Three aspects determine the performance of titanium dioxide as pigment and UV absorber.

In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority concluded that titanium dioxide is no longer safe in foods due to the same concerns over nanoparticles. As a result, titanium dioxide is now banned as a food additive in the EU. Although studies have shown that the absorption of ingested titanium dioxide is low, evidence suggests that titanium dioxide nanoparticles can accumulate in the body over time. Health Canada deemed it safe in 2022 but noted concerns. Unlike their European counterparts, Canadian officials did not consider studies performed with titanium dioxide nanoparticles alone. 

Molecular Formula: Zn2BaS2O5

However, humans are not exposed to E171 in drinking water at any significant quantity over a long duration, so this potential effect is irrelevant to the human experience. It’s important to understand that a potential hazard is not the same thing as an actual risk. 

Is titanium dioxide illegal in other countries?

0.8%Max

No acute effects of nano-sized TiO₂ were observed in Danio rerio (zebrafish) embryos. Exposure of rainbow trout to TiO₂ NPs triggered lipid peroxidation, influence on the respiratory tract, disturbance in the metabolism of Cu and Zn, induction of intestinal erosion  and accumulation in kidney tissue. Linhua et al. exposed juvenile carp to 100 and 200 mg/ml of particles and TiO₂ observed no mortality. However, the fish suffered from oxidative stress and pathological changes in gill and liver. In the infaunal species Arenicola marina, exposure to TiO₂ NPs in sediment caused sub-lethal effects including decrease in casting rate and increase in cellular and DNA damage. Aggregated particles were visible in the lumen of the gut, but no uptake through the gut or the skin was observed.

Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder is also called C.I. 77115; Pigment White 5; Barium zinc sulfate sulfide and belongs to Product Categories of Inorganic & organic chemicals; uvcbs-inorganic. Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder is used in water-based paints because of its excellent alkali resistance. It is widely utilized as a whitener and reinforcing agent for rubber and as a filler and whitener for paper. Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder is considered to be poisonous because it is able to liberate hydrogen sulfide upon decomposition by heat, moisture, and acids. When heated to decomposition Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder emits highly toxic fumes of SOx, ZnO, and H2S.

Nano-sized P25TiO₂NPs were kindly donated by Dr. Scaiano, Ottawa University (Canada). Riboflavin (vitamin B2) was from Sigma and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and KBr (for IR pills) were from Cicarelli. Base cream for the animal experiments was purchased from Todo Droga and the LED panel was built ad hoc.

Overall, buff percentage is a critical factor that manufacturers of titanium dioxide must carefully manage to ensure the quality, consistency, and cost-effectiveness of their products. By investing in advanced technology and processes to control buff percentage, manufacturers can meet the specific requirements of their customers and maintain a competitive edge in the market. As the demand for titanium dioxide continues to grow across various industries, manufacturers must continue to innovate and improve their processes to meet the evolving needs of their customers.

But in the U.S., titanium dioxide is found all over the grocery shelves. Candy like Skittles, Starbursts, and Jell-O, gum like Trident White peppermint gum and Mentos Freshmint Gum, cake products like Duncan Hines Creamy Vanilla Frosting, and Nabisco Chips Ahoy! cookies are just a few of the myriad food items that contain the additive.