Titanium dioxide R-996 is mainly used in powder coatings, water-based and solvent-based external coatings, high-grade color masterbatches, plastics, rubber, inks, high-grade paper and wax paper and leather upholstery fabrics, cosmetics, suitable for high-grade interior coatings, high-solid paints, Road marking paints, marine paints and inks, and also used in the plastics, rubber, paper and leather industries.

In short, no, research demonstrates that E171 is safe when consumed in normal situations.

Moreover, how we're exposed to an ingredient matters significantly in terms of our health and potential toxicity.   

Research shows that inhaling titanium dioxide particles in significant quantities over time can cause adverse health outcomes. Unless you work in an industrial setting, inhaling substantial amounts of titanium dioxide is highly unlikely. 

Research supports that applying titanium dioxide to the skin in the form of sunscreens, makeup, and other topical products does not pose a health risk. 

Overwhelmingly, research that's relevant to human exposure shows us that E171 is safe when ingested normally through foods and drugs (1,2).

Again, other research suggests that E171 could cause harm; however, those research processes did not design their studies to model how people are exposed to E171. Research that adds E171 to drinking water, utilizes direct injections, or gives research animals E171 through a feeding apparatus is not replicating typical human exposure, which occurs through food and medicine consumption.

Read more in-depth about the titanium dioxide risk at go.msu.edu/8Dp5. 

Should I be worried about the use of titanium dioxide in my toothpaste?

Currently, titanium dioxide as a food additive is classified as GRAS, or “generally recognized as safe.” 

How Is Titanium Dioxide Made?

Manufacturers use titanium dioxide in some packaging to protect food from exposure to sunlight. Lab studies show it may also help stop bacteria from growing, and break down a gas that makes many fruits and vegetables ripen faster. That can keep products fresher and give them a longer shelf life.   

ZnSO4 + BaS + ZnS + BaSO4

R-5566:

Nano-sized TiO₂ generally shows low or no acute toxicity in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, exposure of Daphnia magna to 20 ppm TiO₂ for 8 consecutive days was found to cause 40 % mortality. Zhu et al. showed minimal toxicity to D. magna after 48 h exposure, while upon chronic exposure for 21 days, D. magna suffered severe growth retardation and mortality. A significant amount of nano-sized TiO₂ was found also accumulated in the body of the animals. Similar findings with coated nano-sized TiO₂ (T-Lite™ SF, T-Lite™ SF-S and T-Lite™ MAX; BASF SE) were reported by Wiench et al. Biochemical measurements showed that exposure to TiO₂ NPs induces significant concentration-dependent antioxidant enzyme activities in D. magna. Lee et al. showed that 7 and 20 nm-sized TiO₂ induced no genotoxic effect in D. magna and in the larva of the aquatic midge Chironomus riparius.

Titanium dioxide in food

4. Cost-Effectiveness Purchasing titanium dioxide in wholesale quantities can lead to significant cost savings for tire manufacturers. By acquiring TiO2 in bulk, manufacturers can reduce production costs per unit, thereby improving their profit margins. Moreover, the durability and performance enhancements associated with TiO2 help reduce the frequency of tire replacements, further amplifying cost efficiency.

≤0.4

Applications