In a study published in 2022 in the journal Particle and Fibre Technology, researchers examined the impact of maternal exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in newborn offspring mice. They found that “a chronic exposure to TiO2 NPs during pregnancy alters the respiratory activity of offspring, characterized by an abnormally elevated rate of breathing.” Breathing was also shown to be “significantly and abnormally accelerated,” and the ability for neural circuitry to effectively adjust breathing rates was impaired. The researchers concluded: “Our findings thus demonstrate that a maternal exposure to TiO2 NPs during pregnancy affects the normal development and operation of the respiratory centers in progeny.”

Titanium dioxide is a versatile mineral that is used in a wide variety of industries, from cosmetics to food production to paint and coatings. One of the key factors that determines the quality and performance of titanium dioxide is its buff percentage. Manufacturers play a crucial role in ensuring that this percentage is at an optimal level to meet the needs of their customers.