The Hidden Risks of Titanium Dioxide

Millions of tons of titanium dioxide are produced globally each year. It adds whiteness and brightness to products and also helps them resist discoloration. Titanium dioxide also reflects ultraviolet (UV) light, which is why it’s often used as an ingredient in sunscreens.

Most titanium dioxide (close to 70%) is used as a pigment in paints, but it’s also added to cosmetics, toothpastes, pharmaceuticals, paper and to food.

In the past, titanium dioxide was generally considered to be a relatively inert and safe material. But an increasing number of products are now using a different form of titanium dioxide, which is made up of nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles are ultramicroscopic in size, making them able to readily penetrate your skin and travel to underlying blood vessels and into your bloodstream.

Evidence suggests that these nanoparticles may induce toxic effects in your brain, cause nerve damage and may also be carcinogenic.

Is Titanium Dioxide in Foods Dangerous?

Candies, sweets and chewing gum have been found to contain the highest levels of titanium dioxide. White powdered doughnuts, candies, gums with hard shells, products with white icing, bread, mayonnaise, yogurt and other dairy products may also contain titanium dioxide.

One analysis of exposure to titanium dioxide through foods found children receive the highest exposure levels, two to four times more than adults, because it’s so commonly added to sweets. Only a “limited number” of the products tested in one study listed titanium dioxide on their labels.

It is my opinion that it is inexcusable that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, actually allows manufacturers to use up to 1% of food-grade titanium dioxide in processed foods, without even declaring its use on their labels.

Much of the titanium dioxide particles used in food products are not nanoparticles, which are defined as particles that are smaller than 100 nanometers in diameter, but quite a bit is.

According to research published in Environmental Science and Technology, up to 36% of the titanium dioxide found in nearly 90 food products was of the nanoparticle variety.

It’s unclear what health risks may be linked to ingestion of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, but research suggests there Is cause for concern.

One animal study published in Cancer Research, found titanium dioxide nanoparticles may cause cancer, causes DNA damage and increases inflammation.

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles May Harm Your Brain:

The use of nanoparticles is increasing rapidly and titanium dioxide nanoparticles are the second most engineered nanomaterial in the world.

Humans are being repeatedly exposed to massive amounts of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, before we know the consequences. Animal studies indicate significant accumulation of nanoparticles in the brain.

What About Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Personal Care Products?

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are found most often in personal care products such as toothpaste, sunscreen and, to a lesser extent, shampoos, deodorants and shaving creams. As with food, use of these nanoparticles in personal care products is on the rise.

In 2005, about 1,300 metric tons were used in personal care products, but increased to 5,000 metric tons by 2010 and is expected to continue increasing until at least 2025.

Tips for Avoiding Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles:

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be found in processed foods, without labeling. Therefore, the best way to avoid them is to eat real food.

To avoid these particles in your personal care products, you can make your own, buy organic or look for products that state "titanium dioxide free". Remember, just because it is not on the label, doesn't mean that it is not in the product.

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