Because of health risks, France banned titanium dioxide as a food additive in 2020. Two years later the European Union also banned titanium dioxide as a food additive. 

Toxic effects of TiO₂ NPs on soil organisms

In conclusion, titanium dioxide plays a crucial role in the rubber industry by improving the quality, performance, and appearance of rubber products. Its unique combination of properties makes it a valuable additive in rubber formulations, offering benefits such as enhanced durability, UV resistance, and processing efficiency. With its versatility and effectiveness, titanium dioxide continues to be a preferred choice for rubber manufacturers looking to create high-quality and environmentally friendly rubber products.

Australian researchers examined how titanium dioxide as a food additive affected gut microbiota in mice by orally administering it in drinking water. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition in 2019, found the treatment could “alter the release of bacterial metabolites in vivo and affect the spatial distribution of commensal bacteria in vitro by promoting biofilm formation. We also found reduced expression of the colonic mucin 2 gene, a key component of the intestinal mucus layer, and increased expression of the beta defensin gene, indicating that titanium dioxide significantly impacts gut homeostasis.” The changes were then linked to colonic inflammation, along with a higher expression of inflammatory cytokines, which are signal proteins that help with regulation. The researchers concluded that titanium dioxide “impairs gut homeostasis which may in turn prime the host for disease development.”