Scientists analyzed research that examined how titanium dioxide nanoparticles interact with the brain for a 2015 review published in Nanoscale Research Letters. The researchers wrote: “Once the TiO2 NPs are translocated into the central nervous system through [certain] pathways, they may accumulate in the brain regions. For their slow elimination rates, those NPs could remain in the brain zones for a long period, and the Ti contents would gradually increase with repeated exposure.” After reviewing dozens of studies, the scientists concluded: “Long-term or chronic exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles could potentially lead to the gradually increased Ti contents in the brain, which may eventually induce impairments on the neurons and glial cells and lead to CNS dysfunction as a consequence.”

The properties of lithopone are very suitable for use in the production of coatings. Because the ingredients of lithopone are zinc sulfide and barium sulfate, and the more zinc sulfide content, the stronger its covering power. This indicates a paint product with strong white covering power. It is different from water in that it reacts with acid but does not react with alkali. It has a wide range of uses. Because its structural properties are similar to titanium dioxide and its price is relatively cheap, it can also be used as a substitute for some titanium dioxide. Lithopone can be used for coloring paints, inks, pigments, rubber, paper, leather, enamel, etc.

Food safety experts in the European Union (EU) have recently updated their safety assessment of TiO₂ as a food additive. In Europe, TiO₂ is referred to as E171, in accordance with European labelling requirements for food additives. The EU expert panel took into account toxicity studies of TiO₂ nanoparticles, which to this point had not been considered relevant to the safety assessment of TiO₂ as a food additive.