The properties of lithopone are very suitable for use in the production of coatings. Because the ingredients of lithopone are zinc sulfide and barium sulfate, and the more zinc sulfide content, the stronger its covering power. This indicates a paint product with strong white covering power. It is different from water in that it reacts with acid but does not react with alkali. It has a wide range of uses. Because its structural properties are similar to titanium dioxide and its price is relatively cheap, it can also be used as a substitute for some titanium dioxide. Lithopone can be used for coloring paints, inks, pigments, rubber, paper, leather, enamel, etc.

≤0.3

Until relevant toxicological and human exposure data that would enable reliable risk assessment are obtained, TiO₂ nanoparticles should be used with great care.

Rebecca Capua

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is commonly applied to enhance the white colour and brightness of food products. TiO₂ is also used as white pigment in other products such as toothpaste. A small fraction of the pigment is known to be present as nanoparticles (NPs). Recent studies with TiO₂ NPs indicate that these particles can have toxic effects. In this paper, we aimed to estimate the oral intake of TiO₂ and its NPs from food, food supplements and toothpaste in the Dutch population aged 2 to over 70 years by combining data on food consumption and supplement intake with concentrations of Ti and TiO₂ NPs in food products and supplements. For children aged 2-6 years, additional intake via ingestion of toothpaste was estimated. The mean long-term intake to TiO₂ ranges from 0.06 mg/kg bw/day in elderly (70+), 0.17 mg/kg bw/day for 7-69-year-old people, to 0.67 mg/kg bw/day in children (2-6 year old). The estimated mean intake of TiO₂ NPs ranges from 0.19 μg/kg bw/day in elderly, 0.55 μg/kg bw/day for 7-69-year-old people, to 2.16 μg/kg bw/day in young children. Ninety-fifth percentile (P95) values are 0.74, 1.61 and 4.16 μg/kg bw/day, respectively. The products contributing most to the TiO₂ intake are toothpaste (in young children only), candy, coffee creamer, fine bakery wares and sauces. In a separate publication, the results are used to evaluate whether the presence of TiO₂ NPs in these products can pose a human health risk.

Analyst Insight

Titanium dioxide prices in India reached 3424 USD /MT and 3001 USD /MT for Rutile and Anatase grades during the last week of June.

Most commonly used in candy, it can also be found in salad dressings, chewing gum, ice cream, frozen pizzas, drink and jello mixes and many other food categories. Titanium dioxide creates a smooth finish and adds shine and brightness to other colors. 

Now imagine the delicate skin on your face, on your children’s arms & legs. Each day un-knowingly, thinking we are doing the right thing, we slather them up with titanium dioxide in the form of sunscreen & send them out into the sun, all the while never knowing that once exposed to light titanium dioxide creates free radicals that are strong enough to damage steel roofing panels!!

Le produit obtenu par cette méthode est constitué de 29,4 % en masse de ZnS et 70,6 % en masse de BaSO₄. Il existe des variations, par exemple l'adjonction de chlorure de zinc à la pâte avant chauffage produit un pigment plus riche en ZnS³.