In a small study published in the European Journal of Nutrition in 2020, researchers examined the effects of several food additives, including titanium dioxide, along with artificial sweeteners and cleaning products by testing the fecal samples of 13 people. Titanium dioxide was among the samples that “induced significant shifts in microbiome community structure.”  The growth of the bacterium species belonging to C. leptum, which has been shown to decrease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, “significantly decreased in the presence of … titanium dioxide” among other additives and sweeteners tested.

There is also some evidence to suggest that exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles may be harmful or toxic to the environment, including aquatic life and other organisms. The production and disposal of the mineral may also release pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, into the air and water.

In Europe, the downstream paints and coatings sector presented weak demand in front of the titanium dioxide manufacturers, and thus, the titanium dioxide price trend experienced a gradual decline in its trajectory. Additionally, the pressure of inflation and increasing bank interest rates lowered the spending appetite of consumers which had an adverse effect on the titanium dioxide price trends. Further, the export and import of titanium dioxide were also caught under the negative influence of the poor economic conditions of the market.

Historical references

A significant body of research, mostly from rodent models and in vitro studies, has linked titanium dioxide with health risks related to the gut, including intestinal inflammation, alterations to the gut microbiota, and more. It is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Group 2B, as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

Additionally, the growing emphasis on sustainability within the automotive industry influences the demand for environmentally friendly tire production methods. TiO2, being a non-toxic and eco-friendly compound, aligns with these sustainability goals, making it an attractive option for manufacturers looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

Lithopone can also be used as raw material of putty to fill gaps; Adding 20% lithopone to the concrete to make artificial quartz without harming its light resistance and solidification; It can improve the impact resistance and electrical performance when used in fire safety polyester chemicals; These are the raw materials of audio vinyl records used for turbojet engine dye and thermal insulation coating and insulating layer.