Titandioxide: Potential danger and risks for health
Titandioxide, also known as the chemical name TIO2, is a widespread substance that is used in numerous everyday products. From food to cosmetics to colors and varnishes you can find titanium dioxide in many products that we encounter every day. Although it was considered harmless for a long time, recent scientific knowledge has shown that a titanium dioxide can be danger – especially if it is used in the form of nanoparticles or in certain applications. This article explains why titanium dioxide is considered dangerous and what risks are associated with its use.
1. Classification as possibly carcinogenic
One of the greatest concerns about titanium dioxide is his classification as “possibly carcinogenic” by the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC). In the inhalation of titanium dioxide dust in particular, it was found that the risk of lung cancer could be increased. This mainly affects people who work in industries where large amounts of TIO2 dust are released, such as in the color or construction industry. In such work environments, the inhalation of fine titanium dioxide dust can lead to serious lung damage over a longer period of time.
2. Nanoparticles in cosmetics and sunscreens
Another problem occurs when using titanium dioxide in nanoparticle size, as is often the case in cosmetics, toothpaste and sunscreen. Nanoparticles are extremely small particles that can easily penetrate the body due to their tiny size, be it due to the skin, the lungs or digestion. Some studies indicate that these tiny particles can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in cells, which can lead to cell damage. In the long term, this damage could cause Health risks such as respiratory diseases or even genetic changes. Therefore, titanium dioxide is classified dangerously.
3. Titandioxide in food: E171
In the food industry, titanium dioxide is used as an additive E171 to give food such as chewing gum, confectionery or baked goods a white color. However, recent studies have given doubts about the safety of this substance in food. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) explained in 2021 that E171 can no longer be considered than safe, since there are indications that titanium dioxide nanoparticles can be absorbed by the body and may increase the risk of DNA damage. This shows again that titanium dioxide can be dangerous.
4. Environmental risks by titanium dioxide
Titandioxide is also a potential danger for the environment. TIO2 nanoparticles that are used in cosmetics and other products can get into water and affect the ecosystem there. The tiny particles are often not completely removed in sewage treatment plants and can accumulate in water. This could damage aquatic organisms, in particular plankton and fish, which could ultimately affect the entire ecosystem. This makes titanium dioxide double dangerous – for people and the environment.
5. Regulations and precautions
In view of the potential risks, some countries, such as France, have already banned the use of titanium dioxide as food additives. In the European Union, too, there are efforts to regulate or ban the use of titanium dioxide in certain products. Consumers should therefore carefully check the ingredients of products and, if possible, fall back on alternatives without titanium dioxide – especially for food, cosmetics and products that contain nanoparticles.
Conclusion: Caution in titanium dioxide
Titandioxide is omnipresent in many everyday products, but its security is increasingly questioned. While it was considered harmless in the past, new studies show that it is for both humans and the environment harmful can be – especially if it is inhaled in the form of nanoparticles or in large quantities. Consumers should find out more about the possible risks and consider alternative products that do not contain any dangerous nanoparticles or are classified as harmless. One thing is clear: to call titanium dioxide dangerously is not exaggerated.