Acknowledgements

Fig. 1. Weight loss (%) of vitaminB2@P25TiO₂NPs.

On the other hand, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in their Final Administrative Order on Sunscreen Drug Products posted in September 2021 still accepts titanium dioxide up to 25% in the list of Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE) in the main document, without further clarification on what kind or size of particles [9]. However, on page 24 (Sunscreen containing nanomaterials) FDA clearly “distinguish nanomaterials from other forms of these ingredients'' (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) and ask for comments on “any particular nanomaterials that you believe should not be permitted for use in OTC sunscreen products”. To the best of our knowledge, this Agency did not ban the use of nanoparticulate titanium dioxide in any form, even though it is mentioned on page 34 that the anatase form is the more photoactive one, due to the lack of evidence with real sunscreens OTC (over the counter) in vivo. Moreover, other regulations in Latin America (MERCOSUR agreement, 2006) do not state clearly their position on the use of nanoparticulate TiO₂NPs [10].

To be added to food, this additive must achieve 99% purity. However, this leaves room for small amounts of potential contaminants like lead, arsenic, or mercury (1Trusted Source).

Numerous studies have linked titanium dioxide to genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Genotoxicity refers to a chemical’s potential to cause DNA damage, which can, in turn, lead to cancer. Cytotoxicity is a general term that refers to a characteristic of being harmful to cells.  

Lithopone: an alternative to titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide R-5566, a rutile titanium dioxide pigment treated with zirconium and aluminum inorganic surface and organic surface, has the characteristics of high whiteness, high gloss, high achromatic power, high weather resistance, and good dispersibility.

Barium sulfide is produced by carbothermic reduction of barium sulfate. Zinc sulfate is obtained from a variety of zinc products, often waste, by treatment with sulfuric acid.

To avoid exposure to titanium dioxide, follow these recommendations:

In 2017, French researchers from the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRAE) were among the first to examine the effects of E171 nanoparticles on the body. They fed rats a dose of 10mg of E171 per kilogram of body weight per day, which was similar to human exposure in food. The research, which was published in Scientific Reports, showed that E171 was able to traverse the intestinal barrier, pass into the bloodstream, and reach other areas of the body in rats. Researchers also found a link between immune system disorders and the absorption of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. 

≥99.0