The paints and coatings industry reduced their offtakes which coupled with the drop in the crude oil prices and availability of cheaper imports from the Asian market led to the fall in titanium dioxide prices. The demand decreased significantly in the fourth quarter along with the slow manufacturing due to high inflation rates keeping the price trends of the commodity in the negative zone.

However, since it’s photosensitive — meaning it can stimulate free radical production — it’s usually coated in silica or alumina to prevent potential cell damage without reducing its UV-protective properties (7Trusted Source).

Let’s break the risk down further.  

Overall, the precipitation of titanium dioxide is a complex process that requires careful control of various factors to achieve the desired product properties. By optimizing the precipitation percentage and carefully monitoring the precipitation process, manufacturers can produce high-quality titanium dioxide that meets the stringent requirements of their customers in the paints, coatings, plastics, and cosmetics industries.

For a mini-review published in the journal Particle and Fibre Technology in 2021, scientists wanted to evaluate whether Ti02 particles contributed to the development and/or exacerbation of irritable bowel disease, and whether they altered the four elements of intestinal barrier function: the intestinal microbiota, the immune system, the mucus layer, and the epithelium. The breakdown of these four elements can contribute to autoimmune, neurological, inflammatory, infectious, and metabolic diseases. Following their review, the researchers concluded: “Data indicate that TiO2 is able to alter the four compartments of IBF and to induce a low-grade intestinal inflammation associated or not with pre-neoplastic lesions.” 

Atherosclerosis

Titanium dioxide is a widely used substance in various industries due to its versatility and unique properties. As a result, there are numerous manufacturers of titanium dioxide around the world, catering to the different needs of their customers.

Natural barite and anthracite containing more than 95% barium sulfate are mixed and fed at a ratio of 3:1 (mass). After being crushed to a diameter of less than 2cm, it enters the reduction furnace. The furnace temperature is controlled to be 1000-1200°C in the front section and 500-500 in the back section. 600°C, the reduction furnace rotates at a speed of 80 seconds per revolution, and the reaction conversion rate is 80% to 90%.