titanium dioxide lomon r-996

The first commercial production of TiO2 began in the early 20th century, using the sulfate process. This method involved reacting ilmenite ore with sulfuric acid to produce titanium sulfate, which was then calcined to obtain titanium dioxide. However, this process had several drawbacks, including high energy consumption, generation of large amounts of waste, and release of harmful gases such as sulfur dioxide. As a result, many factories transitioned to the chloride process, which offers higher purity TiO2 and reduced environmental impact.

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That came after a 2021 report from an expert panel at the European Food Safety Authority, which reviewed data on titanium dioxide safety. The panel said it couldn’t rule out concerns that the food additive might be able to damage DNA and possibly lead to cancer. They explained that after you eat something that has titanium dioxide in it, your body absorbs low levels of its particles – but the particles can build up as you eat more foods with this additive.

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