- TO KREBS PIG-MEN! AND COLOR CORPORATION, OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, A GOR- PORATION OF DELAWARE METHOD OF PRODUCING IMPROVED LITHOPONE No Drawing.
The main concern with nanoparticles is that they are so tiny that they are absorbed into the skin more than we want them (ideally sunscreen should remain on the surface of the skin). Once absorbed they might form unwanted complexes with proteins and they might promote the formation of evil free radicals. But do not panic, these are concerns under investigation. A 2009 review article about the safety of nanoparticles summarizes this, to date, in-vivo and in-vitro studies have not demonstrated percutaneous penetration of nanosized particles in titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sunscreens. The English translation is, so far it looks like sunscreens with nanoparticles do stay on the surface of the skin where they should be.
How can I tell if a product has titanium dioxide in it? How can I avoid the ingredient?
Following a request for assessment in 2020 by the EU, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) assessed E171, particularly for its genotoxicity. In 2022, the agency deemed the food additive no longer safe for use.
In 2023, California and New York proposed banning several food additives that are banned in Europe but legal in the United States. Titanium dioxide was among the five proposed to be banned, but in September, the additive was removed from the list of additives from the California ban list.

In conclusion, titanium dioxide is a game changer for the coatings industry. With its excellent hiding power, UV resistance, durability and environmental friendliness, it adds significant value to paint formulations. Whether you're looking to renovate your walls or looking for a solid paint option for your exterior surfaces, titanium dioxide-infused paints are the answer. Embrace the brilliance and durability that titanium dioxide has to offer and enjoy the long-lasting and vibrant finish it brings to your living spaces.
The European Commission banned titanium dioxide as a food additive in the EU in 2022 after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted an updated safety assessment of E171 and concluded the panel could not eliminate concerns about its genotoxicity.
Lithopone is produced by coprecipitation of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide. Most commonly coprecipitation is effected by combining equimolar amounts of zinc sulfate and barium sulfide:
See also
Data availability statement
A 2022 review on past studies of titanium dioxide and rat lung cancer, for instance, said the original study was under extreme conditions and its effects were not replicated in other animal species. Additionally, the review concluded that the few studies which did directly focus on titanium dioxide's impact on humans did not end up showing any increased cancer risk.
Molecular Formula: Zn2BaS2O5
Titanium dioxide is used a food colour (E171) and, as with all food colours, its technological function is to make food more visually appealing, to give colour to food that would otherwise be colourless, or to restore the original appearance of food. Titanium dioxide is also present in cosmetics, paints, and medicines.
According to the EFSA's Expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavorings 2021 opinion regarding titanium dioxide, it could not rule out a concern for genotoxicity from ingestion of the material based on a perceived gap in data on this risk, which serves as the basis for current ban, said a March report on the decision.