The use of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in factory settings is widespread, with this versatile compound playing a crucial role in various industrial processes. TiO2 is a naturally occurring mineral that is widely used as a white pigment in paints, coatings, plastics, paper, and other products. Its ability to effectively scatter light makes it an ideal choice for creating bright, durable, and long-lasting finishes.

Titanium dioxide can amplify and brighten white opacity because of its exceptional light-scattering properties. In food and drugs, these properties help to define colors clearly and can prevent products from UV degradation. 

Because of their small size, nanoparticles may have unique physical and chemical properties. These properties may cause them to interact with living systems differently than larger materials with the same chemical composition (also known as bulk materials).

The chemical is also found in common household and industrial products such as paints, coatings, adhesives, paper, plastics and rubber, printing inks, coated fabrics and textiles, as well as ceramics.

In 2023, California and New York proposed banning several food additives that are banned in Europe but legal in the United States. Titanium dioxide was among the five proposed to be banned, but in September, the additive was removed from the list of additives from the California ban list.