- Consumers seeking the best titanium dioxide products are turning towards brands that prioritize sustainability
- In conclusion, rutile titanium dioxide is a multifaceted material with a plethora of uses spanning from the cosmetic to the technological sector. Its unique combination of physical characteristics makes it an indispensable component in numerous industrial processes and consumer products. As research continues, new applications for this versatile mineral are likely to emerge, further cementing its status as a cornerstone material in modern industry.
On absorption of UV light, photo-generated titanium dioxide particles create singlet oxygen, superoxide anions (O2-) and hydroxyl radicals (OH-) that are potent free radicals (1,2). Irradiated particles of titanium dioxide can induce oxidative damage to DNA (2) which can lead to the development of mutant cells and skin cancers (3,4,5,6) and lipid peroxidation of essential functions on the cell membrane (7).
- Some well-known coating titanium dioxide suppliers include DuPont, Cristal Global, Huntsman Corporation, and Tronox Limited. Each of these suppliers has its own strengths and areas of expertise, so it is worth researching each one to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
Prof. Matthew Wright, chair of EFSA’s working group on E171, noted: “Although the evidence for general toxic effects was not conclusive, on the basis of the new data and strengthened methods we could not rule out a concern for genotoxicity and consequently we could not establish a safe level for daily intake of the food additive.”
The integrity of surface skin cells was evaluated with and without solar simulated irradiation. The integrity of the stratum corneum was significantly lower in individuals treated with P25TiO2NPs under the light in comparison to the ones that received the functionalized nanoparticles. Cell membrane suffering is evident (Fig. 9), and it is in accordance with the ROS levels and macromolecule oxidation found in vitro for the irradiated P25TiO2NPs. Disruption of the superficial skin layer was observed in all animals treated with no functionalized nanoparticles, under irradiation. This data expands the findings by the group of Professors Fubini and Fenoglio, who showed that P25TiO2NPs could impact the lipid structure at the top few microns of the stratum corneum [55]. Control skin under irradiation and without any topic formulation did not show changes in cell structure.
- A paint pigment factory is a bustling hub of precision and innovation, where the journey from mineral or chemical compound to finished product is a testament to human ingenuity. The primary function of these factories is to extract, refine, and blend pigments, which are the substances responsible for giving paint its color. These pigments can be natural, derived from sources like clay, earth, or plants, or synthetic, created through chemical processes.
A 2023 study published in the journal Particle and Fibre Toxicology set out to examine the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in mice “on the course and prognosis of ulcerative colitis,” by creating an ulcerative colitis disease model. Researchers found that the titanium dioxide nanoparticles significantly increased the severity of colitis. They also “decreased the body weight, increased the disease activity index and colonic mucosa damage index scores, shortened the colonic length, increased the inflammatory infiltration in the colon.” Researchers concluded: “Oral intake of TiO2 nanoparticles could affect the course of acute colitis in exacerbating the development of ulcerative colitis, prolonging the ulcerative colitis course and inhibiting ulcerative colitis recovery.”
It’s particularly useful in sunscreen as it has impressive UV resistance and helps block the sun’s UVA and UVB rays from reaching your skin (6Trusted Source).
Now imagine the delicate skin on your face, on your children’s arms & legs. Each day un-knowingly, thinking we are doing the right thing, we slather them up with titanium dioxide in the form of sunscreen & send them out into the sun, all the while never knowing that once exposed to light titanium dioxide creates free radicals that are strong enough to damage steel roofing panels!!
Results and discussion
Let’s break the risk down further.
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In a 2020 study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, researchers conducted an in vitro experiment to analyze the effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on a human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line. The scientists evaluated “reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, cellular antioxidant response, endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy.” The results showed that exposure to the nanoparticles “induced ROS generation in a dose dependent manner, with values reaching up to 10 fold those of controls. Nrf2 nuclear localization and autophagy also increased in a dose dependent manner. Apoptosis increased by 4- to 10-fold compared to the control group, depending on the dose employed.”
Prof Matthew Wright, both a member of the FAF Panel and chair of EFSA’s working group on E 171, said: “Although the evidence for general toxic effects was not conclusive, on the basis of the new data and strengthened methods we could not rule out a concern for genotoxicity and consequently we could not establish a safe level for daily intake of the food additive.”


It should also be considered that due to the low pH in the stomach, the increased dissolution of the TiO2 particles may increase its bioavailability and may facilitate the entry of titanium ions into the blood circulation. Despite the relatively large consumption of TiO2 as a food additive, no studies on the effect of pH on its absorption and bioavailability have been found in the literature. This can be attributed to a general belief that TiO2is completely insoluble. However, this is not completely true, as TiO2 particles show a certain degree of solubility.
All samples (n = 6) were irradiated in a 96 well plate using an LED panel on top for 3 and 6 h before analysis. An identical set of samples were kept in the dark as controls. The temperature was checked and did not go over 37 °C. The intensity of light was also measured and was constant at 19,500.10 lux. (43.33 W in 0.2 m2), about 5 times less than actual solar light intensity on Earth's surface Therefore, these findings are indicative of even greater danger in real life.
Respiratory Exposure
While the FDA maintains that the regulated use of titanium dioxide is safe, the European Food Safety Authority and some other experts warn of potential, serious health risks.
However, most dermatologists will warn their patients not to rely on mineral makeup alone in order to be protected by the sun’s rays. This is because there can be quite a bit of variation with mineral foundation – not only with how much we apply but how much titanium dioxide the foundation contains.
Opportunities
Fig. 4. Hemolysis (%) values of samples, A: 0.2 mg/mL P25TiO2NPs; B: 0.02 mg/mL P25TiO2NPs; C: 0.2 mg/mL VitaminB2@P25TiO2NPs; D: 0.02 mg/mL VitaminB2@P25TiO2NPs after 3 h of irradiation (red) and 6 h (blue). SD <5 for all samples and p <0.05 between C-D and A-B.
As a result, tariffs for titanium products are remaining similar to the ones in 2016, which will not cause bigger price fluctuations and keep a stable market.