Demand in the European region has been significantly boosted by higher offtakes in the furniture, building, and industrial sectors compared to Q2, after a boost in containment measures. DIY activities increased significantly as people engaged in more home renovation and building tasks during the extended period of lockdown. With the restart of Chinese shipments in the latter half of Q2 2020, supply has also remained plentiful.

Experimental

But what does that really mean for you, your skin & your health

CSPI says it might reconsider its rating if specifications for food-grade titanium dioxide in the U.S. are updated to ensure nanoparticles are minimized, and new studies are conducted to assess its capacity to cause cancer or other health problems. 

Production

In a 2020 study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, researchers conducted an in vitro experiment to analyze the effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on a human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line. The scientists evaluated “reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, cellular antioxidant response, endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy.” The results showed that exposure to the nanoparticles “induced ROS generation in a dose dependent manner, with values reaching up to 10 fold those of controls. Nrf2 nuclear localization and autophagy also increased in a dose dependent manner. Apoptosis increased by 4- to 10-fold compared to the control group, depending on the dose employed.” 

But in the U.S., titanium dioxide is found all over the grocery shelves. Candy like Skittles, Starbursts, and Jell-O, gum like Trident White peppermint gum and Mentos Freshmint Gum, cake products like Duncan Hines Creamy Vanilla Frosting, and Nabisco Chips Ahoy! cookies are just a few of the myriad food items that contain the additive.

Titanium dioxide is considered safe for use in cosmetics products by expert bodies around the world, including Europe's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Nano grade titanium dioxide has been assessed by the SCCS and is approved by the European Commission for use as a UV filter.

Australia and New Zealand review of TiO2

At the same time, the company took the lead in building a product application testing system in the industry, and formed a relatively complete product application testing system. Among them, the hue of blue-phase R838 titanium dioxide reaches the world-class level. The gloss of R838 titanium dioxide, a silicon-aluminum coated product, has surpassed other domestic silicon-aluminum coated products, and reached or even exceeded some domestic zirconium-aluminum products. Titanium dioxide for color masterbatch is recognized by customers for its high whiteness, high coverage and other indicators, the product market share has been greatly increased, and it enjoys high brand awareness and reputation at home and abroad.

EFSA Scientific Conclusion on E171

Jinan Yuxing Rutile Titanium Dioxide R-818 is a rutile titanium dioxide pigment coated with inorganic silicon aluminum and organic surface treatment. It has good gloss and hiding power, high weather resistance and good dispersibility.
Scope of application: plastic steel profiles, coil paint, powder coatings, rubber, masterbatch, etc.

How is titanium dioxide extracted?

Titanium dioxide overnight news

Algaecidal effect of Lithopon: After 5 years of exposure to weathering in Alpen (Lower Rhine)  

≤0.3

Below 20% substitution, it is recommended to replace 1 kg of TiO2 with 1 kg of lithopone supplier.