As a food additive, titanium dioxide and its nanoparticles in particular have been associated with DNA damage and cell mutations, which in turn, have potential to cause cancer. When used as a food coloring, it is known as E171.

The principal natural source of titanium dioxide is mined ilmenite ore, which contains 45-60 percent TiO₂. From this, or an enriched derivative (known as titanium slag), pure TiO₂ can be produced using the sulphate or chloride process.

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