The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) warns against sprayable products and powders that may expose users’ lungs to titanium dioxide through inhalation (10).
There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding about titanium dioxide, which can be used as a colorant in foods. While headlines may suggest titanium dioxide is a health concern, scientific research has actually shown titanium dioxide to be safe. So what is it used for and why is it used? Read on to learn more!
Magnesium oxide (MgO). It is used as a curing agent and an acid scavenger in solvent-borne polychloroprene adhesives. It is a white powder with a high melting point. It has a greater ability to reflect visible light more efficiently than titanium dioxide
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Titanium is a common metal element frequently found throughout nature. In our environment, titanium is naturally exposed to oxygen, forming titanium oxides that we find in many minerals, dusts, sands, and soils.
Following a request for assessment in 2020 by the EU, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assessed E171, particularly for its genotoxicity. In 2022, the agency deemed the food additive no longer safe for use.
Ultimately, most experts advise moderation, as titanium dioxide is typically found in processed foods that come with their own health risks.