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. 

Titanium dioxide is used in an enormous range of food products, which can feel jarring when looking at some of its other uses.

With the growing demand for dyes and pigments in various industries, the need for a reliable and efficient titanium dioxide factory has become more important than ever. Titanium dioxide is a crucial ingredient in the production of dyes and pigments, as it provides excellent coverage and brightness to the final product.

Variations of titanium dioxide are added to enhance the whiteness of paint, plastics, and paper products, though these variations differ from the food-grade ones for things we eat (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).

The biological activity, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance of implants depend primarily on titanium dioxide (TiO₂) film on biomedical titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). This research is aimed at getting an ideal temperature range for forming a dense titanium dioxide (TiO₂) film during titanium alloy cutting. This article is based on Gibbs free energy, entropy changes, and oxygen partial pressure equations to perform thermodynamic calculations on the oxidation reaction of titanium alloys, studies the oxidation reaction history of titanium alloys, and analyzes the formation conditions of titanium dioxide. The heat oxidation experiment was carried out. The chemical composition was analyzed with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The results revealed that titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is the main reaction product on the surface below 900°C. Excellent porous oxidation films can be obtained between 670°C and 750°C, which is helpful to improve the bioactivity and osseointegration of implants.

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The California plaintiff is apparently not the only one concerned about titanium dioxide. The European Union recently banned its use citing concerns about serious health consequences.

At the present JECFA meeting, the committee considered additional toxicological studies relevant to the safety assessment of the chemical that investigated its toxicokinetics, acute toxicity, short-term toxicity, long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity, as well as special studies addressing its short-term initiation/promotion potential for colon cancer. The experts acknowledged that a large number of toxicological studies have been conducted using test materials, including nanoparticles, having size distributions and physico-chemical properties not comparable to real-world uses of titanium dioxide as a food additive. The studies on non-representative materials were evaluated by JECFA, but the committee concluded that such studies are not relevant to the safety assessment of the additive.

In conclusion, the role of lithopone in the paint industry cannot be overstated. Its unique properties make it a vital component in producing high-quality paints and coatings. As the market continues to evolve with a focus on sustainability and performance, lithopone suppliers are stepping up to meet these challenges through innovative production techniques and a commitment to quality. By partnering with these suppliers, paint manufacturers can ensure they are equipped with the best possible materials to create products that not only meet consumer expectations but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

The ingredient in question? Titanium dioxide.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on the finding of nano particles in our food supply here in Australia, despite no testing every carried out on the safety of these products by our food safety body.