Over the last several years, nanoparticles have come under scrutiny for adverse health effects. Nanoparticles are ultrafine particles between 1 to 100 nanometers in diameter. (To put this in perspective, the average human hair is around 80,000 nanometers thick.) Because of their size, which can be engineered and manipulated at the atomic or molecular level, nanoparticles exhibit unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. Titanium dioxide is one of the most commonly produced nanoparticles in the world.

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Why does the exposure route matter, and what's the risk? 

When used in an ultrafine-grade formulation, titanium dioxide becomes transparent to light, effectively making it an absorber of UV light. And because its particles are so small in this form, titanium dioxide creates a transparent barrier that absorbs UV light.

Food containing titanium dioxide that is lawfully placed on the EU market before 7 August 2022 may remain on the market until its date of minimum durability or its ‘use-by’ date has passed. Food produced or placed on the market after 7 August 2022 cannot contain titanium dioxide. The ban on the use of titanium dioxide is effective in each EU Member State, and in Northern Ireland. Some third countries, such as the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland), continue to permit the use of titanium dioxide.

Overall, the Food Directorate's comprehensive review of the available science of TiO₂ as a food additive showed:

Lithopone or sulphide of zinc white has been in general use for twenty years or more in many industries where a white pigment of considerable body or hiding power is required that is not subject to change like lead carbonate and has not the brittle character of zinc oxide, besides being sold at a lower figure than either of these. Nevertheless it is still comparatively new to the general painting trade. Because of our tariff protection its manufacture in this country has made great progress. Yet in spite of this and the duty imposed on it, the imports are still in excess of the quantity manufactured here. A short history of its origin will no doubt prove of interest to our readers.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a versatile compound widely utilized in various industries, particularly in the production of paints, coatings, plastics, and paper. The accurate determination of titanium dioxide content is essential for quality control purposes in these manufacturing processes. Among the various methods available for quantifying TiO2, gravimetric analysis stands out due to its reliability and accuracy. This article explores the gravimetric determination of titanium dioxide, its significance in factory settings, and the technical processes involved.