Still, you may wonder whether it’s safe for consumption.

In a study published in 2022 in the journal Particle and Fibre Technology, researchers examined the impact of maternal exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in newborn offspring mice. They found that “a chronic exposure to TiO2 NPs during pregnancy alters the respiratory activity of offspring, characterized by an abnormally elevated rate of breathing.” Breathing was also shown to be “significantly and abnormally accelerated,” and the ability for neural circuitry to effectively adjust breathing rates was impaired. The researchers concluded: “Our findings thus demonstrate that a maternal exposure to TiO2 NPs during pregnancy affects the normal development and operation of the respiratory centers in progeny.”

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With 30% of the world's lithopone factories located in China, the country has become a major player in the global lithopone market. Chinese manufacturers are able to produce lithopone at a competitive price, making it an attractive option for companies looking to reduce their production costs. In addition, China's large production capacity ensures a steady and reliable supply of lithopone to markets around the world.

So what does this have to do with you?

How Is Titanium Dioxide Made?

Of the products that include the additive in their labels, Thea Bourianne, senior manager at data consultant Label Insights, told Food Navigator USA in May 2021 that more than 11,000 products in the company's database of U.S. food and beverage products listed titanium dioxide as an ingredient. Non-chocolate candy led those numbers at 32%. Cupcakes and snack cakes made up 14%, followed by cookies at 8%, coated pretzels and trail mix at 7%, baking decorations at 6%, gum and mints at 4% and ice cream at 2%.

The chemical is also found in common household and industrial products such as paints, coatings, adhesives, paper, plastics and rubber, printing inks, coated fabrics and textiles, as well as ceramics.

With its storied history and distinct properties, lithopone remains a subject of historical significance and contemporary relevance. While its applications and popularity have evolved, its role in the annals of pigment history is indisputable.

In beauty and personal care products, the ingredient is listed with its colour index (CI) number ‘CI 77891’. When nano grade titanium dioxide is used in our sunscreens, this is referenced as ‘titanium dioxide’ [nano] in the ingredients list.

Lithopone Market 

Titanium dioxide is the most widely used whitening pigment in the world and has been linked to adverse health effects, particularly genotoxicity and intestinal inflammation. It is applied as food coloring and a whitening agent to a wide variety of foods, including chewing gum, cakes, candies, breads and ice cream. 

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Nanotoxicology “focuses on determining the adverse effects of nanomaterials on human health and the environment.”

This TiO2 manufacturer mainly produces R5566, R5567, R5568, R5569 and other series products, which are used in coatings, plastics, papermaking, ink and other fields.

In addition, lithopone has a strong hiding power beyond zinc oxide. This means less lithopone will have greater coverage and masking power, saving you time and money. No need to worry about multiple coats or uneven finishes anymore - the hiding power of lithopone ensures a flawless, even look in a single application.

Titanium Dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive by European Food Safety Authority, May 6, 2021