Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have also been found in human placentae and in infant meconium, indicating its ability to be transferred from mother to fetus. 

A  2023 study published in the journal Environmental Research, scientists examined the effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on important gut bacteria in mice. Their results showed “the growth inhibitory effects could be associated with cell membrane damage caused by titanium dioxide nanoparticles to the bacterial strains. Metabolomics analysis showed that TiO2 NPs caused alterations in multiple metabolic pathways of gut bacteria, such as tryptophan and arginine metabolism, which were demonstrated to play crucial roles in regulating gut and host health.” The researchers also found that four different neuroprotective metabolites “were significantly reduced” in urine and in vitro bacteria and vivo urine samples. The researchers concluded: “Increasing evidence implies that the gut microbiome plays a profound role in regulating host metabolism. Our results illustrated that TiO2 NPs hindered the growth of four beneficial gut bacterial strains.”

Dr Peter  Dingle (BEd, BSc, PhD)

In May 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an opinion that stated that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe when used as a food additive.

Lithopone is an inorganic white pigment, obtained from co-precipitation of Zinc sulfide (ZnS) and Barium sulfate (BaSO4). As a white pigment, it acts as a cost-effective alternative for TiO2. Some of the properties of Lithopone include high brightness and performance under UV exposure. Lithopone requires less wetting agent to achieve optimum wetting of its surface. It is commercially graded on the basis of amount of ZnS. Its grades include 28%, 30%, and 60% ZnS. As a comparatively inexpensive white pigment, Lithopone is presently used in various paint formulations, road marking paints, jointing compounds, and putties.

Last Friday, the domestic rutile and anatase titanium dioxide new single price was stable, and the overall transaction focus of the market moved up. Titanium dioxide factory work normally, part of the output of early orders, the spot supply has increased accordingly; And buyers still have inventory digestion, the current mentality turned to wait-and-see. The volume of new orders in the market is limited.The key factors affecting the current market price change1.

Lithopone

Asia

One of the most widely used food pigments is titanium dioxide, an odorless powder that enhances the white color or opacity of foods and over-the-counter products, including coffee creamers, candies, sunscreen, and toothpaste (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).

105°C volatile matter, %