3.Used for coloring rubber products, varnishes, leather, paper, enamel, etc.

In a study published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology in 2020, researchers examined the effects of food additives titanium dioxide and silica on the intestinal tract by grouping and feeding mice three different food-grade particles — micro-TiO2, nano-TiO2, and nano-SiO2.  With all three groups, researchers observed changes in the gut microbiota, particularly mucus-associated bacteria. Furthermore, all three groups experienced inflammatory damage to the intestine, but the nano-TiO2 displayed the most pronounced changes. The researchers wrote: “Our results suggest that the toxic effects on the intestine were due to reduced intestinal mucus barrier function and an increase in metabolite lipopolysaccharides which activated the expression of inflammatory factors downstream. In mice exposed to nano-TiO2, the intestinal PKC/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was activated. These findings will raise awareness of toxicities associated with the use of food-grade TiO2 and SiO2.”

Lithopone is an inorganic white pigment, obtained from co-precipitation of Zinc sulfide (ZnS) and Barium sulfate (BaSO4). Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) has replaced Lithopone as a white pigment in majority applications as TiO2 is more durable. However, it is much cheaper than TiO2 and has advantages such as low binder requirement and good dispensability. As a white pigment, it can improve the substrate's weather resistance, and improve the fungicidal properties of paint formulations. Some of the major applications of Lithopone include manufacturing of paint pigments, plastic & rubber products, paper, printing inks, cosmetics, and leather & linoleum products. It is commercially available under names such as pigment white 5, Barium zinc sulfate sulfide, Becton White, C.I. 77115, Charlton White, Enamel White, and Zincolith. On the basis of content of ZnS, Lithopone is available at 28%-30% Lithopone and 60% Lithopone.

According to data released by the China Coatings Industry Association, the total production of China's coatings industry has increased from 12.72 million tons in 2012 to 24.388 million tons in 2019, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%. Coatings, as an intermediate commodity, are closely related to downstream consumer markets such as the automotive industry, real estate, infrastructure, and home furnishings.

The conjugation of vitamin C to the P25TiO₂NPs was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy of lyophilized vitaminC@P25TiO₂NPs suspensions. The typical absorbance peak of ascorbic acid at 265 nm was found. However, no further characterization was done because they did not show the expected protective effect against the photo-induced cell damage (Fig. 3).

Algaecidal effect of Lithopon: After 5 years of exposure to weathering in Alpen (Lower Rhine)  

New adjustments have been announced for tariff rates, which will benefit the chemical industry in China in particular, due to decreased import and export tariffs for several chemicals. The export tariff for ilmenite will stay unchanged by 10% and the rate for ferrotitanium decreased by 5% down to 20%.

Exposure routes are the pathways that allow ingredients to enter our bodies. Primary exposure routes include: 

The supply in North America remained adequate, as companies were seen constantly altering their production rates in response to the volatility in the demand pattern. In the final week of September, news of Chemours' forthcoming titanium dioxide factory in Georgia valued USD 86 million alleviated fears about supply strain.