Does Titanium Dioxide Cause Cancer? Is It Safe or Harmful?

What is Titanium Dioxide?

Titanium dioxide is an inorganic chemical used as a pigment to help products achieve a certain appearance, including whitening products. Some experts and publications describe it as similar to a “paint primer” used before adding color to food to give the product a uniform sheen.

Its presence is common in many items beyond Skittles, including coffee creamers, cake mixes, and chewing gum. It is also used in pigment and cosmetic manufacturing. Titanium dioxide particles help scatter and reflect light, which is why it is often used as a whitening agent. Other food manufacturers use titanium dioxide to absorb moisture and prevent caking or degradation of moisture.

This chemical is also found in common household and industrial products such as paints, coatings, adhesives, paper, plastics and rubber, printing inks, coated fabrics and textiles, and ceramics. Zusätzlich, it is used as a UV filtering ingredient in sunscreens, helping to protect the skin by blocking ultraviolet light that can cause sunburn and cancer. It is ubiquitous in our environment.

Does Titanium Dioxide Cause Cancer?

Historical Concerns

One of the primary worries surrounding titanium dioxide is its potential carcinogenicity. The concern dates back to a 1985 study where rats exposed to high concentrations of titanium dioxide developed lung cancer over a two-year period. However, these findings have not been universally accepted by experts.

Scientific Evaluations

In 2006, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that there was insufficient evidence to definitively link titanium dioxide to cancer. Despite this, titanium dioxide was classified as a possible human carcinogen based on available data.

Recent Studies and Debate

Recent animal studies, such as a 2017 report in Scientific Reports, have suggested that titanium dioxide may impact immune systems in rats, potentially leading to conditions like autoimmune diseases and colorectal cancer.

Expert Analysis

However, many experts argue that current concerns regarding titanium dioxide’s health effects are overstated. A comprehensive review in 2022 of previous research on titanium dioxide and lung cancer in rats found that the initial studies were conducted under extreme conditions and did not replicate their effects in other animal models. Moreover, few studies directly assessing the impact of titanium dioxide on humans have shown an increased risk of cancer.

While debate continues, the consensus among experts is that more research is needed to conclusively determine the health effects of titanium dioxide, especially in human populations.

Other Health Concerns Related to Titanium Dioxide

Absorption and Organ Damage

Evidence suggests that ingested titanium dioxide may not be completely excreted from the body. A review of animal and human studies in 2015 indicated that titanium dioxide can be absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially damage other organs.

Inflammation and Intestinal Health

Animal studies have raised concerns that high levels of titanium dioxide may increase inflammation and promote the formation of colon tumors. Zusätzlich, a review in 2021 suggested that using titanium dioxide as a food additive could compromise intestinal barrier function and exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease.

Genetic Concerns

There is also concern that titanium dioxide may affect genetic integrity. This concern stems from a 2009 study showing that titanium dioxide nanoparticles caused DNA damage and genetic instability in mice. A study published in 2022 in Food and Chemical Toxicology further raised concerns about titanium dioxide’s potential to induce DNA damage as a food additive, highlighting “evidence of DNA damaging effects” and suggesting impacts on “chromosomal integrity, an indicator of cancer risk.”

Scientific Debate

However, some scientists question the experimental designs of such studies, particularly discrepancies in results cited for testing DNA damage.
In June 2022, Health Canada participated in this debate by releasing a report on the safety of titanium dioxide. Their expert panel reviewed toxicity studies, including those involving genetic damage.
The panel found that previous studies used different forms and properties of titanium dioxide and intentionally broke down the material into smaller particles than typically seen in food.

Scientific Perspective

Some scientists argue that most studies have been conducted on animals and any effects found are negligible.

Why is Titanium Dioxide Banned in Europe?

European Union’s Ban on Titanium Dioxide in Food

The European Union has prohibited the use of titanium dioxide in food products. Europe is adopting a precautionary principle approach based on findings from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

EFSA’s Concerns

According to EFSA’s opinion from its Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings in 2021, concerns about the potential genetic toxicity of ingested titanium dioxide cannot be dismissed. This perception gap on the risks associated with this substance forms the basis of the current ban, as outlined in the March report regarding the decision.

Safety Review by EFSA

In 2021, EFSA conducted a safety review assessing thousands of studies on titanium dioxide. While evidence of general toxicity remains inconclusive, concerns about genetic toxicity cannot be ruled out based on new data and enhanced methodologies.
Therefore, a safe level of daily intake for food additives cannot be established. It’s also noteworthy that even before the EU’s decision, France had already banned the use of titanium dioxide in food as early as January 2020.

Contrasting Approvals in North America

In contrast, the United States and Canada have approved the use of titanium dioxide as a food additive. Canada’s recent review reaffirmed its safety, noting that many of the toxicity studies reviewed by the EU are not relevant to the safety of titanium dioxide as a food ingredient. The EU’s ban reflects a stance of precaution and uncertainty.

How to Make a Choice?

When deciding whether to consume products containing titanium dioxide, consider the following advice:

Moderate Consumption: Most experts recommend consuming these products in moderation, as titanium dioxide is commonly found in processed foods, which themselves may pose health risks.
Lack of Definitive Evidence: Some experts point out that there is currently no definitive evidence suggesting harmful effects from ingesting titanium dioxide. Studies often cite health hazards observed with high-dose products, which are not typically found in regular food consumption.
Preventing Titanium Dioxide Toxicity and Obesity: Opting for moderate consumption of products like rainbow candies containing titanium dioxide can help prevent both titanium dioxide toxicity and issues related to obesity.

For consumers, making rational and moderate choices is key. Despite ongoing research and regulatory measures like the EU’s ban, the overall health impact of titanium dioxide as a food additive remains inconclusive at this stage.

Titanium Dioxide Product Classification

By Titanium Dioxide Grade:

Industrial Grade
Food Grade
Pharmaceutical Grade
Photocatalytic
Nano

By Titanium Dioxide Crystalline Form:

Anatase
Rutile

Special Properties:

Nano:
Transparent:
Aqueous:

Other Classifications of Titanium Dioxide:

General: widely used in paint, plastic, rubber, paper, and cosmetics.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Opinion on Titanium Dioxide (E171): This opinion provides insights into EFSA’s evaluation of titanium dioxide as a food additive, highlighting concerns about its potential genetic toxicity and the basis for precautionary measures.
- Source: European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal 2021;19(5):6634. Link
Study on Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and DNA Damage: This study explores the potential for titanium dioxide nanoparticles to induce DNA damage, which raises concerns about its long-term safety as a food additive.
- Source: Zhang X, et al. “Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Induce DNA Damage and Genetic Instability In vivo in Mice.” Food and Chemical Toxicology 2022;158:112814. Link
FDA Regulation and Safety Evaluation of Titanium Dioxide: The FDA’s stance and regulatory framework regarding the safety of titanium dioxide in food products, providing an overview of permissible levels and safety evaluations.
- Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Titanium Dioxide.” Link
Review on Health Concerns of Titanium Dioxide in Food: A comprehensive review summarizing various studies and opinions regarding the health concerns associated with titanium dioxide ingestion, highlighting both risks and uncertainties.
- Source: Weir A, et al. “Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Food and Personal Care Products.” Environmental Science & Technology 2012;46(4):2242-2250. Link
Health Canada Assessment of Titanium Dioxide Safety: Health Canada’s assessment of titanium dioxide safety, reaffirming its approval as a food additive while considering recent scientific findings and regulatory actions in other jurisdictions.
- Source: Health Canada. “Titanium Dioxide.” Link