This route affords a product that is 29.4 wt % ZnS and 70.6 wt % BaSO₄. Variations exist, for example, more ZnS-rich materials are produced when zinc chloride is added to the mixture of zinc sulfate and barium sulfide.

Is Titanium Dioxide Safe?

Infrared analysis showed that the characteristics bands for the bare nanoparticles are still exhibited in the vitamins@P25TiO₂NPs spectra, such as a wide peak in 450–1028 cm⁻¹ related to the stretching vibration of Ti-O-Ti and other peaks in 1630 cm⁻¹ and 3400 cm⁻¹, which represent the surface OH groups stretching. The IR spectrum of vitaminB2@P25TiO₂NPs showed signs of binding between compounds. The OH bending peak (1634 cm⁻¹) corresponding to bare nanoparticles disappeared, and the NH₂ bending band characteristic of vitamin B2 appeared (1650 cm⁻¹). The IR spectrum of vitaminC@P25TiO₂NPs also showed signs of successful functionalization. Bands at 1075 cm⁻¹; 1120 cm⁻¹; 1141 cm⁻¹ were observed, which are originated by CO-C vibrations present in the vitamin C. The intense band at 1672 cm⁻¹ is attributed to the C = O stretching in the lactone ring while the peak at 1026 cm⁻¹ is ascribed to the stretching vibration Ti-O-C. Wide bands at 3880–3600 cm⁻¹ are related to stretching vibration OH groups, but those disappear in the modified nanoparticles spectrum. These observations confirm the interactions between the P25TiO₂NPs and the vitamins [35].

Overall, the use of titanium dioxide by manufacturers is essential for various industries, providing valuable properties and benefits for a wide range of products. As technology advances and new applications are discovered, the demand for titanium dioxide is expected to continue to grow. Manufacturers will need to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs of their customers while ensuring the safety and sustainability of their products.

Mexican researchers sought to evaluate the effects of E171 across a span of conditions in mice, including its influence on behavior, along with the effects on the colon and liver. The research, published in 2020 in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, showed that E171 promoted anxiety and induced adenomas, or noncancerous tumors, in the colon. They also found that E171 heightened goblet cells hypertrophy and hyperplasia, which is typically seen in asthma patients and triggered by smoking or external pollutants and toxins. They also noted mucins overexpression in the mice, which can be linked to cancer cell formation. 

When E171 isn’t combined with other ingredients and administered in water, some studies suggest that under these artificial conditions, E171 may be processed differently in the body resulting in some biological changes in experimental animals that are poorly understood.

North America

Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report by Application (Paints and Coatings, Plastics, Printing Inks, Paper and Pulps, Rubber, Leather, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027

In January 2022, the average price of domestic titanium dioxide in local Chinese marketplaces was 20,735 RMB/MT. Traders were more careful in purchasing goods and downstream industries purchased things on demand. As a result, the overall market demand for titanium dioxide was general.

The updated evaluation revises the outcome of EFSA’s previous assessment published in 2016, which highlighted the need for more research to fill data gaps.  

Overall, Chinese anatase titanium dioxide stands out as a versatile and valuable material with a wide range of applications in various industries. Its unique properties make it a popular choice for use in pigments, sunscreen, environmental remediation, and energy conversion technologies. As research into this material continues to expand, we can expect to see even more innovative uses and advancements in the field of materials science.

It's all over the place in our environment, said Dr. Johnson-Arbor.

Faber argued there hasn't been enough change in these federal regulations in the decades following the FDA's approval of titanium dioxide – especially as others increasingly point to potential health consequences.