Although cosmetics are not meant for consumption, there are concerns that titanium dioxide in lipstick and toothpaste may be swallowed or absorbed through the skin.

In a 2021, Chinese researchers examined the impact of E171 on lipid digestion and vitamin D3 bioaccessibility in a simulated human gastrointestinal tract model. They examined Vitamin D’s bioaccessibility, or the amount it was released in the gastrointestinal tract, becoming available for absorption, and found it “significantly decreased from 80% to 74%” with the addition of E171. In the experiment, E171 decreased lipid digestion dose-dependently. Researchers wrote: “The findings of this study enhance our understanding toward the potential impact of E171 on the nutritional attributes of foods for human digestion health.”  The study was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 

Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder is also called C.I. 77115; Pigment White 5; Barium zinc sulfate sulfide and belongs to Product Categories of Inorganic & organic chemicals; uvcbs-inorganic. Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder is used in water-based paints because of its excellent alkali resistance. It is widely utilized as a whitener and reinforcing agent for rubber and as a filler and whitener for paper. Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder is considered to be poisonous because it is able to liberate hydrogen sulfide upon decomposition by heat, moisture, and acids. When heated to decomposition Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder emits highly toxic fumes of SOx, ZnO, and H2S.

BaSO4+C→BaS+4CO

When it comes to painting, there are many factors to consider. From choosing the right color to ensuring the durability and longevity of your paint, every decision counts. A key ingredient that plays a vital role in achieving the desired finish is titanium dioxide. This extraordinary white pigment revolutionized the paint industry, giving walls around the world unparalleled luster and durability.

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.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the development of novel applications for Chinese anatase titanium dioxide, such as in the field of energy storage and conversion. For example, it has been investigated as a potential electrode material for lithium-ion batteries, due to its high conductivity and stability. Furthermore, its photocatalytic activity has been explored for use in dye-sensitized solar cells, where it can help to improve the efficiency of solar energy conversion.

One of the most common worries about titanium dioxide is that it could be a cancer-causing agent. The link between cancer and titanium dioxide traces back to a 1985 study where rats were exposed to high levels of titanium dioxide for two years, causing lung cancer. However, not all experts are convinced by this study.

In 2021, the European Food Safety Authority concluded that titanium dioxide is no longer safe in foods due to the same concerns over nanoparticles. As a result, titanium dioxide is now banned as a food additive in the EU. Although studies have shown that the absorption of ingested titanium dioxide is low, evidence suggests that titanium dioxide nanoparticles can accumulate in the body over time. Health Canada deemed it safe in 2022 but noted concerns. Unlike their European counterparts, Canadian officials did not consider studies performed with titanium dioxide nanoparticles alone.