This classification was given, as some animal studies found that inhaling titanium dioxide dust might cause the development of lung tumors. However, IARC concluded that food products containing this additive do not pose this risk (11).
Overall, the use of titanium dioxide by manufacturers is essential for various industries, providing valuable properties and benefits for a wide range of products. As technology advances and new applications are discovered, the demand for titanium dioxide is expected to continue to grow. Manufacturers will need to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of their customers while ensuring the safety and sustainability of their products.
No. EFSA’s role was limited to evaluating the risks linked to titanium dioxide as a food additive. This included an assessment of relevant scientific information on TiO2, its potential toxicity, and estimates of human dietary exposure. Any legislative or regulatory decisions on the authorisations of food additives are the responsibility of the risk managers (i.e. European Commission and Member States).
In a 2019 study published in the journal Nanotoxicology, researchers recreated the first phase of digestion in mice and fed them titanium dioxide, then examined whether accumulation occurred in the organs. Researchers wrote: “Significant accumulation of titanium was observed in the liver and intestine of E171-fed mice; in the latter a threefold increase in the number of TiO2 particles was also measured. Titanium accumulation in the liver was associated with necroinflammatory foci containing tissue monocytes/macrophages. Three days after the last dose, increased superoxide production and inflammation were observed in the stomach and intestine. Overall, [this] indicates that the risk for human health associated with dietary exposure to E171 needs to be carefully considered.”
They employ cutting-edge technology to refine the pigment's particle size and shape, crucial factors that determine its performance in end products They employ cutting-edge technology to refine the pigment's particle size and shape, crucial factors that determine its performance in end productswhite titanium dioxide pigment manufacturers. Advanced techniques such as chlorination or sulfate processes are used, each with its own set of advantages and challenges. The chlorination process, for instance, yields high-purity TiO2 but involves more complex and costly procedures.