It's also used in sunscreens as a UV filtering ingredient, helping to protect a person's skin by blocking absorption the ultraviolet light that can cause sunburn and cancer.
A 2012 study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology noted that children are especially exposed to titanium dioxide because of the food that contains the food additive and is particularly marketed to children, including candy and cakes.
Lithopone B301 is highly valued for its excellent hiding power and brightness, making it an ideal choice for high-quality paints and coatings. Its particle size distribution ensures seamless integration into different mediums, enhancing the overall performance of the end product. On the other hand, Lithopone B311 distinguishes itself with increased chemical stability and resistance to fading, attributes that are crucial for applications requiring longevity and exposure to harsh environments.Prof Matthew Wright, both a member of the FAF Panel and chair of EFSA’s working group on E 171, said: “Although the evidence for general toxic effects was not conclusive, on the basis of the new data and strengthened methods we could not rule out a concern for genotoxicity and consequently we could not establish a safe level for daily intake of the food additive.”
There is some evidence that ingested titanium dioxide does not completely exit the body. A 2015 review of animal studies and a few human studies suggests titanium dioxide can get absorbed into the bloodstream and expose other organs to damage.
A significant body of research, mostly from rodent models and in vitro studies, has linked titanium dioxide with health risks related to the gut, including intestinal inflammation, alterations to the gut microbiota, and more. It is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Group 2B, as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
VB Chemicals large range of engineered Lithopone “Seal family” fully meets the European regulatory standards and is suitable for every application such as:
The lithopone manufacturing process typically involves several key steps, including raw material preparation, calcination, grinding, classification, and packaging. Raw materials, primarily zinc sulfide and sulfuric acid, are carefully selected and mixed in a controlled environment to ensure uniformity. The mixture is then fed into a calcination furnace, where it undergoes a high-temperature reaction to produce zinc sulfide.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.
The global precipitated barium sulfate market is diverse, with several key suppliers offering high-quality products and exceptional customer service. These suppliers have established a strong reputation in the market by continuously innovating and improving their products to meet the evolving needs of customers. As the demand for precipitated barium sulfate continues to grow, these suppliers are well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity and maintain their leadership position in the market. Another advantage of working with pigment suppliers is their expertise and knowledge in the field of pigments. They can provide valuable advice and technical support to manufacturers on how to best use lithopone in their products. This includes recommendations on the best formulations, processing techniques, and compatibility with other ingredients.Of the products that include the additive in their labels, Thea Bourianne, senior manager at data consultant Label Insights, told Food Navigator USA in May 2021 that more than 11,000 products in the company's database of U.S. food and beverage products listed titanium dioxide as an ingredient. Non-chocolate candy led those numbers at 32%. Cupcakes and snack cakes made up 14%, followed by cookies at 8%, coated pretzels and trail mix at 7%, baking decorations at 6%, gum and mints at 4% and ice cream at 2%.
Recent analyses of food-grade TiO2 samples have found that a significant portion of particles may be within the nanoscale. These particles (also known as nanoparticles) range in size from 1 to 100 nm, where 1 nm equals 1 billionth of a metre (the width of a typical human hair is 80,000 to 100,000 nm).
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.”
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However, the industry also faces challenges, including fluctuating raw material prices, stringent environmental regulations, and the need for continuous innovation. Despite these, TiO2 factories remain resilient, adapting to changes and embracing new technologies to maintain their position at the forefront of the global chemical industry.