Titanium dioxide exists primarily in three crystalline forms rutile, anatase, and brookite. Among these, anatase is characterized by its unique electronic properties and higher photocatalytic activity, making it suitable for applications requiring enhanced light absorption and reactivity. Its ability to act as a photocatalyst enables the breakdown of organic pollutants, making it a valuable component in environmental remediation strategies.

Scientists analyzed research that examined how titanium dioxide nanoparticles interact with the brain for a 2015 review published in Nanoscale Research Letters. The researchers wrote: “Once the TiO2 NPs are translocated into the central nervous system through [certain] pathways, they may accumulate in the brain regions. For their slow elimination rates, those NPs could remain in the brain zones for a long period, and the Ti contents would gradually increase with repeated exposure.” After reviewing dozens of studies, the scientists concluded: “Long-term or chronic exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles could potentially lead to the gradually increased Ti contents in the brain, which may eventually induce impairments on the neurons and glial cells and lead to CNS dysfunction as a consequence.”

This cytotoxic effect was also reported before; i.e. Natarajan et al. conducted an experiment that found a strong oxidative stress, morphological changes in mitochondria and substantial loss in the fusion of primary hepatocytes exposed to P25TiO₂NPs [52].

Studies of titanium dioxide as a food additive suggest health dangers

The calcined product obtained by the ordinary zinc-barium white preparation method is beaten into a slurry, which is then surface-treated with sodium silicate, aluminum sulfate or sodium aluminate and surfactant, and then filtered, washed, dried and pulverized. Can.

Titanium dioxide is typically micronized and coated for use in cosmetics products. The micronizing makes this somewhat heavy-feeling ingredient easier to spread on skin, plus a bit more cosmetically elegant. Micronized titanium dioxide is much more stable and can provide better sun protection than non-micronized titanium dioxide.

A few non-dietary studies have reported adverse effects in the gastrointestinal tract of laboratory animals given food-grade TiO₂. However, these same effects were not seen when the same or higher doses of food-grade TiO₂ were administered in the animals' diet. Dietary studies best reflect how humans are exposed to TiO₂ from food. Thus, the Food Directorate placed the most emphasis on the results of these studies in the state of the science report.

This work was supported by SECyT-UNC Consolidar tipo I [2018-2021] and FONCyT, Argentina [grant number 0821-2014]. MVV holded a EVC-CIN scholarship from SECyT UNC. AM, MFPP AND MFC hold CONICET, FONCyT and SECyT scholarships respectively, and MJS, AZ, VA, MFP and MCB are career members of CONICET.