Lithopone is a white pigment composed of a mixture of barium sulfate (BaSO4) and zinc sulfide (ZnS). It is commonly used in the production of paints, plastics, rubber, and various other industrial applications. As such, manufacturers and distributors often provide Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to ensure the safe handling and use of the product.

In a 2016 study published in Scientifica (Cairo), Egyptian researchers examined the effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the organs of mice by orally administering the food additive daily, for five days. The results showed that the exposure produced “mild to moderate changes in the cytoarchitecture of brain tissue in a time dependent manner.” Furthermore, “Comet assay revealed the apoptotic DNA fragmentation, while PCR-SSCP pattern and direct sequencing showed point mutation of Presenilin 1 gene at exon 5, gene linked to inherited forms of Alzheimer’s disease.” The researchers wrote: “From these findings, “the present study concluded that TiO2NPs is genotoxic and mutagenic to brain tissue which in turn might lead to Alzheimer’s disease incidence.”

A 2012 study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology noted that children are especially exposed to titanium dioxide because of the food that contains the food additive and is particularly marketed to children, including candy and cakes.

Name:

Rutile titanium dioxide R-996, white powder, insoluble in water, non-physiological toxicity, stable chemical properties, surface coated with silicon, aluminum, zirconium and organic treatment has excellent pigment performance, whiteness, brightness, good gloss; Strong hiding power, achromatic power and fluidity Rutile titanium dioxide, white powder, insoluble in water, non-physiological toxicity, stable chemical properties, excellent pigment performance after the surface is coated with silicon, aluminum, zirconium and organically treated, whiteness , Brightness, good gloss, hiding power, achromatic power and fluidity are strong, with excellent weather resistance and anti-powder properties.

Appearance:

A legal additive in the United States, titanium dioxide is used in everything from food to consumer goods and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says regulated use of the product as a color additive in food is safe within certain restrictions.

Lithopone is added to plastic resin systems to enhance UV protection of the final plastic products that includes outdoor plastics and automotive plastics. It is used as a white pigment for plastics such as polyolefin, vinyl resin, ABS resin, polystyrene, polycarbonate, nylon, and polyoxymethylene (POM). It ensures that UV rays do not penetrate and damage the product and its appearance.  

How pure TiO2 is extracted from titanium-containing molecules depends on the composition of the original mineral ores or feedstock. Two methods are used to manufacture pure TiO₂: a sulphate process and a chloride process.

Titanium dioxide manufacturer: Lomon 

Although the evidence for general toxic effects was not conclusive, on the basis of the new data and strengthened methods we could not rule out a concern for genotoxicity and consequently we could not establish a safe level for daily intake of the food additive, commented Matthew Wright, member of the EFSA's Food Additives and Flavourings Panel in a press statement.

Let’s break the risk down further.