The most significant uncertainty identified by the EU experts was the concern that TiO₂ particles may have genotoxic effects. Genotoxicity refers to the ability of a chemical to directly damage genetic material within a cell (DNA), which may lead to cancer in certain situations. Although the experts did not conclude that TiO₂ particles in E171 are genotoxic, they could not rule out the concern that they might be.

Because of its unique pigment and fine-milled texture, titanium dioxide has become popular over the past century in a wide variety of different products. These include adhesives, paints, plastics, rubbers, textiles, inks, ceramics, and even some pharmaceuticals, foods, and hygiene products.

Additionally, the growing emphasis on sustainability within the automotive industry influences the demand for environmentally friendly tire production methods. TiO2, being a non-toxic and eco-friendly compound, aligns with these sustainability goals, making it an attractive option for manufacturers looking to reduce their environmental footprint.

Le produit obtenu par cette méthode est constitué de 29,4 % en masse de ZnS et 70,6 % en masse de BaSO₄. Il existe des variations, par exemple l'adjonction de chlorure de zinc à la pâte avant chauffage produit un pigment plus riche en ZnS³.

In 2022, a year after the EFSA recommended against the use of E171, the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) conducted its own reassessment of titanium dioxide as a food additive. The agency concluded that titanium dioxide was indeed safe to use as a food additive. The United Kingdom and Canada came to similar conclusions.

In 2023, the demand for titanium dioxide is expected to reach new heights. One of the main drivers of this growth is the cosmetics and personal care industry. Titanium dioxide is widely used in sunscreens, skin care products and cosmetics for its excellent UV protection properties and ability to provide a smooth surface. With growing awareness of the harmful effects of UV radiation, consumers are increasingly inclined to invest in products with sun protection. This trend is expected to drive the demand for titanium dioxide over the next few years.

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.”

What is titanium dioxide made of?

Tioxide process. This process is similar to that used to produce fumed silicas. Ultra-low particle size titanium dioxide (15-35 nm) is obtained for use as photocatalyst or UV absorber (for instance in sun protective creams).