The additive goes into a lot of personal care products to whiten and brighten colors and to make them opaque, like toothpaste and makeup.

The concern from animal studies is that high amounts of titanium dioxide have increased inflammation and colon tumor formation, said Dr. Johnson-Arbor. A 2021 review, meanwhile, suggested that using titanium dioxide as a food additive weakens the gut lining and worsens the progression of inflammatory bowel disease.

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.

Throughout the fourth quarter of 2021, the European market had consistent optimistic sentiment. Despite the overwhelming inventories at lower levels during the fourth quarter of 2021, the demand prognosis in the domestic market revealed varied opinions. Imports from the Asia Pacific region, on the other hand, remained disruptive due to limited accessibility of vessel freights and a decrease in the PMI index for titanium dioxide in China despite the application of severe environmental protection measures.

“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.” 

According to CCM, many enterprises, which belong to the top exporting producers of TiO2 in China, will speed up their efforts to go public. Reasons are the strong rebound of the TiO2 market in China as well as the positive view on 2017.

Lithopone in natural and synthetic elastomers 

Titanium dioxide is a widely used substance in various industries due to its versatility and unique properties. As a result, there are numerous manufacturers of titanium dioxide around the world, catering to the different needs of their customers.

Main products are titanium dioxide LR-982, titanium dioxide LR-108, titanium dioxide LR-996, LR-895 and other products.

Increased severity of ulcerative colitis

Yes. According to the FDA and other regulatory agencies globally, “titanium dioxide may be safely used for coloring foods”. Titanium dioxide is safe to use, and the FDA provides strict guidance on how much can be used in food. The amount of food-grade titanium dioxide that is used is extremely small; the FDA has set a limit of 1 percent titanium dioxide for food. There is currently no indication of a health risk at this level of exposure through the diet.

The FDA first approved the use of titanium dioxide in food in 1966, following its 1960 removal (along with the removal of other color additives) from the agency's original Generally Recognized as Safe list. In 1977, titanium dioxide joined the list of color additives that are exempt from certification, which means titanium dioxide doesn't have to be listed on the packaging of every product it's used in, Faber noted.

With its storied history and distinct properties, lithopone remains a subject of historical significance and contemporary relevance. While its applications and popularity have evolved, its role in the annals of pigment history is indisputable.

You can find more information about EFSA’s work in the area of food additives on our website

At the present JECFA meeting, the committee considered additional toxicological studies relevant to the safety assessment of the chemical that investigated its toxicokinetics, acute toxicity, short-term toxicity, long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity, genotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity, as well as special studies addressing its short-term initiation/promotion potential for colon cancer. The experts acknowledged that a large number of toxicological studies have been conducted using test materials, including nanoparticles, having size distributions and physico-chemical properties not comparable to real-world uses of titanium dioxide as a food additive. The studies on non-representative materials were evaluated by JECFA, but the committee concluded that such studies are not relevant to the safety assessment of the additive.

There are many ways we’re exposed to titanium dioxide in our everyday life. Below are the most common ways we encounter titanium dioxide.