Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, sometimes referred to as E171, is an inorganic, solid substance used in a wide range of consumer goods including cosmetics, paint, plastic and food, according to the American Chemistry Council.

Having thus described the origin and uses of the pigment, we now come to the question, what is lithopone? It is, in short, a chemical compound usually consisting of 30.5 per cent zinc sulphide, 1.5 per cent zinc oxide and 68 per cent barium sulphate, but these proportions vary slightly in the different makes. Lithopone of this composition is sold as the highest grade, either as red seal or green seal, as it best suits the idea of the manufacturer. Many manufacturers, especially in Europe, sell and also export other brands under other seals, containing 24, 20, 18 and as little as 12 per cent of zinc sulphide with very small percentages of zinc oxide, the balance being usually barium sulphate, but sometimes certain portions of China clay or gypsum (calcium sulphate) or whiting (calcium carbonate). Such brands are not a chemical compound, but mechanical mixtures of the chemically compounded lithopone and the admixtures referred to.

Animal studies show exposure to titanium dioxide is linked to immunotoxicity, inflammation and neurotoxicity. 

With 30% of the world's lithopone factories located in China, the country has become a major player in the global lithopone market. Chinese manufacturers are able to produce lithopone at a competitive price, making it an attractive option for companies looking to reduce their production costs. In addition, China's large production capacity ensures a steady and reliable supply of lithopone to markets around the world.

Numerous studies have linked titanium dioxide to genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Genotoxicity refers to a chemical’s potential to cause DNA damage, which can, in turn, lead to cancer. Cytotoxicity is a general term that refers to a characteristic of being harmful to cells.  

After oral ingestion, the absorption of titanium dioxide particles is low, however they can accumulate in the body, Maged Younes, chair of the European Food Safety Authority's expert Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings, said in a May 2021 statement.

1. Product information The MSDS should provide detailed information about the composition of the lithopone, including the percentage of barium sulfate and zinc sulfide. This information is crucial for determining the quality and suitability of the product for specific applications.

The precipitation of titanium dioxide involves the reaction of titanium sulfate with an alkaline solution to form titanium hydroxide, which is then calcined to produce titanium dioxide. The precipitation process is crucial for achieving the desired particle size distribution, crystallinity, and purity of the final product.