On November 23, 2022, the General Court of the European Union reversed the conclusion that titanium dioxide was carcinogenic and released a statement (1,2):
“First, the Commission made a manifest error in its assessment of the reliability and acceptability of the study on which the classification was based and, second, it infringed the criterion according to which that classification can relate only to a substance that has the intrinsic property to cause cancer.”
As part of our mission at CRIS we base our safety assessments on the currently available scientific evidence and consider many variables (e.g., study quality, journal of publication, etc.), even if it goes against previous conclusions. Evidence-informed decisions making is critical to ensure that the laws and regulations put into place are for the benefit of the population.
The EU General Court maintains that the scientific evidence presented wasn’t the complete picture for the ingredient, “in the present case, the requirement to base the classification of a carcinogenic substance on reliable and acceptable studies was not satisfied.”- China has emerged as a dominant force in the global titanium dioxide (TiO2) industry, accounting for nearly 40% of the world's production. This significant contribution is not only a testament to China's industrial prowess but also highlights the country's strategic importance in meeting the growing demand for TiO2 across various applications.
- Ceramic industries also thrive on the unique qualities of wholesale TI02 powder. When integrated into the production process, this powder improves the strength and durability of ceramic items, making them more resistant to wear and tear. It also contributes to the material's overall porcelain elegance, adding a touch of luxury to mundane objects.
Base Masterbatch White crystalline powder. It is a mixture of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate. The more zinc sulfide it contains, the stronger the hiding power and the higher the quality. Density 4.136~4.34 g/cm3, insoluble in water. It easily decomposes when exposed to acid to produce hydrogen sulfide gas, but does not work when exposed to hydrogen sulfide and alkaline solutions. It turns into light gray after being exposed to ultraviolet rays in the sun for 6 to 7 hours, but it still returns to its original color when placed in a dark place. It is easy to oxidize in the air and will agglomerate and deteriorate when exposed to moisture.
In 2022, a year after the EFSA recommended against the use of E171, the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) conducted its own reassessment of titanium dioxide as a food additive. The agency concluded that titanium dioxide was indeed safe to use as a food additive. The United Kingdom and Canada came to similar conclusions.
We apply titanium dioxide to our skin through sunscreens, makeup, lip balms, nail polish, and other cosmetic products.
There are many ways we’re exposed to titanium dioxide in our everyday life. Below are the most common ways we encounter titanium dioxide.
- When sourcing lithopone, businesses typically consult with manufacturers who provide detailed price lists. These lists outline the costs associated with different types of lithopone, such as those tailored for specific solvent resistance or heat stability requirements. Prospective buyers should expect to find a range of options, from economy grades suitable for general-purpose uses to more sophisticated varieties intended for exacting industrial applications.
- Dioxide Titanium B101 Anatase Powder An Essential Material and Its Leading Suppliers
- During the calcination process, impurities are removed, and the zinc sulfide particles are transformed into a fine powder. The resulting powder is then subjected to rigorous grinding and classification to achieve the desired particle size distribution and morphology. This step is crucial for ensuring that the final product meets the strict requirements of various applications.
Barium sulfide is produced by carbothermic reduction of barium sulfate. Zinc sulfate is obtained from a variety of zinc products, often waste, by treatment with sulfuric acid.
- The Pivotal Role of Titanium Dioxide in Nitrile Glove Manufacturing

Tint reducing power, compared with standard samples
Another vital aspect to consider when working with a lithopone pigment pricelist is the effect of quality on pricing. Higher purity pigments generally command a premium price because of their enhanced performance characteristics. When choosing a supplier, it’s essential to look for manufacturers who adhere to strict quality control standards. This ensures that the pigment not only meets industry standards but also performs reliably in various applications, thus justifying any additional costs.
In addition to its aesthetic benefits, lithopone also offers practical advantages for leather suppliers. Due to its low cost and wide availability, lithopone is a cost-effective option for leather manufacturers looking to minimize production expenses without compromising on quality. Its stable chemical properties also make it easy to work with during the manufacturing process, resulting in a smooth and efficient production line.
lithopone for leather suppliers

In food, titanium dioxide has a few different uses. Most notably, its food-grade form is used as a colorant to enhance and brighten the color of white foods such as dairy products, candy, frosting, and the powder on donuts. For foods that are sensitive to UV light, titanium dioxide is used for food safety purposes to prevent spoilage and increase the shelf life of food.
EFSA has updated its safety assessment of the food additive titanium dioxide (E 171), following a request by the European Commission in March 2020.
Barium sulphate, a chemical compound with the formula BaSO₄, is widely recognized for its numerous applications in various industries, particularly in the field of medicine, paints, plastics, and as a component in drilling fluids. One of the distinguishing features of barium sulphate is its striking physical property its color. Understanding the color of barium sulphate not only helps in identifying the compound during handling but also plays a significant role in its applications and quality assessment.
Understanding Gravimetric Analysis
Australian researchers examined how titanium dioxide as a food additive affected gut microbiota in mice by orally administering it in drinking water. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition in 2019, found the treatment could “alter the release of bacterial metabolites in vivo and affect the spatial distribution of commensal bacteria in vitro by promoting biofilm formation. We also found reduced expression of the colonic mucin 2 gene, a key component of the intestinal mucus layer, and increased expression of the beta defensin gene, indicating that titanium dioxide significantly impacts gut homeostasis.” The changes were then linked to colonic inflammation, along with a higher expression of inflammatory cytokines, which are signal proteins that help with regulation. The researchers concluded that titanium dioxide “impairs gut homeostasis which may in turn prime the host for disease development.”
Titanium dioxide is typically micronized and coated for use in cosmetics products. The micronizing makes this somewhat heavy-feeling ingredient easier to spread on skin, plus a bit more cosmetically elegant. Micronized titanium dioxide is much more stable and can provide better sun protection than non-micronized titanium dioxide.


The principal natural source of titanium dioxide is mined ilmenite ore, which contains 45-60 percent TiO2. From this, or an enriched derivative (known as titanium slag), pure TiO2 can be produced using the sulphate or chloride process.
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.”