Why does the exposure route matter, and what's the risk? 

EFSA's evaluation is related to the risks of TiO₂ used as a food additive, not to other uses.

Main products are titanium dioxide LR-982, titanium dioxide LR-108, titanium dioxide LR-996, LR-895 and other products.

TiO₂ has been well accepted in the food industry and can be found as the E171 additive in various food products, mainly for whitening and texture. It is present in some cottage and Mozzarella cheeses, horseradish cream and sauces, lemon curd, and in low-fat products such as skimmed milk and ice-cream. Even if the product is labelled as containing E171, no information is usually given about the quantity, particle size and particle structure. FDA claims that TiO₂ may be safely used as a colour additive for colouring foods in quantities up to 1 % by weight of the food. Interestingly, TiO₂ is frequently declared as a “natural colouring agent” and is therefore well accepted by consumers.