From Snacks to Sunscreen: What You Need to Know about Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide also holds the key to what makes certain foods look so bright and appealing on the shelf. Research shows that shoppers are more likely to buy and enjoy foods that have vibrant colors, which is why titanium dioxide has become an increasingly popular enhancer. According to the US Department of Agriculture, one can find this ingredient in around 13,000 brand-name food products in the United States, including candies, coffee creamers, soups, pastries, and salad dressings.

While titanium dioxide certainly enhances the visual appeal of these products, it doesn’t add additional nutritional value. It can influence texture, such as thickening creamers, but its main role is purely aesthetic. Interestingly, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require manufacturers to explicitly list the chemical name, titanium dioxide, on ingredient labels.

Regulatory agencies outside the US have flagged potential cancer risks associated with inhaling titanium dioxide, particularly in its nano-sized form. Research indicates that breathing particles of this substance that are smaller than 100 nanometers could cause serious lung inflammation and cellular damage. Research has indicated that titanium dioxide can build up in various organs including the liver, spleen, and kidneys. One study found in a post-mortem analysis of 15 livers that half were “above the dose that is deemed safe for liver damage in humans when taking into account several commonly applied uncertainty factors.”

To avoid titanium dioxide, the first step is to check product labels closely. Titanium dioxide might be listed under various names – like “titanium dioxide,” “E171” or “INS171” in food items. It can be labeled as “CI 77891,” “titanium white,” or “Pigment White 6,” in cosmetics. Taking a quick moment to read labels on food and personal care products can help you spot and avoid this additive.

For an easier shopping experience, you might want to look for natural or organic brands, as these often steer clear of substances like titanium dioxide. Another simple way to lessen titanium dioxide exposure is by reducing intake of processed foods. Titanium dioxide is also found in toothpaste to give a bright, white look. To reduce exposure, try choosing products without that whitening effect or look for brands that label items as titanium dioxide-free. Every small decision – like choosing a sunscreen or cosmetic free of titanium dioxide – adds up, helping to protect our oceans, reduce pollution, and support ecosystems that give back to us in countless ways.