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.”

Reasons for listing: Sichuan Lomon Group Co., Ltd., a well-known brand of titanium dioxide, a famous trademark in Sichuan, a famous brand in Sichuan, a state-recognized enterprise technology center, one of the largest titanium dioxide manufacturers in China, phosphorous chemical, titanium chemical, biochemical It is a large-scale private enterprise group integrating the comprehensive development and utilization of vanadium titanomagnetite.

Research supports that applying titanium dioxide to the skin in the form of sunscreens, makeup, and other topical products does not pose any health risks. 

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The evidence also suggests that the toxicity of TiO₂ particles may be reduced when eaten as part of the diet. This is because proteins and other molecules in a person's diet can bind to the TiO₂ particles. This binding alters the physical and chemical properties of the particles, which influences how they interact with cells, tissues and organs.

In food, titanium dioxide has a few different uses. Most notably, its food-grade form is used as a colorant to enhance and brighten the color of white foods such as dairy products, candy, frosting, and the powder on donuts. For foods that are sensitive to UV light, titanium dioxide is used for food safety purposes to prevent spoilage and increase the shelf life of food.

There is some evidence that ingested titanium dioxide does not completely exit the body. A 2015 review of animal studies and a few human studies suggests titanium dioxide can get absorbed into the bloodstream and expose other organs to damage.

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The Lithopone market is segmented into application, and region. The major applications studied in the global Lithopone market report include paints & coatings, plastics, printing inks, paper & pulps, rubber, leather, linoleum, and others. Region-wise, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. 

There is some concern regarding skin and intestinal absorption of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, which are less than 100 nm in diameter.

Other scientists, however, have called into question the experimental designs of such studies, citing inconsistent results specifically in studies used to test DNA damage.