In short, no, research demonstrates that E171 is safe when consumed in normal situations.
Moreover, how we're exposed to an ingredient matters significantly in terms of our health and potential toxicity.
Research shows that inhaling titanium dioxide particles in significant quantities over time can cause adverse health outcomes. Unless you work in an industrial setting, inhaling substantial amounts of titanium dioxide is highly unlikely.
Research supports that applying titanium dioxide to the skin in the form of sunscreens, makeup, and other topical products does not pose a health risk.
Overwhelmingly, research that's relevant to human exposure shows us that E171 is safe when ingested normally through foods and drugs (1,2).
Again, other research suggests that E171 could cause harm; however, those research processes did not design their studies to model how people are exposed to E171. Research that adds E171 to drinking water, utilizes direct injections, or gives research animals E171 through a feeding apparatus is not replicating typical human exposure, which occurs through food and medicine consumption.
Read more in-depth about the titanium dioxide risk at go.msu.edu/8Dp5.
According to the feedback of manufacturers, the new orders of mainstream factories maintain stable prices, and the new volume of the market after the holiday is limited. On the demand side, the terminal basically has batch replenishment before the festival, and the purchase intention of new orders is low; On the supply side, mainstream manufacturers normally produce and deliver goods, and the actual output of the industry is stable. Most factories quote a new price of 17,000 yuan/ton or more market negotiation range reference 16000-17200 yuan/ton, plastics and papermaking related downstream feedback part of the tight model price is higher. Recent titanium dioxide raw material prices are strong, titanium dioxide price support is more stable, comprehensive market factors, the current titanium dioxide market to maintain a stable price.
Separately, concerns have been raised about titanium dioxide impacting one's genetic code. This can be traced to a 2009 study which found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles caused DNA damage and genetic instability in mice. A 2022 study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology also raised concerns about the DNA-damaging effects of titanium dioxide as a food additive. The study noted that results evidenced a DNA-damaging effect, and added that there may also be impacts to chromosomal integrity, an indicator of cancer risk.