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Lithopone in plastics and masterbatch

In addition to pigments and sunscreens, titanium dioxide is also used in the production of paper, food products, and pharmaceuticals. In the paper industry, titanium dioxide is added to paper coatings to improve brightness, smoothness, and printability. In the food industry, titanium dioxide is used as a whitening agent in products such as candies, chewing gum, and icing. In the pharmaceutical industry, titanium dioxide is used as a coloring agent in tablets and capsules.

How are we typically exposed to titanium dioxide? 

The availability of other white pigments poses a major challenge for the Lithopone market during the forecast period. Other alternatives to Lithopone include Zinc White, Titanium Dioxide, Calcium Carbonate, Blanc Fixe, and Barytes. The use of TiO2 has reduced the commercial significance of the Lithopone in the pigments industry.

It adds a bright white color to coffee creamers, baked goods, chewing gums, hard-shell candies, puddings, frostings, dressings, and sauces. But the nanoparticles found in “food-grade” titanium dioxide may accumulate in the body and cause DNA damage—which is one way chemicals cause cancer and other health problems.