Risk, Side Effects and Dangers

As of August 7, the use of titanium dioxide in food is banned in the European Union. Europe is taking a precautionary principle approach based on findings from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Though the regulated use of titanium dioxide in food products is legal in the U.S. and Canada, it's banned in some other countries, notably throughout Europe. In May 2021, the European Food Safety Authority announced that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive.

As the demand for high-quality paints continues to grow, manufacturers in the paint industry can rely on Lomon's R996 grade titanium dioxide to meet their needs. With its exceptional performance characteristics and consistent quality, this product is a trusted choice for paint manufacturers looking to create durable, vibrant, and long-lasting finishes for a wide range of applications.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles may accumulate and cause DNA damage

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In a study published in the journal Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology in 2020, researchers examined the effects of food additives titanium dioxide and silica on the intestinal tract by grouping and feeding mice three different food-grade particles — micro-TiO2, nano-TiO2, and nano-SiO2.  With all three groups, researchers observed changes in the gut microbiota, particularly mucus-associated bacteria. Furthermore, all three groups experienced inflammatory damage to the intestine, but the nano-TiO2 displayed the most pronounced changes. The researchers wrote: “Our results suggest that the toxic effects on the intestine were due to reduced intestinal mucus barrier function and an increase in metabolite lipopolysaccharides which activated the expression of inflammatory factors downstream. In mice exposed to nano-TiO2, the intestinal PKC/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was activated. These findings will raise awareness of toxicities associated with the use of food-grade TiO2 and SiO2.”

Ultimately, most experts advise moderation, as titanium dioxide is typically found in processed foods that come with their own health risks.

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Fig. 6. AOPP measured on samples of MSSA with: A) 0.2 mg/mL P25TiO₂NPs; B) 0.02 mg/mL P25TiO₂NPs; C) 0.2 mg/mL VitaminB2@P25TiO₂NPs; D) 0.02 mg/mL VitaminB2@P25TiO₂NPs after 3 h of irradiation (red) and 6 h (blue). SD <1 (error bars too small to be seen) and p < 0.05 between C-D and A-B.

The major restraint to the global Lithopone market is the availability of numerous white pigment substitutes. It can be replaced by other inorganic white pigments such as Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) and Sachtolith. Among these substitutes, the introduction of TiO2 has reduced the commercial importance of Lithopone white pigment. Compared to other white pigments, TiO2 has high brightness and refractive index, which results in lower pigment loading. 

Lithopone in fillers, adhesives, joints and sealants