This article discusses the discovery of phosphorescent lithopone on watercolor drawings by American artist John La Farge dated between 1890 and 1905 and the history of lithopone in the pigment industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite having many desirable qualities for use in white watercolor or oil paints, the development of lithopone as an artists’ pigment was hampered by its tendency to darken in sunlight. Its availability to, and adoption by, artists remain unclear, as colormen's trade catalogs were generally not explicit in describing white pigments as containing lithopone. Further, lithopone may be mistaken for lead white during visual examination and its short-lived phosphorescence can be easily missed by the uninformed observer. Phosphorescent lithopone has been documented on only one other work-to-date: a watercolor by Van Gogh. In addition to the history of lithopone's manufacture, the article details the mechanism for its phosphorescence and its identification aided by Raman spectroscopy and spectrofluorimetry.

It adds a bright white color to coffee creamers, baked goods, chewing gums, hard-shell candies, puddings, frostings, dressings, and sauces. But the nanoparticles found in “food-grade” titanium dioxide may accumulate in the body and cause DNA damage—which is one way chemicals cause cancer and other health problems. 

TiO2 is a white pigment that is commonly used in the production of paints, plastics, and paper. It is known for its brightness, opacity, and durability, making it an ideal choice for products that require a high level of whiteness and coverage. TiO2 is also used in sunscreen lotions and cosmetics to provide protection against harmful UV rays. In addition, TiO2 is used in the food industry as a food additive to enhance the appearance of products such as candies and confectionery.

Likewise, the plastics industry relies heavily on titanium dioxide to enhance the appearance and durability of plastic products. With the increasing popularity of plastic packaging and consumer goods, the demand for titanium dioxide in this industry is expected to witness steady growth in the coming years. The versatility of titanium dioxide makes it a valuable additive to improve the brightness, opacity and color stability of plastic materials, ensuring improved product performance and consumer satisfaction.

When it comes to painting, there are many factors to consider. From choosing the right color to ensuring the durability and longevity of your paint, every decision counts. A key ingredient that plays a vital role in achieving the desired finish is titanium dioxide. This extraordinary white pigment revolutionized the paint industry, giving walls around the world unparalleled luster and durability.