- Titanium dioxide, commonly known as titanium white, is a versatile chemical compound with numerous applications in various industries. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is widely used as a pigment in paints, plastics, and coatings due to its excellent whiteness, opacity, and durability. In this article, we will explore the various uses of titanium dioxide and its significance as a wholesale ingredient.
- In the cosmetics industry, ATDNs are used as UV filters to protect skin from harmful UV radiation. Their small size allows them to be easily incorporated into various cosmetic products, providing effective sun protection without the typical side effects associated with chemical sunscreens. In addition, ATDNs also exhibit excellent photostability, ensuring long-lasting protection against UV rays.
The author thanks Marco Leona, Scientist-in-Charge of the Department of Scientific Research at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for conducting fluorescence spectrometry on Wheel of Fortune and a valuable discussion of the research, as well as Silvia Centeno, Research Scientist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, who performed Raman analysis on the watercolors and also contributed her insight. The phenomenon of the phosphorescing lithopone was originally discovered during the author's fellowship in the Sherman Fairchild Center for the Conservation of Works on Paper, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The author thanks all her colleagues for their ideas and support during the research of this paper, and special thanks to Rachel Mustalish for her assistance in editing this work.
The report also covers a detailed analysis of the project economics for setting up a lithopone manufacturing plant. This includes the analysis and detailed understanding of capital expenditure (CapEx), operating expenditure (OpEx), income projections, taxation, depreciation, liquidity analysis, profitability analysis, payback period, NPV, uncertainty analysis, and sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, the report also provides a detailed analysis of the regulatory procedures and approvals, information related to financial assistance, along with a comprehensive list of certifications required for setting up a lithopone manufacturing plant.
In a review published in 2022 in the journal Archives of Toxicology, researchers found that the ingestion of E171 is a “a definite health risk for consumers and their progeny.” After reviewing dozens of in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro studies on the toxicity of E171, the researchers wrote that two facts must be noted: “First, reprotoxicity studies show that animals of both sexes are impacted by the toxicity of these nanoparticles, underlining the importance of conducting in vivo studies using both male and female animals. Second, human exposure begins in utero via maternal-fetal transfer and continues after birth by breastfeeding. Children are then chronically re-exposed due to their food preferences. To be relevant to the human in vivo situation, experimental studies should therefore consider nanoparticle exposure with respect to the age or life period of the studied population.”
Key Applications
History
A 2022 review on past studies of titanium dioxide and rat lung cancer, for instance, said the original study was under extreme conditions and its effects were not replicated in other animal species. Additionally, the review concluded that the few studies which did directly focus on titanium dioxide's impact on humans did not end up showing any increased cancer risk.
Data availability statement
Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, sometimes referred to as E171, is an inorganic, solid substance used in a wide range of consumer goods including cosmetics, paint, plastic and food, according to the American Chemistry Council.
The market for anatase titanium dioxide has expanded significantly over the years, driven by growing demand from various sectors. Manufacturers are now focusing on optimizing the production processes to enhance the quality and performance of anatase TiO2. This includes advancements in synthesis methods to produce nanoparticles with improved dispersion and stability. Companies are investing in research and development to innovate new applications, particularly in the fields of renewable energy and sustainable materials.
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.