lithopone manufacturing process factory

The primary concern surrounding the use of TiO2 in food is its potential to be inhaled or ingested. While TiO2 is generally recognized as safe for consumption by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are some studies that suggest that it may have adverse effects on human health when consumed in large quantities over a long period of time. These studies have linked TiO2 to respiratory problems, such as inflammation and irritation, as well as potential carcinogenic effects.

...

Although barium sulfate is almost completely inert, zinc sulfide degrades upon exposure to UV light, leading to darkening of the pigment. The severity of this UV reaction is dependent on a combination of two factors; how much zinc sulfide makes up the pigments formulation, and its total accumulated UV exposure. Depending on these factors the pigment itself can vary in shade over time, ranging from pure white all the way to grey or even black. To suppress this effect, a dopant may be used, such as a small amount of cobalt salts, which would be added to the formulation. This process creates cobalt-doped zinc sulfide. The cobalt salts help to stabilize zinc sulfide so it will not have as severe a reaction to UV exposure.

...
  • Some research in rats has observed titanium dioxide accumulation in the liver, spleen, and kidneys. That said, most studies use doses higher than what you would typically consume, making it difficult to know if these effects would happen in humans (16Trusted Source).

  • A Lawsuit Claims Skittles Are Unfit for Consumption. Experts Weigh in, by Rachel Rabkin Peachman, The New York Times, July 26, 2022

  • The current price of titanium dioxide ranges from $16,000 to $22,000 per metric ton, depending on the quality and purity of the product. The price fluctuations can be attributed to the changes in the aforementioned factors. For instance, an increase in raw material prices or a decrease in production capacity can lead to a rise in the cost of production, resulting in higher prices for consumers. On the other hand, an increase in market demand or a decrease in supply can lead to a decrease in prices.
  • Other experts say there is simply no conclusive evidence at this point that titanium dioxide is damaging to humans after ingesting. Kaminski in particular said the research studies cite health hazards that were found by using high doses of the product, which you would not normally see in food.