Zhu et al. were the first to provide evidence that TiO₂ NPs (21 nm) can transfer from daphnia to zebrafish by dietary exposure. Hence, dietary intake could be a major route of exposure to NPs for high trophic level aquatic organisms. Ecological research should therefore focus, not only on the concentration of NPs in the environment, but also on its bioconcentration, bioaccumulation and biomagnification. In addition it has been shown that TiO₂ NPs can increase accumulation of other environmental toxicants: enhanced accumulation of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) was found in carp in the presence of TiO₂ NPs. The strong adsorption capacity for Cd and As was explained by the large specific surface area and strong electrostatic attraction of TiO₂ NPs that contribute to facilitated transport into different organs.

In its 2016 opinion, the ANS Panel recommended new studies be carried out to fill the gaps on possible effects on the reproductive system, which could enable them to set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI ). Uncertainty around the characterisation of the material used as the food additive (E 171) was also highlighted, in particular with respect to particle size and particle size distribution of titanium dioxide used as E 171.   

Other scientists, however, have called into question the experimental designs of such studies, citing inconsistent results specifically in studies used to test DNA damage.

In a study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology in 2016, researchers investigated whether titanium dioxide exposure led to an increase in colorectal tumor creation in mice by using a colitis associated cancer model. By measuring tumor progression markers, the researchers found that mice given titanium dioxide experienced enhanced tumor formation in the distal colon.  There was also a decrease of cells that act as a protective barrier in the colon. The researchers wrote: “These results suggest that E171 could worsen pre-existent intestinal diseases.”

The evidence also suggests that the toxicity of TiO₂ particles may be reduced when eaten as part of the diet. This is because proteins and other molecules in a person's diet can bind to the TiO₂ particles. This binding alters the physical and chemical properties of the particles, which influences how they interact with cells, tissues and organs.

4. Should I stop eating products that contain TiO₂?

CSPI’s Chemical Cuisine is the web’s definitive rating of the chemicals used to preserve foods and affect their taste, texture, or appearance. Besides titanium dioxide, the group recommends avoiding artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose, as well as synthetic food dyes like Yellow 5 and Red 3. CSPI and others have recently asked the Food and Drug Administration to ban the latter dye in foods and ingested drugs because the FDA has already determined that it is a carcinogen unsafe for use in cosmetics.

In the European domestic market, however, the cost support from increasing freight charges kept the valuation of imported volumes high, and the average CFR NWE discussions were assessed at USD 3800 per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2021.

When looking for suppliers of r 996 titanium dioxide, it is important to consider a few key factors. First and foremost, the quality of the product is paramount. r 996 titanium dioxide suppliers are known for their high-quality products that meet industry standards and specifications. This ensures that the end products manufactured using this pigment are of top-notch quality.

Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder, brilliant white pigment used in paints, inks, leather, paper, linoleum, and face powder. It was developed in the 1870s as a substitute or supplement for lead carbonate (white lead), to overcome its drawbacks of toxicity, poor weathering, and darkening in atmospheres that contain sulfur compounds. Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder is an insoluble mixture of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide that precipitates upon mixing solutions of barium sulfide and zinc sulfate. The precipitate is recovered by filtration, then calcined (roasted) at temperatures above 600° C (1,112° F). Although Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder has been replaced in many applications by titanium dioxide, it is still widely used in a number of products, such as water paints.