Histoire

In recent decades, concerns for the risks of titanium dioxide consumption have grown.

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is considered as an inert and safe material and has been used in many applications for decades. However, with the development of nanotechnologies TiO₂ nanoparticles, with numerous novel and useful properties, are increasingly manufactured and used. Therefore increased human and environmental exposure can be expected, which has put TiO₂ nanoparticles under toxicological scrutiny. Mechanistic toxicological studies show that TiO₂ nanoparticles predominantly cause adverse effects via induction of oxidative stress resulting in cell damage, genotoxicity, inflammation, immune response etc. The extent and type of damage strongly depends on physical and chemical characteristics of TiO₂ nanoparticles, which govern their bioavailability and reactivity. Based on the experimental evidence from animal inhalation studies TiO₂ nanoparticles are classified as “possible carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as occupational carcinogen by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The studies on dermal exposure to TiO₂ nanoparticles, which is in humans substantial through the use of sunscreens, generally indicate negligible transdermal penetration; however data are needed on long-term exposure and potential adverse effects of photo-oxidation products. Although TiO₂ is permitted as an additive (E171) in food and pharmaceutical products we do not have reliable data on its absorption, distribution, excretion and toxicity on oral exposure. TiO₂ may also enter environment, and while it exerts low acute toxicity to aquatic organisms, upon long-term exposure it induces a range of sub-lethal effects.

THE OBSCURE HISTORY OF A UBIQUITOUS PIGMENT: PHOSPHORESCENT LITHOPONE AND ITS APPEARANCE ON DRAWINGS BY JOHN LA FARGE

Production[edit]

We've used titanium dioxide safely for decades. However, recently its safety was called into question. 
 
At CRIS, we've explored the safety of titanium dioxide for nearly half a decade, including conducting double-blind research to test the safety of food-grade titanium dioxide (E171). Our study shows that when exposed to food-grade titanium dioxide in normal conditions, research animals did not experience adverse health outcomes.
 
It's important to emphasize that in a National Institutes of Health study, experimental animals were exposed to titanium dioxide in amounts as high as 5% of their diet for a lifetime and showed no evidence of adverse effects. 
 
A handful of studies greatly influenced the decisions made by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Unfortunately, these studies did not consider that titanium dioxide exposure comes from food, not drinking water. Additionally, CRIS researchers could not reproduce the adverse outcomes identified by the studies through typical food ingestion. Regardless, the EFSA banned E171 as a food ingredient and for use in other capacities in the summer of 2022.
 
In 2022, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada maintained that the scientific evidence supports that titanium dioxide (E171) is safe for humans to use and consume.

In terms of manufacturers, there are many companies that produce calcium carbonate and titanium dioxide. Some of the top manufacturers of calcium carbonate include Omya, Imerys, and Minerals Technologies. These companies have large mining operations and production facilities in regions where calcium carbonate is abundant.

What are the forms of titanium dioxide?

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a naturally occurring mineral that is mined from the earth, processed and refined, and added to a variety of foods, as well as other consumer products. White in color, it is used to enhance the color and sheen of certain foods and is also key for food safety applications. In its natural state it exists in different bulk crystalline forms, such as anatase and rutile, but during processing it is ground into a very fine powder.

Inventory: Low inventory of mainstream producers, it is expected that the overall size of spot inventory today is low, and there is less stock in mainstream factories.2. Mentality: the buyer has to prepare goods in advance, and the new order price is slightly less willing to purchase in bulk; Because the seller's inventory is small, the manufacturer has no willingness to reduce the price of sales, and the demand for new orders in the market is relatively large.Trend: The load of titanium dioxide enterprises is stable, the willingness to ship at low prices is not strong, and the downstream buyers still have inventory digestion, and the intention to supplement orders in the short term is limited. It is expected that the market price of titanium dioxide is stable today, and the market trading atmosphere is more general.
According to the feedback of manufacturers, the new orders of mainstream factories maintain stable prices, and the overall new volume of the market is limited. On the demand side, the terminal basically had batch replenishment last month, and the purchase intention of new orders was low; On the supply side, mainstream manufacturers normally produce and deliver goods, and the actual output of the industry is stable. Most factories quote a new price of 17,000 yuan/ton or more market negotiation range reference 16000-17200 yuan/ton, plastics and papermaking related downstream feedback part of the tight model price is higher. Recent titanium dioxide raw materials are expected to weaken, titanium dioxide price support is relatively limited, comprehensive market factors, the current titanium dioxide market many buyers hold a wait-and-see mentality.