When sourcing lithopone for leather production, suppliers must ensure they are purchasing a high-quality product from reputable manufacturers. Consistency in particle size and composition is crucial to achieving the desired color intensity and durability in the final leather goods. By partnering with trusted lithopone suppliers, leather manufacturers can guarantee the quality and performance of their products to meet the expectations of consumers.

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2019 sought to examine the effects of titanium dioxide on intestinal inflammation. Researchers did this by feeding rats titanium dioxide nanoparticles and found that, after the course of two to three months, the animals had lower body weights and induced intestinal inflammation. The researchers also found the nanoparticles altered gut microbiota composition and aggravated chronic colitis. The rats also experienced reduced populations of CD4+T cells (which are cells that help organize immune responses by prompting other immune cells to fight infection), regulatory T cells, and white blood cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. The researchers wrote: “Dietary TiO2 nanoparticles could interfere with the balance of the immune system and dynamic of gut microbiome, which may result in low-grade intestinal inflammation and aggravated immunological response to external stimulus, thus introducing potential health risk.”

Irradiation panel

There's also evidence that inhaling titanium dioxide particles can be dangerous. That's mainly a concern for industrial workers. In places where it's produced, or where it's used to make other products, workers can breathe it in as a dust. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration has exposure standards manufacturers must meet.

In recent years, environmental concerns have shaped the way lithopone is produced and used. Suppliers are now more attentive to the sustainability aspect of their operations, ensuring that lithopone is sourced from eco-friendly processes. Many suppliers have adopted responsible mining practices and have invested in technologies that reduce waste and emissions during production. This shift not only appeals to environmentally-conscious consumers but also helps manufacturers comply with stringent regulations regarding product safety and environmental impact.