Examples of this include the follicular phase, ovulatory phase and the luteal phase. Dr. Sabrina offers ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and implement lessons in our lives. Reach out! How can this be? And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring.. However, rayon is processed with many chemicals such as carbon disulphide, sulphuric acid, ammonia, acetone and others. 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. 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?" However there is not enough proof showing titanium dioxide coloring in tampons to be harmful. 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. 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. 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. "If you feel uncomfortable with the potential risks associated with titanium dioxide, look for products that dont include titanium dioxide on the ingredients list," says Flynn. 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 am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. 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. (2020). California has twice the population of New York, but spends $260 billion, while New York spends $220 billion. 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. It can also be found in a variety of beauty products and lotions such as sunscreen. Yes, I know there are scary videos circulating on TikTok, but this is chemophobia. If you dont want to take any chances with this ingredient, try these organic products instead. 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 worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. 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. 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. 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 support it. We see tampons as something that could potentially harm us, Lincoln said. Tampons are great. Is Titanium Dioxide Safe in Tampons? Some country-level occupational health and safety organizations cite a lack of high-quality studiesfrom which they can draw any concrete conclusions about the long-term risks of There are many substances, including medications, that we safely encounter or consume on a regular basis. 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 There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. 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. Is the titanium dioxide in tampons toxic? . So today, I wanted to write a blog on the hidden dangers found in our menstrual products and what products to use instead! The ban was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she stressed. Titanium dioxide is chemical substance used in many products to make them look whiter, according to ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. Some research, mostly conducted in animals, has found titanium dioxide to be harmful when inhaled and consumed, typically in large quantities. Chemicals and ingredients found in conventional tampons have many unadvertised side effects and dangers so lets get into it and explore healthier alternatives! Its very commonly used as a natural mineral and has been studied in rodents.. "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. Rayon is a semi synthetic fabric made from recycled wood pulp. 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. Some are alleging that a common ingredient found in many tampon brands called titanium dioxide can cause excessive bleeding, infertility and even cancer. 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. This may sound great for fashion and clothing, but it does not belong in our bodies! "If you use these, STOP RIGHT NOW!! 20006, Florida 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). So now that you know why you should avoid conventional menstrual products at all costs, lets explore some healthier alternatives and brands! But there is also no published research on vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide that can guarantee its safety. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the 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. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://cfda.com/resources/materials/detail/rayon-viscose, Schwebel, D. C., & Swart, D. (2009). 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. IE 11 is not supported. Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in tampons, and tampon use has not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm. 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. This brand is my go to- you can find it at Loblaws or even Amazon! The compasses are off" because of a shift in the Earths poles. NASA photos of the moon and Earth show that space is fake., A small area in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico has enough oil to fuel America for the next 200 years., Florida Gov. And though tampons have not been linked to cancer or reproductive harm, experts say more research is needed. There's also a little bit of evidence to suggest that the common ingredient may be an endocrine disruptor, says Flynnmeaning it may affect a person's hormonal system. Please dont panic about titanium dioxide in tampon strings. a lot of people online are upset with tampon brands (tampax and L. specifically) because they include titanium dioxide in the tampons, which apparently can cause reproductive harm. But Marianthi-Anna Kioumourtzoglou, an assistant professor of environmental health sciences at the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, told Insider there's not enough, or really any, research on how the compound in tampons could affect reproductive health. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. 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. Get it daily. It tells the story of a woman whoafter using a specific organic tampon branddeveloped cysts and then uterine cancer. The titanium dioxide in these tampons is just very small amounts, Greves said. 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. How he got caught. Titanium Dioxide is a pigment that is used in both pads and tampons to make them appear whiter. Titanium dioxide can also be in food, according to the National Library of Medicine. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health,11(3), 221-232. doi:10.1179/oeh.2005.11.3.221, Polypropylene. "For example, inhaling it at high concentrations can irritate the nose and throat." As you can see, there is not much regulation that goes into the manufacturing of menstrual products. Ive been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. No added chemicals. 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. 1800 I Street NW "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. Given that titanium dioxide has already been linked to causing adverse reactions, it is not unreasonable to be cautiously concerned. The Food and Drug Administration considers tampons medical devices, which means the agency has oversight on whats in them. Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. The European Unionrecently banned it as a food additive but the FDA has not. 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. But if we are exposed to these same substances via a different route than how they are intended, or at a higher dose, they can be toxic. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. "If this worries you, then don't use products that have this," Jennifer Lincoln, MD, shared in a video. Because lets face it- we should not be putting toxic chemicals inside of our bodies on a regular basis. ". 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. I do think that they have an image problem because of that.. One of our founding values at joni is radical transparency. 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?" 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). "There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide." St. Petersburg, FL To say this guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement. Throughout the week of our actual menstrual cycle, it is so important to allow your body to do a full cleanse! It's also used in sunscreen because its whitening property helps it reflect sunlight. TikTokers are raising concern about an ingredient in an organic tampon brand that they say is causing symptoms like heavy bleeding and ovarian cysts. What is Titanium Dioxide (and should you be worried)? The vagina is an extremely sensitive organ and using plastic derived ingredients is a big no no! 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. And although there is no evidence that titanium dioxide in tampons is unsafe, it has never been officially investigated. She enjoys cooking, yoga, reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs. In the study, 48 regions were surveyed to estimate the global exposure to infants up to 12 months. I dont want to speak much on something that I personally have never tried, but I have heard great things about the Diva Cup! Titanium dioxide is chemical substance used in many products to make them look whiter, according to ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. The levels of inhalation being evaluated were in occupational conditions, like titanium dioxide manufacturing, much higher than the average consumer. 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?" 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 The FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide in tampons to be when! Is an extremely sensitive organ and using plastic derived ingredients is a common ingredient in an organic brand. Ingredient found in a variety of beauty products and lotions such as sunscreen column! Derived ingredients is a common ingredient in an organic tampon brand that they say is causing like... 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