In a study published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology in 2020, researchers examined the effects of food additives titanium dioxide and silica on the intestinal tract by grouping and feeding mice three different food-grade particles — micro-TiO2, nano-TiO2, and nano-SiO2.  With all three groups, researchers observed changes in the gut microbiota, particularly mucus-associated bacteria. Furthermore, all three groups experienced inflammatory damage to the intestine, but the nano-TiO2 displayed the most pronounced changes. The researchers wrote: “Our results suggest that the toxic effects on the intestine were due to reduced intestinal mucus barrier function and an increase in metabolite lipopolysaccharides which activated the expression of inflammatory factors downstream. In mice exposed to nano-TiO2, the intestinal PKC/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was activated. These findings will raise awareness of toxicities associated with the use of food-grade TiO2 and SiO2.”

Lithopone, white powder, relative density: 4.136 ~ 4.39 g / mL, insoluble in water. It is a mixture of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate. Inorganic white pigment, widely used in plastics such as polyolefin, vinyl resin, ABS resin, polystyrene, polycarbonate, nylon and polyoxymethylene, and white pigments of paints and inks. It is less effective in polyurethane and amino resins and less suitable in fluoroplastics. It is also used for coloring of rubber products, paper, varnish, tarpaulin, leather, watercolor paint, paper, enamel, and the like. Used as a binder in the production of electric beads.

When it comes to sourcing titanium dioxide, it is essential to understand the various processes involved in its production. The two primary production methods are the sulfate process and the chloride process. The sulfate process tends to be more cost-effective in certain contexts, but it also generates a substantial amount of waste, putting pressure on manufacturers to invest in waste treatment technologies. On the other hand, the chloride process is known for its superior quality and lower environmental impact, albeit at a higher production cost.