4. Should I stop eating products that contain TiO₂?

SURFACES, CHEMISTRY & APPLICATIONS

Uses of Titanium Dioxide

In general, nanoparticles have been shown to accumulate in the body, particularly in organs in the gastrointestinal tract, along with the liver, spleen, and capillaries of the lungs.

In a study published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology in 2020, researchers examined the effects of food additives titanium dioxide and silica on the intestinal tract by grouping and feeding mice three different food-grade particles — micro-TiO2, nano-TiO2, and nano-SiO2.  With all three groups, researchers observed changes in the gut microbiota, particularly mucus-associated bacteria. Furthermore, all three groups experienced inflammatory damage to the intestine, but the nano-TiO2 displayed the most pronounced changes. The researchers wrote: “Our results suggest that the toxic effects on the intestine were due to reduced intestinal mucus barrier function and an increase in metabolite lipopolysaccharides which activated the expression of inflammatory factors downstream. In mice exposed to nano-TiO2, the intestinal PKC/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was activated. These findings will raise awareness of toxicities associated with the use of food-grade TiO2 and SiO2.”

Overall, TiO2 powder suppliers play a vital role in ensuring that industries have access to the high-quality TiO2 powder they need for their various applications. By sourcing and supplying this essential raw material, TiO2 powder suppliers help to drive innovation and growth in industries around the world.

Some food products will include titanium dioxide on their nutrition label. But again, it can be hard to tell for those who don't list the ingredient. 

Manufacturers get titanium dioxide from minerals called brookite, rutile, and anatase. It's processed into a powder and refined to meet strict safety guidelines.

2. Cosmetics

≤0.3

Titanium dioxide has also been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which has caused concern about its use in food products. This classification, however, is currently based on limited evidence from animal studies that involved the inhalation of titanium dioxide particles that increased the risk of lung cancer.

Example of partial substitution of titanium dioxide with lithopone supplier 30% in a liquid paint.