china lithopone 1345-05-7

Titanium dioxide, also known as TiO2, is a white pigment that is highly stable and non-toxic. It is commonly used in paints, plastics, papers, and cosmetics due to its excellent brightness and high refractive index. In the paint industry, titanium dioxide is added to enhance the opacity and durability of the product, ensuring long-lasting protection for surfaces. Manufacturers rely on this pigment to produce high-quality paints that meet customer demands for superior performance and aesthetic appeal.

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For research published in Archives of Toxicology in 2020, scientists fed one group of mice a solution containing titanium dioxide for one month, and compared it to those that did not receive the additive. They found “the richness and evenness of gut microbiota were remarkably decreased and the gut microbial community compositions were significantly changed” in the titanium dioxide group when compared with the control group. The tests also revealed that the titanium dioxide exposure could cause locomotor dysfunction, or mobility issues “by elevating the excitement of enteric neurons, which might spread to the brain via gut-brain communication by vagal pathway.” The researchers concluded: “These findings provide valuable insights into the novel mechanism of TiO2NP-induced neurotoxicity. Understanding the microbiota-gut-brain axis will provide the foundation for potential therapeutic or prevention approaches against TiO2NP-induced gut and brain-related disorders.”

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