The EU expert panel did not identify an immediate health concern linked to TiO₂ when used as a food additive. However, due mainly to uncertainties concerning the safety of TiO₂ nanoparticles, the panel concluded that TiO₂ as a food additive (E171) could no longer be considered safe.

Another important application of titanium dioxide is in the production of sunscreen and other skincare products. Titanium dioxide is a key ingredient in many sunscreens due to its ability to reflect and scatter ultraviolet (UV) radiation, providing protection against harmful UV rays. Manufacturers of titanium dioxide for sunscreen products often use special coatings and surface treatments to enhance its UV-blocking properties.

After oral ingestion, the absorption of titanium dioxide particles is low, however they can accumulate in the body, Maged Younes, chair of the European Food Safety Authority's expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings, said in a May 2021 statement.

Titanium IV oxide is also used in the pharmaceutical industry. It is often used as a coating for medications to improve their stability and appearance. Titanium dioxide helps to protect medications from degradation caused by light, moisture, and other environmental factors. It is commonly used in tablets, capsules, and other oral dosage forms to improve their shelf life and effectiveness.

The element titanium and the compound TiO₂ are found around the world, linked to other elements such as iron, in several kinds of rock and mineral sands (including a component of some beach sands). Titanium most commonly occurs as the mineral ilmenite (a titanium-iron oxide mineral) and sometimes as the mineral rutile, a form of TiO₂. These inert molecular compounds must be separated through a chemical process to create pure TiO2.

 (1) Konaka et al. 1999. (2) Serpone et al. 2006. (3) Brezova et al. 2004. (4) Dunford et al. 1997. (5) Warner et al. 1997. (6) Salinaro et al. 1997. (7) Maness et al. 1999.

0.3% Max

CSPI says it might reconsider its rating if specifications for food-grade titanium dioxide in the U.S. are updated to ensure nanoparticles are minimized, and new studies are conducted to assess its capacity to cause cancer or other health problems. 

In order to achieve the same solids content, the larger filler and the binder should be reduced if necessary.  

Because of its ability to absorb UV light, it's particularly useful as an ingredient in sunscreens — while its light-scattering properties are great for applications that require white opacity and brightness, such as in paint and paper.

1. 296 to 1.357 g/cm3 is obtained. The reaction solution is subjected to pressure filtration through a plate frame to obtain a cake-like lithopone powder having a water content of not more than 45%. The mixture is calcined in a dry roaster to change the crystal form of the lithopone, and then acid-washed with sulfuric acid at a temperature of 80 °C. Finally, it is washed with water, reinforced with coloring agent, pressure filtration, drying and milling.

All samples (n = 6) were irradiated in a 96 well plate using an LED panel on top for 3 and 6 h before analysis. An identical set of samples were kept in the dark as controls. The temperature was checked and did not go over 37 °C. The intensity of light was also measured and was constant at 19,500.10 lux. (43.33 W in 0.2 m²), about 5 times less than actual solar light intensity on Earth's surface Therefore, these findings are indicative of even greater danger in real life.

We apply titanium dioxide to our skin through sunscreens, makeup, lip balms, nail polish, and other cosmetic products.