Sunscreens made with mineral active ingredients, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, generally score well in EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens. They provide strong sun protection with few health concerns and don’t easily break down in the sun.
The other form in which titanium dioxide is produced is as an ultrafine (nanomaterial) product. This form is selected when different properties, such as transparency and maximum ultraviolet light absorption, are needed, such as in cosmetic sunscreens.
CAS registration number: 1345-05-7
Though the regulated use of titanium dioxide in food products is legal in the U.S. and Canada, it's banned in some other countries, notably throughout Europe. In May 2021, the European Food Safety Authority announced that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive.
Titanium dioxide is primarily used as a pigment in oil-based paints and coatings. Its high opacity and ability to provide superior whiteness and brightness make it an ideal choice for enhancing the appearance of pipelines, storage tanks, and machinery in oil refineries. These facilities often operate in harsh conditions, and the durability and weather resistance offered by TiO2-coated surfaces ensure longevity and minimal maintenance. Several leading suppliers have established themselves in the global market for food-grade anatase titanium dioxide. One such supplier is Evonik Industries, a German multinational chemical company. They offer high-quality TiO2 products under the brand name Tixosil, specifically designed for food applications. Their products adhere to strict quality standards and comply with global regulations.
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But in the U.S., titanium dioxide is found all over the grocery shelves. Candy like Skittles, Starbursts, and Jell-O, gum like Trident White peppermint gum and Mentos Freshmint Gum, cake products like Duncan Hines Creamy Vanilla Frosting, and Nabisco Chips Ahoy! cookies are just a few of the myriad food items that contain the additive.
Founded in 1902 by Henrick J. Krebs, Krebs Pigments and Chemical Company produced lithopone, a widely used white paint pigment also manufactured by DuPont. But Krebs' company had another asset of special interest to DuPont. ...
Moreover, we recognize the importance of innovation and continuous improvement. Our research and development team works hand-in-hand with production to explore new methods and techniques that can further enhance the properties of our TiO2 powders. This forward-thinking approach helps us stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market.
The presence of so many lithopone factories in China has also led to advancements in production technology and quality control. Chinese manufacturers have invested heavily in research and development to improve the performance of their lithopone products, leading to higher quality and more consistent products on the market. This has helped to cement China's reputation as a leading producer of lithopone on the global stage.
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.
Pharmaceutical grade calcium carbonate is the highest quality grade and is used in the pharmaceutical industry for various applications such as antacids and dietary supplements. It is produced using high-quality raw materials and undergoes stringent quality control measures to ensure purity and consistency. But rutile TiO2's benefits extend far beyond its aesthetic appeal. It is also an effective UV blocker, which means that it can protect walls from harmful sun damage. Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause paint to fade and wallpaper to peel, but rutile TiO2's ability to reflect UV rays helps to prevent these issues from occurring. Lithopone is a popular white pigment that is commonly used in the manufacturing of paints, inks, and plastics. It is known for its high opacity and excellent coverage, making it a preferred choice for many industries.EFSA's evaluation is related to the risks of TiO2 used as a food additive, not to other uses.