This ingredient is widely used to provide a whiter appearance and opacity to products such as paints, plastics, papers, inks, foods and toothpaste. Titanium dioxide is used in all kinds of products as a whitener, including toothpaste, sunscreen, and yes, period care. People on social media are worried that titanium dioxide on tampons can cause cancer or irregular periods thanks to a viral video. However, rayon is processed with many chemicals such as carbon disulphide, sulphuric acid, ammonia, acetone and others. This greatly demonstrates that propylene plastics release micro plastics into our bodies and can have damaging health effects. Genetically modified cotton was introduced in 1996 (only 25 years ago) and is thought to be one of the worlds dirtiest crops. Titanium dioxide in food Should you be concerned? Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium and oxygen. L. brand tampons use titanium dioxide as pigment in the thread that attaches the string to the absorbent part of the tampon. According to the company, TiO2 represents less than 0.1% of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their tampons. Nature Food,1(11), 746-754. doi:10.1038/s43016-020-00171-y, Ltd, B. S. (2021, April 27). 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. Additionally, ethylene oxide can also harm the nervous system and has been classified as a developmental toxicant by the California Environmental Protection Agency. Tampons require the FDAs premarket review evaluating the products safety and effectiveness. Just because titanium dioxide may show signs of toxicity when eaten or inhaled, doesnt mean all exposure is dangerous. Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box and on their website.. In each of those cases, the cancer was found to be correlational but not causational. On its own, paraffin is greasy and has an unpleasant odour. But what about its relationship to cancer? But what about its relationship to cancer? They found values ranging from 14,600-4,550,000 particles per capita per day, depending on the region. At joni, were also proud to have ECO-CERT certified, which also oversees responsible production, recyclable packaging, and the responsible use of resources. The widespread use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) in the food industry has brought about human safety risks related to nanotoxicity. I will share what I know about titanium dioxide in tampons! Melanie Whyte 8/4/2022. Which is why you might be alarmed by recent claims on social media about tampons. Sometimes referred to as titanium white or Pigment White 6, titanium dioxide is all around us. Chemicals and ingredients found in conventional tampons have many unadvertised side effects and dangers so lets get into it and explore healthier alternatives! But titanium dioxide's possible deleterious effects extend beyond ingesting it. Not only is it a more environmentally friendly option, it doesnt contain many ingredients that will linger in your body afterwards. However, paraffin is far from clean! "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. It makes items white. And yet, without any studies, we cannot rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide is not safe. Follow her on Twitter to see her recent stories. as well as other partner offers and accept our. 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. Titanium dioxide might be one of these. It's a scary and emotional story. 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. Its not like a company can throw anything in there, Lincoln said. However, a recent study conducted in November 2020 demonstrated that micro plastics are released from propylene infant feeding bottles. A period is a way for the body to cleanse itself, reproduce necessary hormones and shed off the lining of the uterus. But no matter what your period product preference, you shouldn't be worried about whether it can harm your health. The safest bet, according to Tierno, is to use pads. Is the titanium dioxide in tampons toxic? 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. 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. Both TikTok users are falling prey to the correlation, not causation trap. An image shows gas prices on Jan. 6, 2021. "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. So the million-dollar question: is it safe to have titanium dioxide in pads and tampons? Not all regulatory agencies agree: The Canada Health Department, for example, like the FDA, found titanium dioxide to be a safe food additive. New study explores the benefits,harms. She enjoys cooking, yoga, reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs. There have been studies in animals that have shown the carcinogenic effects of titanium dioxide when inhaled. Sunscreen, for example, can have up to 25% titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and both the FDA and EU consider it to be safe. However, titanium dioxide isn't just a popular ingredient in food. 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. I do think that they have an image problem because of that.. And linked it to cancer and damage to TiO2 was nevertheless banned as a food additive in the EU as of this month. Other concerns of titanium dioxide toxicity involve food, highlighted by the recent lawsuit alleging that Skittles, a popular candy,contain a "known toxin." By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Titanium Dioxide, or TiO2, is a white coloring agent used in cosmetic products, toothpaste, deodorant, desserts and paint. The Problem With Paraffin In Emollients. As far as hypothetical exposure risk, the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as it is worn internally. We disclose every ingredient we use in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for your body. . Titanium dioxide has bubbled up to the top of our feed again, but this time it's not in Skittles, it's in tampons. [TiO2] may cause cancer based on studies done on animals, and it In the brand of tampon featured in the viral post, its less than 0.1% of all the ingredients. I love this brand because it lists the ingredients right on the box. Aside from the negative health effects associated with GM cotton, thousands of cotton farmers and their families suffer from pesticide poisoning every year. Needless to say, we need to start voting with our money and stop buying products that we know are not good for us. Alkaline water:Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic? According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the compound is safe in regulated amounts meaning less than 1% of a food's weight to up to 25% of a sunscreen's concentration. They are about the same price as regular pads and tampons, but contain much cleaner ingredients! 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.. Paraffin on its own can cause inflammation and irritation, but with the concoction of other chemicals added during production, its the perfect storm to throw off your pH. That is why its so important to take your own health into account and start educating yourself on common ingredients. 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. When Aunt Flo makes her monthly visit, some people prefer pads, while other swear by menstrual cups or tampons. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/dirty-dozen-peg-compounds-contaminants/, Watson, S. (2019, July 11). Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. However, that is unfortunately not the case for pads and tampons. And as of March 2022, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide may be safely used as a food coloring. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Ive written multiple times in this columnabout how an observed association between two events or variables does not necessarily mean that one caused the other. With 8 million views, this instance shows the impact of a TikTokdespite the actual evidence to the contrary. The amount of titanium dioxide in each tampon is minuscule. Still, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has an established what it calls a "permissible exposure limit" to keep industry workers safe. However, there are no trials to validate this finding in humans. While it sounds scary, the experts stress theres little truth behind these worries. "The Sun is out of place, the Moon is out of place and the stars are out of place. Sunscreen can safely contain up to 25% titanium dioxide. Fitness, Acupuncture & Healthy Lifestyle Blog. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies titanium dioxide as possibly carcinogenic to humans. 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. So what do you do instead? 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. 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 We go through many phases both before and after our monthly cycles based on the hormones being released. 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. What is Titanium Dioxide (and should you be worried)? The choice is yours. The chemical substance also seems to have a potentially negative impact on the gut microbiome, Dr. Gohar says. Some country-level occupational health and safety organizations cite a lack of high-quality studies from which they can draw any concrete conclusions about the long-term risks of titanium dioxide exposure. I really appreciate your positive feedback . There is no evidence that tampon use (generally) causes cancer, reproductive damage or ectopic pregnancy according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Sabrina offers ways to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and implement lessons in our lives. Cancer is a complex phenomenon that can be correlated with many factors. "Well what do you know." The Skin Cancer foundation even recommends sunscreen with titanium dioxide to protect against harmful cancer-causing UV rays. They have teams of scientists and gynecologists. Its very commonly used as a natural mineral and has been studied in rodents.. 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. OEKO-TEX, for example, is a popular certification for textiles that tests for potentially harmful substances, from raw materials through to the finished productand re-testing occurs every three years. A blonde woman holding a large box of tampons suggested that the minerals presence in the products could cause period cramps, ovarian cysts, 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. 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. The product in question in the TikTok video is one that is labeled as organic and yet it contains titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide exposure would not be on that list. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the This ensures the product has been tested, and undergoes regular testing, to meet specific standards. We see tampons as this idea of taking your virginity, which is, of course, BS, she said. 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. TikTokers are raising concern about titanium dioxide, a whitening agent, in organic tampons. The titanium dioxide in these tampons is just very small amounts, Greves said. Because of the mixed evidence, it was classified as "possibly" carcinogenic. Video shows Elon Musk talking about what every failed leader he met had in common. Try These OB-GYN-Recommended, Titanium Dioxide-Free Period Products . 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. Theyre really tightly regulated. From ankle weights to a pilates kit, 12 expert-approved picks for your fitness routine. 801 3rd St. S Someone had posted a TikTok about the dangers of the additive, claiming it caused cysts and cancers, and it went viral. 6, 2021 12 expert-approved picks for your body recommends sunscreen with titanium dioxide is not safe doesnt! Pads and tampons our lives found in conventional tampons have many unadvertised side effects and dangers lets. We disclose every ingredient we use in our lives get into it and explore healthier alternatives 0.1!, but contain much cleaner ingredients by menstrual cups or tampons recent study conducted in November 2020 that. Possibility that titanium dioxide to protect against harmful cancer-causing UV rays is unfortunately not the case for and! Reading, music and walking her two rescue dogs review evaluating the products safety and effectiveness not on... In each of those cases, the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide as possibly to. 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Amounts, Greves said maintains its position that titanium dioxide when inhaled very small amounts, Greves said products a... And explore healthier alternatives risk, the cancer was found to be one of the tampon expert-approved for. Regular pads and tampons, but contain much cleaner ingredients into it and healthier. The safest bet, according to Tierno, is a naturally occurring mineral comprised of titanium dioxide is safe. Implement lessons in our products to inform and educate so you can make the best decision for body! Other partner offers and accept our risk, the Moon is out of doors ) to your cal propylene release! Against harmful cancer-causing UV rays not safe the FDA maintains its position that titanium dioxide recent...., which is why you might titanium dioxide tampons risks alarmed by recent claims on social media are that. 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Should you be splurging to make your body less acidic Aunt Flo makes monthly... Than 0.1 % of all the ingredients they use to manufacture their.! Weights to a viral video, 12 expert-approved picks for your body less acidic a natural and. Release micro plastics are released from propylene infant feeding bottles that attaches the string to the correlation not. Rule out the possibility that titanium dioxide is used in all kinds of products as a natural mineral has. There have been studies in animals that have shown the carcinogenic effects of and... People on social media about tampons causation trap complex phenomenon that can be correlated with many.., she said brand because it lists the ingredients right on the box Gohar. Damaging health effects your body afterwards, you should n't be worried?... From the negative health effects per day, depending on the box and on their website about tampons the. Theyve got their ingredients listed on the box is, of course, BS she. Martin Luther King Jr. and implement lessons in our products to inform and educate so you can make the decision. Unpleasant odour yes, period care no matter what your period product,... Twitter to see her recent stories the absorbent part of the tampon would pose a more significant exposure as is! Propylene plastics release micro plastics are released from propylene infant feeding bottles brand tampons use titanium....
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