A TikTok user took the internet by storm when she shared in one of her videos about tampons causing cancer and other health risks to its users. According to Rachel Morgan, this menstrual product contains titanium dioxide that is harmful to one's health.
Morgan's video garnered 7.8 million views, 1.5 million likes, over 100, 000 shares and 30,000 comments. The video has reached people all over the world and is alarming users. People who responded to the video were swearing off L tampons.
However, health experts quickly debunk her claim saying that females do not need to worry about using tampons since it won't give them cancer.
TikTok user's viral tampon claim
Morgan said that she saw TikTok video of one girl who used brand L. owned by Proctor & Gamble. Said girl, who used the brand, experienced two weeks of excessive bleeding, ovarian cysts, and irreversible uterine damage, Gizmodo reported.
"She's getting checked for fucking cancer. You know why? Because one of the ingredients on the back of her container is titanium dioxide, which, if you don't know, causes cancer," Morgan said. "[My container] doesn't say it, but it's getting thrown out regardless, because how can I consciously just be like, 'Oh sure, yeah, I trust you.' So yeah, go check your fucking box and if you had any adverse symptoms like her, call a fucking lawyer."
@rachelmorgann__ TAMPON USERS LISTEN UP #fyp #tampons ♬ original sound - rachel morgan
What is titanium dioxide?
According to Chemical Safety Facts, titanium dioxide is the ninth most common element in the Earth's crust. This metal is usually found in animals and plants. It is also an active ingredient of sunscreen as it can help block the absorption of solar ultraviolet rays that harm the skin. When titanium naturally interacts with oxygen, it titanium oxides are found in soils, sands, ores, and indigenous dust.
Pure titanium dioxide is a fine, white powder that has been used in various ways for industrial and consumer products, including paints, printing inks, floor coverings, roofing materials, cosmetics, toothpaste, soap, and many others. And yes, it is also found in brand L tampons.
Is titanium dioxide safe?
Experts and doctors also shared on TikTok that titanium dioxide in tampons will not cause cancer. Dr. Jennifer Gunter, an OB/GYN posted a video saying that we should not worry about using tampons. She clarified that these are not "toxic death sticks."
"Titanium dioxide doesn't dissolve in water, meaning the nanoparticles aren't 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," said Gunter. "Meaning, you don't have to worry that the blood-soaked tampon string is leaking titanium dioxide nanoparticles into your vagina."
@drjenniferlincoln Should you worry? Short answer: no, but do what feels right for you. NOT funded by the tampon industry #tampons #titaniumdioxide #obgyn ♬ original sound - Dr. Jennifer Lincoln
On the other hand, Dr. Ryan Marino, a medical toxicologist and assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, told Gizmodo that titanium dioxide is only harmful to rats. Once inhaled, it becomes carcinogenic, causing inflammation and possible genetic damage in rats.
Marino said, "...the high-profile studies in mice showing inflammation and genetic changes involved force ingestion of massive amounts of titanium dioxide, which would not be possible for everyday Americans to replicate through consumer product exposures."
