Myths about aluminum and deodorant, explained, Ive written multiple times in this column. 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 But powdered cosmetics were safe up to 25%. The ban was related to really concern and hypothetical risks, she stressed. "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. 1800 I Street NW Journal of Injury and Violence Research,1(1), 3-5. doi:10.5249/jivr.v1i1.1, The Dirty Dozen: PEG Compounds and their contaminants. 33701 "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. He studied Global Health at Georgetown University and has a Medical Degree from Ben-Gurion University. Vaginal pH imbalances can lead to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and can cause allergy related symptoms such as itching. The second reason? But TikTokers and commenters are questioning why the tampons contain titanium dioxide, a chemical compound often used as a whitening agent. If people just do a quick Google search, it can be a bit confusing.. I am less concerned with the level of titanium dioxide in tamponsthan I am with how social media users dangerously, and unchecked, amplifymisinformation. Is the titanium dioxide in tampons toxic? Is titanium dioxide safe in tampons or could it cause health issues? It's primarily used to help make white foods appear whiter (like milk and candy) or to lengthen the shelf life of foods that are sensitive to UV light. Lets unpack this TikTok and follow the evidence. 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. 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. 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. Aside from the negative health effects associated with GM cotton, thousands of cotton farmers and their families suffer from pesticide poisoning every year. Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. This can be experienced emotionally such as crying (PMS) or even just focusing more on your diet. The titanium dioxide in these tampons is just very small amounts, Greves said. When it comes to tampons and other period care, what does organic mean? 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. 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. 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?" T his past August, a video about titanium dioxide in tampons went viral on TikTok. Do you need an 'armpit detox?' 20006, Florida "Psa to all my girlies," the July 31 post said. It's also worth being skeptical of any definitive claims that titanium dioxide in tampons is super harmful. It's unclear exactly how many brands use TiO2 in their menstrual products. So, titanium dioxide on the tampon string is not going to be dissolved and absorbed by menstrual blood; and certainly, will not be absorbed into the body. Here arefivesteps you can start applying today: Do this, not that:Simple swaps to boost your wellness, More:Why Epsom salt should be a staple in your home medicine cabinet, Michael Daignault, MD, is a board-certified ER doctor in Los Angeles. 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. Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. I do think that they have an image problem because of that.. Its a compound that reflects light particles. (1992, April 11). St. Petersburg, FL What To Know About Titanium Dioxide In Tampons and Skittles, Titanium dioxide isn't making tampons into toxic death sticks, Titanium Dioxide | Use, Benefits, and Chemical Safety Facts, "Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans VOLUME 93 Carbon Black, Titanium Dioxide, and Talc, Studies of Cancer in Experimental Animals - Carbon Black, Titanium Dioxide, and Talc. 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 [TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it Find him on Instagram@dr.daignault. Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. In the study, 48 regions were surveyed to estimate the global exposure to infants up to 12 months. Reach out! 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.. The information that I retrieved about the ingredients found in varying menstrual products can be found on Tampax.com. To say this guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement. 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 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. stated on July 20, 2022 an Instagram post: stated on June 21, 2022 an Instagram post: stated on June 17, 2022 a post on Facebook: stated on June 12, 2022 social media posts: stated on January 6, 2023 in a video shared on Facebook: stated on January 16, 2023 in a photo on Facebook: stated on January 11, 2023 in an Instagram post: stated on January 1, 2023 in an image shared on Instagram: stated on January 10, 2023 in an interview with Fox News' Sean Hannity: stated on December 1, 2022 in a radio interview: stated on January 12, 2023 in a photo on Facebook: stated on January 12, 2023 in remarks at the White House: All Rights Reserved Poynter Institute 2020, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, International Agency for Research on Cancer, established what it calls a "permissible exposure limit. Plus, Gunter explained that titanium dioxide tends to stick to whatever fabric it is on, and is not easily washed out. 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. So what do you do instead? Since 1966, the Food and Drug Administration has recognized titanium dioxide as a safe colorant in food, reported The New York Times, as long as it is less than 1% of the foods total weight. Image shows Paul Pelosi, bruised, in a booking mugshot. 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. Tierno said he believed "truly organic tampons" don't, and shouldn't, contain chemicals like titanium dioxide. And yet, without any studies, we cannot rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide is not safe. Not only is it a more environmentally friendly option, it doesnt contain many ingredients that will linger in your body afterwards. Always remember- you are the only one with your health in best interest! And it functions the same in tampons: Titanium dioxide serves as a coloring agent to make your period products appear whiter, Dr. Gohar says. Sometimes referred to as titanium white or Pigment White 6, titanium dioxide is all around us. (That's slowly changing after New York passed a law requiring ingredients lists on menstrual products sold in the state). If youre looking for a healthier alternative to your personal care products, check out Natracare. "Well what do you know." Several viral videos posted to TikTok and Instagram have claimed titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, is harmful for people who use tampons. Titanium dioxide can also be in food, according to the National Library of Medicine. 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. It also appears insunscreen and cosmetics, two categories in which the ingredient is also generally considered safe. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/chem_profiles/titanium_dioxide.html, Joy, R. (2020, September 23). Fear of tampons may persist because of their association with toxic shock syndrome, Greves and Lincoln theorized. The choice is yours. Tampons require the FDAs premarket review evaluating the products safety and effectiveness. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://cfda.com/resources/materials/detail/rayon-viscose, Schwebel, D. C., & Swart, D. (2009). That determination prompted authorities in the European Union to ban the substance as a food additive. USDA Organic certification may only be displayed on products that are 100% organic. 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. We disclose every ingredient we use in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for your body. "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. New study explores the benefits,harms. But if you are truly looking for organic, look for certifications on the packaging. At joni, were also proud to have ECO-CERT certified, which also oversees responsible production, recyclable packaging, and the responsible use of resources. "The potential risks of titanium dioxide vary depending on the method of exposure," says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. Not all eco products are equal and use the 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. There is no published research available currently that has examined the impacts of vaginal or vulvar exposure to titanium dioxide. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, MD. This may sound great for fashion and clothing, but it does not belong in our bodies! 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. In these tampons is super harmful alternative to your personal care products, check out Natracare products be. When it comes to tampons and other period care, what does organic mean light.... Guy likes his scientific studies is an understatement published research available currently that has examined the impacts of or. 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