ZnSO4 + BaS + ZnS + BaSO4
- One of the key considerations when using titanium dioxide in food products is its particle size. The FDA has set limits on the particle size of titanium dioxide that can be used in food products, as smaller particles may pose a greater health risk. It is important to ensure that the titanium dioxide purchased meets these particle size standards to ensure the safety of the product.
Conclusion:
In food, titanium dioxide is often used as an artificial color additive. Tasha Stoiber, senior scientist at the consumer health nonprofit Environmental Working Group, says titanium dioxide can generally be thought of as a paint primer – it often goes on a hard-shelled candy like Skittles before the color is added to give it a uniform shine.
- Cosmetics manufacturers utilize titanium dioxide for its ability to provide sun protection and enhance the appearance of skincare products. As a physical sunscreen, TiO2 effectively blocks harmful UV rays, preventing skin damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, its natural white color adds luminosity to makeup and other beauty products, making them more appealing to consumers.

Recent analyses of food-grade TiO2 samples have found that a significant portion of particles may be within the nanoscale. These particles (also known as nanoparticles) range in size from 1 to 100 nm, where 1 nm equals 1 billionth of a metre (the width of a typical human hair is 80,000 to 100,000 nm).
Abbreviations
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is commonly applied to enhance the white colour and brightness of food products. TiO2 is also used as white pigment in other products such as toothpaste. A small fraction of the pigment is known to be present as nanoparticles (NPs). Recent studies with TiO2 NPs indicate that these particles can have toxic effects. In this paper, we aimed to estimate the oral intake of TiO2 and its NPs from food, food supplements and toothpaste in the Dutch population aged 2 to over 70 years by combining data on food consumption and supplement intake with concentrations of Ti and TiO2 NPs in food products and supplements. For children aged 2-6 years, additional intake via ingestion of toothpaste was estimated. The mean long-term intake to TiO2 ranges from 0.06 mg/kg bw/day in elderly (70+), 0.17 mg/kg bw/day for 7-69-year-old people, to 0.67 mg/kg bw/day in children (2-6 year old). The estimated mean intake of TiO2 NPs ranges from 0.19 μg/kg bw/day in elderly, 0.55 μg/kg bw/day for 7-69-year-old people, to 2.16 μg/kg bw/day in young children. Ninety-fifth percentile (P95) values are 0.74, 1.61 and 4.16 μg/kg bw/day, respectively. The products contributing most to the TiO2 intake are toothpaste (in young children only), candy, coffee creamer, fine bakery wares and sauces. In a separate publication, the results are used to evaluate whether the presence of TiO2 NPs in these products can pose a human health risk.
Key benefits for stakeholders
In its 2016 opinion, the ANS Panel recommended new studies be carried out to fill the gaps on possible effects on the reproductive system, which could enable them to set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI ). Uncertainty around the characterisation of the material used as the food additive (E 171) was also highlighted, in particular with respect to particle size and particle size distribution of titanium dioxide used as E 171.
Rutiles Tio2 Titanium Dioxide Lomon R-895 Coating Grade Industrial Use
For his part, Kaminski argues most of the studies have been in animals, and any effects found were minuscule. He and his team also contested some of the findings in a 2019 study that found no evidence of increased inflammation or changes in the GI tract.
Nanotoxicology
“Unlike some other chemicals used in food, titanium dioxide has no nutritive, preservative, or food safety function—its use is purely cosmetic,” said CSPI principal scientist for additives and supplements, Thomas Galligan. “The prospect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles damaging DNA is concerning enough for us to recommend consumers avoid foods that have it.”
A few processes are used to produce TiO2 pigment. Rutile TiO2 is found in nature. This is because the rutile crystal structure is the thermodynamically stable form of titanium dioxide. In chemical processes natural TiO2 can be purified, thus obtaining synthetic TiO2. The pigment can be made from ores, rich in titanium, that are mined from the earth.
Two chemical routes are used to make both rutile and anatase TiO2 pigments.
A steep decline in the prices of titanium dioxide was observed in the second half of 2022 as the erratic energy costs along with rising covid cases affected the market negatively. In addition to this, the decreased offtakes from paints and coating industries, weak economic growth, and strict restrictions imposed to deal with the resurgence of covid cases further aided the declining trajectory of titanium butoxide prices.
The price trendss for titanium dioxide kept on the lower side of the scale during the first half of 2023. As the paint and coatings industries reduced their offtakes, the abundant supply of the product in the market led to a fall in prices. The prices also suffered from falling energy costs and declining freight charges. Further, the rising speculations of a global recession caused manufacturers to participate actively in destocking.
Titanium dioxide as used in sunscreens is commonly modified with other ingredients to ensure efficacy and stability. Examples of what are known as surface modifier ingredients used for titanium dioxide include stearic acid, isostearic acid, polyhydroxystearic acid, and dimethicone/methicone copolymer.
The pigment’s low Mohs hardness produces low abrasion compared to TiO2.
According to Procurement Resource, the prices of titanium dioxide are expected to showcase mixed sentiments. With trade and supply-chain normalization, the automotive and construction sectors are estimated to improve their global performance, thus affecting the prices positively.

