The FDA first approved the use of titanium dioxide in food in 1966, following its 1960 removal (along with the removal of other color additives) from the agency's original Generally Recognized as Safe list. In 1977, titanium dioxide joined the list of color additives that are exempt from certification, which means titanium dioxide doesn't have to be listed on the packaging of every product it's used in, Faber noted.

However, it can cause photosensitivity, which is why it’s often combined with silica or alumina to prevent cell damage.

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.”

EFSA Scientific Conclusion on E171

Titanium dioxide manufacturer: Panzhihua Dongfang

Dr Peter  Dingle (BEd, BSc, PhD)

In the automotive industry, for example, MBR9668 is used in primers and finish coats to provide superior color retention and gloss. With durability being a key concern for automotive manufacturers, utilizing rutile titanium dioxide in coatings enhances the longevity of the vehicle's exterior finishes, ensuring that they remain vibrant and effective for years under various conditions.

Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder is also called C.I. 77115; Pigment White 5; Barium zinc sulfate sulfide and belongs to Product Categories of Inorganic & organic chemicals; uvcbs-inorganic. Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder is used in water-based paints because of its excellent alkali resistance. It is widely utilized as a whitener and reinforcing agent for rubber and as a filler and whitener for paper. Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder is considered to be poisonous because it is able to liberate hydrogen sulfide upon decomposition by heat, moisture, and acids. When heated to decomposition Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder emits highly toxic fumes of SOx, ZnO, and H2S.

Le lithopone a été découvert dans les années 1870 par DuPont. Il a été produit par la Krebs Pigments and Chemical Company, entre autres¹. Il se faisait en différents grades, en fonction de la teneur en sulfure de zinc. Les qualités « bronze » et « or » contenaient 40 à 50 % de sulfure de zinc, ce qui les rendaient particulièrement couvrantes². Bien que ce pigment ait atteint son pic de popularité autour de 1920, il s'en produisait encore annuellement plus de 220 000 tonnes en 1990. Il est principalement utilisé dans les peintures, les pâtes et les plastiques³.

After oral ingestion, the absorption of titanium dioxide particles is low, however they can accumulate in the body, Maged Younes, chair of the European Food Safety Authority's expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings, said in a May 2021 statement.

Lithopone

In addition to the toxic effects of TiO₂ NPs, discussed in previous chapters, these NPs have been also shown to promote photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism, resulting in the enhanced growth of spinach. It increases the absorption of light and accelerates the transfer and transformation of the light energy. It was also found that treatment with nano-sized TiO₂ significantly increased the level of antioxidant enzymes, and decreased the ROS accumulation and malonyldialdehyde content in spinach chloroplasts under visible and UV irradiation. TiO₂ NPs also increased the superoxide dismutase activity of germinating soybean, enhanced its antioxidant ability, and promoted seed germination and seedling growth.

In summary, although more human evidence is needed to determine the risks of the mineral, potential titanium dioxide side effects from excessive exposure (especially when inhaled) may include:

Titanium dioxide, a versatile and widely used material, finds its application in various industries including the rubber industry. This white pigment is known for its excellent UV resistance, durability, and opacity, making it an ideal choice for enhancing the properties of rubber products.