Even though it is one of the most-produced chemicals, the real and potential benefits of titanium dioxide are not without controversies. Dust inhalation may cause breathing problems. Titanium dioxide has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as an Group 2B carcinogen, a “possible carcinogen to humans,” based on studies of rats that inhaled the substance.
As a food additive, titanium dioxide and its nanoparticles in particular have been associated with DNA damage and cell mutations, which in turn, have potential to cause cancer. When used as a food coloring, it is known as E171.
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).
As global sustainability initiatives gain momentum, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce waste As global sustainability initiatives gain momentum, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to adopt cleaner technologies and reduce wastefactory price tio2 titanium dioxide factories. This shift towards greener practices not only benefits the planet but can also provide a competitive edge by reducing long-term operational costs.In a 2020 study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, researchers conducted an in vitro experiment to analyze the effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on a human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line. The scientists evaluated “reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, cellular antioxidant response, endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy.” The results showed that exposure to the nanoparticles “induced ROS generation in a dose dependent manner, with values reaching up to 10 fold those of controls. Nrf2 nuclear localization and autophagy also increased in a dose dependent manner. Apoptosis increased by 4- to 10-fold compared to the control group, depending on the dose employed.”
Lithopone, C.I. Pigment White 5, is a mixture of inorganic compounds, widely used as a white pigment powder. It is composed of a mixture of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide. These insoluble compounds blend well with organic compounds and confer opacity. It was made popular by the cheap production costs, greater coverage. Related white pigments include titanium dioxide, zinc oxide (zinc white), zinc sulfide, and white lead.
Because of its unique pigment and fine-milled texture, titanium dioxide has become popular over the past century in a wide variety of different products. These include adhesives, paints, plastics, rubbers, textiles, inks, ceramics, and even some pharmaceuticals, foods, and hygiene products.
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).
Nano-sized P25TiO2NPs were kindly donated by Dr. Scaiano, Ottawa University (Canada). Riboflavin (vitamin B2) was from Sigma and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and KBr (for IR pills) were from Cicarelli. Base cream for the animal experiments was purchased from Todo Droga and the LED panel was built ad hoc.
Titanium dioxide comes in the form of a white powder and is sometimes used in cosmetics to adjust a color to a lighter shade. This is also why it can produce a white cast.
TiO2 possesses different qualities depending on whether it is produced as a pigment or a nanomaterial. Both forms are tasteless, odourless and insoluble.
Lithopone is produced by coprecipitation of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide. Most commonly coprecipitation is effected by combining equimolar amounts of zinc sulfate and barium sulfide:
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles may accumulate and cause DNA damage