In general, nanoparticles have been shown to accumulate in the body, particularly in organs in the gastrointestinal tract, along with the liver, spleen, and capillaries of the lungs.

One of the most common worries about titanium dioxide is that it could be a cancer-causing agent. The link between cancer and titanium dioxide traces back to a 1985 study where rats were exposed to high levels of titanium dioxide for two years, causing lung cancer. However, not all experts are convinced by this study.

Titanium dioxide is used in the production of paper and textiles to improve whiteness, brightness, opacity and durability. It’s often used in fabrics, yarns, paper and other fibers.

The FDA is reviewing the safety of titanium dioxide in response to an April petition from EWG and other environmental and public health groups. This is the FDA’s first comprehensive review of titanium dioxide since 1973.

States looking to ban titanium dioxide as a food additive