

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