In addition to Skittles, other candies that contain titanium dioxide include Nice! mints, Trolli sour gummies and Ring Pops, according to Environmental Working Group. 

≥105

On November 23, 2022, the General Court of the European Union reversed the conclusion that titanium dioxide was carcinogenic and released a statement (1,2):

“First, the Commission made a manifest error in its assessment of the reliability and acceptability of the study on which the classification was based and, second, it infringed the criterion according to which that classification can relate only to a substance that has the intrinsic property to cause cancer.”
 
As part of our mission at CRIS we base our safety assessments on the currently available scientific evidence and consider many variables (e.g., study quality, journal of publication, etc.), even if it goes against previous conclusions. Evidence-informed decisions making is critical to ensure that the laws and regulations put into place are for the benefit of the population.
 
The EU General Court maintains that the scientific evidence presented wasn’t the complete picture for the ingredient, “in the present case, the requirement to base the classification of a carcinogenic substance on reliable and acceptable studies was not satisfied.”

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

White powder

Experimental

Uses

In a study published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology in 2016, researchers investigated whether titanium dioxide exposure led to an increase in colorectal tumor creation in mice by using a colitis associated cancer model. By measuring tumor progression markers, the researchers found that mice given titanium dioxide experienced enhanced tumor formation in the distal colon.  There was also a decrease of cells that act as a protective barrier in the colon. The researchers wrote: “These results suggest that E171 could worsen pre-existent intestinal diseases.”

The EU expert panel did not identify an immediate health concern linked to TiO₂ when used as a food additive. However, due mainly to uncertainties concerning the safety of TiO₂ nanoparticles, the panel concluded that TiO₂ as a food additive (E171) could no longer be considered safe.

When E171 isn’t combined with other ingredients and administered in water, some studies suggest that under these artificial conditions, E171 may be processed differently in the body resulting in some biological changes in experimental animals that are poorly understood.

pH-value

This white pigment composed of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide, is influenced by several market drivers and trends. One significant driver is the expanding demand for lithopone in the paint and coating industry, owing to its excellent hiding power and (ultraviolet) UV resistance. The construction sector also propels the market growth of this compound, as it is widely used in architectural coatings for its durability and weather resistance. Additionally, the rising popularity of lithopone in the plastic and rubber industries, driven by its ability to enhance product opacity and stability, contributes to market expansion. Trends in this compound market include a growing emphasis on eco-friendly alternatives, stimulating research and development of sustainable production processes. Furthermore, the increasing focus on product quality and performance, along with advancements in nanotechnology applications, presents new opportunities for lithopone market players. Overall, the evolving landscape of industries utilizing this compound underscores its dynamic market, driven by both traditional applications and emerging trends.

Titanium dioxide is a versatile mineral that is used in a wide variety of industries, from cosmetics to food production to paint and coatings. One of the key factors that determines the quality and performance of titanium dioxide is its buff percentage. Manufacturers play a crucial role in ensuring that this percentage is at an optimal level to meet the needs of their customers.

In a study published in the journal Toxicology, researchers examined the effects of exposing human colon cancer cell line (HTC116) titanium dioxide food additives in vitro. “In the absence of cytotoxicity, E171 was accumulated in the cells after 24 hours of exposure, increasing granularity and reactive oxygen species, inducing alterations in the molecular pattern of nucleic acids and lipids, and causing nuclei enlargement, DNA damage and tubulin depolymerization,” the scientists wrote. Researchers removed the additive from the culture, then examined the results 48 hours later. They found, “The removal of E171 was unable to revert the alterations found after 24 h of exposure in colon cells. In conclusion, exposure to E171 causes alterations that cannot be reverted after 48 h if E171 is removed from colon cells.”

One of the key advantages of using titanium dioxide in rubber is its ability to enhance the whiteness and brightness of rubber products. This is especially important in applications where aesthetic appeal is a priority, such as in the manufacturing of white or light-colored rubber goods. The high opacity of titanium dioxide allows for better hiding power, ensuring a uniform and attractive finish on rubber surfaces.

CSPI’s Chemical Cuisine is the web’s definitive rating of the chemicals used to preserve foods and affect their taste, texture, or appearance. Besides titanium dioxide, the group recommends avoiding artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose, as well as synthetic food dyes like Yellow 5 and Red 3. CSPI and others have recently asked the Food and Drug Administration to ban the latter dye in foods and ingested drugs because the FDA has already determined that it is a carcinogen unsafe for use in cosmetics.

Restraint

The surge in demand for interior and exterior paints and use of plastic across various end-use industries drive the global Lithopone market. Lithopone white pigment is used in paints and coating systems that find applications in residential and industrial landscapes. Hence, as the construction & building sector flourishes, the demand for building and architectural materials such as paints and coatings will increase. This trend is conducive for the Lithopone market growth. In addition, white plastic materials are increasingly being used in consumer products. Developments in plastic forming technology is anticipated to indirectly boost plastic production, thus, increasing the demand for white pigments during the forecast period.