Testing samples were made mixing 100 uL of TiO₂NPs suspensions (0.2 mg/mL and 0.02 mg/mL) and vitamins@P25TiO₂NPs (0.2 mg/mL and 0.02 mg/mL) with 100 μL ATCC 29,213 methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (10⁷ in PBS, pH 7). Controls were made replacing nanoparticles with the same volume of PBS. The concentrations of nanoparticle suspensions were chosen based on the FDA approved maximal and the minimal amount usually found in sunscreens, which are 20% and 2% (this is equivalent to 0.2 mg/mL and 0.02 mg/mL for nanoparticles suspensions). The cream concentration, on the other hand, was an intermediate value of 10%.

Lithopone is an inorganic white pigment, obtained from co-precipitation of Zinc sulfide (ZnS) and Barium sulfate (BaSO4). Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) has replaced Lithopone as a white pigment in majority applications as TiO2 is more durable. However, it is much cheaper than TiO2 and has advantages such as low binder requirement and good dispensability. As a white pigment, it can improve the substrate's weather resistance, and improve the fungicidal properties of paint formulations. Some of the major applications of Lithopone include manufacturing of paint pigments, plastic & rubber products, paper, printing inks, cosmetics, and leather & linoleum products. It is commercially available under names such as pigment white 5, Barium zinc sulfate sulfide, Becton White, C.I. 77115, Charlton White, Enamel White, and Zincolith. On the basis of content of ZnS, Lithopone is available at 28%-30% Lithopone and 60% Lithopone.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a chemically inert inorganic compound and an insoluble white solid that occurs naturally in several minerals, including rutile, anatase, and brookite. It is created synthetically from the mineral ilmenite. It is an insoluble white solid. Anatase, when compared to brookite and routine, has the most industrial applications, but it is the most toxic form of TiO2.

CSPI says it might reconsider its rating if specifications for food-grade titanium dioxide in the U.S. are updated to ensure nanoparticles are minimized, and new studies are conducted to assess its capacity to cause cancer or other health problems. 

In addition to its strength and UV resistance, nano titanium dioxide also has excellent optical properties. This makes it an ideal material for use in pigments and coatings, as it can help create vibrant colors and enhance the appearance of a wide range of products. Our nano titanium dioxide products are carefully formulated to ensure that they provide the best possible optical properties, so customers can achieve the look they desire.

While the conclusions of the EU expert panel were considered in this report, Health Canada's Food Directorate conducted its own comprehensive review of the available science. This included evaluating new scientific data that addressed some of the uncertainties identified by the EU expert panel and were not available at the time of their review.    

≥105

The Health Concern

1. Pigment and Food Coloring

Materials

Of the two methods of extraction, the sulphate process is currently the most popular method of producing TiO₂ in the European Union, accounting for 70 percent of European sources. The remaining 30 percent is the result of the chloride process. On a global level, it is estimated about 40-45 percent of the world’s production is based on the chloride process.