Natural barite and anthracite containing more than 95% barium sulfate are mixed and fed at a ratio of 3:1 (mass). After being crushed to a diameter of less than 2cm, it enters the reduction furnace. The furnace temperature is controlled to be 1000-1200°C in the front section and 500-500 in the back section. 600°C, the reduction furnace rotates at a speed of 80 seconds per revolution, and the reaction conversion rate is 80% to 90%.

Titanium dioxide as used in sunscreens is commonly modified with other ingredients to ensure efficacy and stability. Examples of what are known as surface modifier ingredients used for titanium dioxide include stearic acid, isostearic acid, polyhydroxystearic acid, and dimethicone/methicone copolymer.

What is an exposure route? 

In a study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology in 2016, researchers investigated whether titanium dioxide exposure led to an increase in colorectal tumor creation in mice by using a colitis associated cancer model. By measuring tumor progression markers, the researchers found that mice given titanium dioxide experienced enhanced tumor formation in the distal colon.  There was also a decrease of cells that act as a protective barrier in the colon. The researchers wrote: “These results suggest that E171 could worsen pre-existent intestinal diseases.”