Once something goes viral, it’s pretty hard to turn back time. A user on TikTok posted a video with now over 7 million plays and over 1 million likes talking about Titanium Dioxide in tampons being a potential cause of cancer. This has led to many people spiraling, grabbing the pitchforks, and calling their doctor. Let’s all take a deep breath and dive into this serious claim together.
Check out the viral tiktok here
What is Titanium Dioxide?
“Pure titanium dioxide is a fine, white powder that provides a bright, white pigment” (source). It has been used in a wide range of products for years: paints, rubber, sunscreen, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, toothpaste, and more. This ingredient is used in food to brighten or enhance the color as well as increasing shelf life (source). In sunscreens, Titanium Dioxide is used to protect against the harmful sun’s rays.
This ingredient has been seen on the back label of several brands of tampons. It is used to make the product look whiter. So, the use for this ingredient is definitely more aesthetic than essential.
History of Tampons
Since tampons are used by 40% of those with a period, the safety of these products are absolutely an important topic! Tampons definitely have a long and complicated history that I don’t have the time (or energy) to fully get into. But, let’s go over some points relevant to today’s viral TikTok conspiracy:
- 1978 – Berkley Women’s Health Collection accused Proctor & Gamble, the manufacturers of Rely tampons, of withholding information on their ingredients (source).
- 1980 – 812 cases of Toxic Shock Syndrome were reported, with 38 being fatal (source)
- 1989 – Research links synthetic materials to TSS. The FDA then orders tampon companies to create a sizing system (source).
- 1990 – 3 of the 4 synthetic ingredients used for absorbency are removed from the ingredients in tampon manufacturers (source). One of them, Rayon, is still used today*
- Late 1990s – Chlorine- free bleaching process is now used for tampons to remove the possibility of trace dioxin being found in tampons. Research shows harmful effects of exposure to high levels of dioxin (source).
- 2008 – U.S. representative Carolyn Maloney (NY) introduces new legislation. Now called the Robin Danielson Feminine Hygiene Product Safety Act of 2017 “requires NIH to study the contaminants and substances used, such as dioxin, synthetic fibers, fragrances, dyes, and preservatives in feminine hygiene products pose health risks to women who use the products or to the children of women who use the products during or before pregnancy.” (source)
What Do We Know?
We have research showing negative effects from long-term inhalation of high doses of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in rats (source). But, we don’t currently have research showing negative effects of this in relation to absorption through tampons or through other household items.
Does this mean you are wrong for having concerns?
No!
Concern is one thing. Spreading scary, harmful information is another.
I was watching through some tiktok comments and replies to the original viral TikTok video, and the titanium dioxide in tampons topic really has people spiraling. Some are saying these specific tampons are the reason they now have ovarian cysts, painful and long periods, and even infertility. There are simply no facts out there to connect these health issues to the tampon ingredients.
Let’s remember:
- Tampons have a complicated history and safety issues that lead those with periods to not exactly trust manufacturers.
- The Clean Beauty Movement spreads fear and misinformation, especially in regards to cosmetics and women’s health items.
- Still, there are alternatives available to tampons that do not contain additives.
Alternatives to Tampons & Easing Your Mind
Tampons in general are expensive and largely unsustainable, so even if the ingredients don’t deter you, maybe you want to try another option!
-Menstrual Cup
-Menstrual Discs
-Period Underwear
-Reusable Pads
I love wearing period underwear at night! It is safer than tampons and obviously super easy to use. The washable kind is more sustainable and comfortable, too.
Overview
We don’t have research to back up any of these viral TikTok claims about titanium dioxide in tampons. But, it is okay if you want to avoid these ingredients because there are plenty of readily available alternatives. Before you start to spiral after seeing a video online, remember that most of the claims people make are not backed up by any research!
I hope this was educational and comforted any scary thoughts you’ve been having! If you need more information, check out any of the sources below. Thanks for reading 🙂
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423755/
https://foodinsight.org/what-is-titanium-dioxide/
https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/8852185/Kohen.html?sequence=2
Oh wow! What great timing for this blog. Thank you for doing the research, string facts, and giving alternatives.
I am more than happy to research any topic 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and don’t forget to share.
Very informative! Shared with my period having friends! I really appreciated your focus on the facts and attempting to make it clear that there are just currently no facts to support the claims. I especially liked “ The Clean Beauty Movement spreads fear and misinformation…” I absolutely agree.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing with your friends! I love to break down a trending topic and separate the claims from the facts. With how social media works, it is more important than ever!