White powder

In its statement to USA TODAY, the FDA maintained that, in all post-approvals for food additives, our scientists continue to review relevant new information to determine whether there are safety questions and whether the use of such substance is no longer safe under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Overall, the precipitation of titanium dioxide is a complex process that requires careful control of various factors to achieve the desired product properties. By optimizing the precipitation percentage and carefully monitoring the precipitation process, manufacturers can produce high-quality titanium dioxide that meets the stringent requirements of their customers in the paints, coatings, plastics, and cosmetics industries.

Moreover, the gravimetric method's inherent accuracy makes it a preferred choice for regulatory compliance. Many manufacturing processes are subject to stringent quality regulations, and having reliable methods for determining material composition is fundamental to meeting these standards. Accurate gravimetric analysis assists manufacturers in minimizing waste, optimizing formulations, and ensuring that end products are both effective and safe.

There’s also concern that exposure to the mineral over time, even in small amounts, can build up in the body, particularly in the kidneys, spleen and liver. Although most of the mineral is excreted in feces, there is evidence that a small percentage may remain in bodily organs.

Lithopone was discovered in the 1870s by DuPont. It was manufactured by Krebs Pigments and Chemical Company and other companies. The material came in different seals, which varied in the content of zinc sulfide. Gold seal and Bronze seals contain 40-50% zinc sulfide, offering more hiding power and strength. Although its popularity peaked around 1920, approximately 223,352 tons were produced in 1990. It is mainly used in paints, putty, and in plastics.

1. What is titanium dioxide?

Earlier this year, a bill was introduced in the California legislature to ban the manufacture, sale and distribution of foods in the state containing titanium dioxide, along with four other harmful food chemicals. 

Variations of titanium dioxide are added to enhance the whiteness of paint, plastics, and paper products, though these variations differ from the food-grade ones for things we eat (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source).

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Top 10 Chinese TiO2 exporters in 2016

In the European domestic market, however, the cost support from increasing freight charges kept the valuation of imported volumes high, and the average CFR NWE discussions were assessed at USD 3800 per tonne in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Total content (as ZnS add ZnSO4)

Titanium dioxide manufacturer: Lomon 

Uses

The FDA first approved the use of titanium dioxide in food in 1966, following its 1960 removal (along with the removal of other color additives) from the agency's original Generally Recognized as Safe list. In 1977, titanium dioxide joined the list of color additives that are exempt from certification, which means titanium dioxide doesn't have to be listed on the packaging of every product it's used in, Faber noted.

On the other hand, Westerhoff said, there are hundreds of studies showing no adverse effects from the substance.

Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, will be listed on product labels, but companies are not required to list ingredient size or structure. When it is used in sunscreens to block UV light, titanium dioxide is considered an active ingredient, which means the concentration must also be listed.

Sunscreens made with mineral active ingredients, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, generally score well in EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens. They provide strong sun protection with few health concerns and don’t easily break down in the sun.