Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is renowned for its brightness, high refractive index, and stability. It comes in two primary crystalline forms rutile and anatase. Rutile is predominantly used in the production of tires due to its superior characteristics, including high UV resistance, durability, and excellent pigmentary properties. These features make TiO2 an ideal choice for enhancing the performance and longevity of tire products.

In 2016, the European Food Safety Authority, or EFSA, assessed titanium dioxide and determined that the evidence available at the time didn’t conclusively point to any health problems for consumers. 

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.