- 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.
Does It Cause Cancer?
“Unlike some other chemicals used in food, titanium dioxide has no nutritive, preservative, or food safety function—its use is purely cosmetic,” said CSPI principal scientist for additives and supplements, Thomas Galligan. “The prospect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles damaging DNA is concerning enough for us to recommend consumers avoid foods that have it.”
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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.
preparation
Neutral White, 26 per cent zinc sulphide, 66 per cent barium sulphate, 5 per cent infusorial earth, 3 per cent whiting.
In 2019, EFSA published a statement on the review of the risk related to the exposure to food additive titanium dioxide (E171) performed by the French Agency for Food, Environment and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES). In its statement, EFSA highlighted that the ANSES opinion reiterated the uncertainties and data gaps previously identified by EFSA and did not present findings that invalidated the Authority’s previous conclusions on the safety of titanium dioxide.
Made Safe only allows titanium dioxide as part of sunscreen solutions and diaper creams; all titanium dioxide must be non-nanoparticle. Made Safe does not allow titanium dioxide in any other personal care or household products.
Lithopone, a white pigment composed of a mixture of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide, is commonly used in the leather industry as a coloring agent
. Leather suppliers around the world rely on lithopone to achieve the desired color and finish on their products.ZnSO4 – BaS ➔ BaSO4*ZnS
Three aspects determine the performance of titanium dioxide as pigment and UV absorber.
Still, in 2016 Skittles publicly declared it would get rid of the chemical compound in its products, according to a press release at the time from the Center for Food Safety, which called the substance harmful and potentially poisonous. But the ingredient remains, according to the lawsuit, which alleges the candy company is misleading consumers by not having eliminated titanium dioxide.
Why Did Europe Ban Titanium Dioxide?
Thanks to its rheological and optical properties, Lithopone offers both technical and economic advantages wherever organic and inorganic binder systems require a relatively high pigmentation for specific applications.
Anyway, it doesn't matter if it reflects or absorbs, Titanium Dioxide is a pretty awesome sunscreen agent for two main reasons: it gives a nice broad spectrum coverage and it's highly stable. Its protection is very good between 290 - 350 nm (UVB and UVA II range), and less good at 350-400 nm (UVA I) range. Regular sized Titanium Dioxide also has a great safety profile, it's non-irritating and is pretty much free from any health concerns (like estrogenic effect worries with some chemical filters).
