Titanium Dioxide Side Effects-What Are Titanium Dioxide Used For

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a white, powdery substance that is widely used in various industries due to its unique properties, such as its brightness, opacity, and refractive index. Here are some of the primary uses for titanium dioxide:

1. **Paints and Coatings**: Titanium dioxide is used as a pigment in paints and coatings to provide whiteness and opacity. It scattering light efficiently, which makes colors appear more vibrant.

2. **Plastics**: It serves as a pigment in the plastic industry to make products white or colored. It can also enhance the opacity and durability of plastics.

3. **Printing Inks**: In the printing industry, titanium dioxide is used to improve the opacity and brilliance of inks.

4. **Paper**: It is used in paper manufacturing to increase opacity and brightness, which makes the paper more suitable for writing and printing.

5. **Cosmetics**: Titanium dioxide is used in sunscreen products as a UV-blocking agent and as a pigment in other cosmetic products like foundation, powders, and lipsticks.

6. **Food Additives**: It is used as a colorant in food products, labeled as E171, to give a white or creamy color. It is found in candies, toothpaste, and other products.

7. **Medications**: In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a coating agent for tablets and as a pigment in medications.

8. **Fiberglass**: It is used in the production of fiberglass to improve the reflective index and increase the brightness of the final product.

9. **Ceramics and Glass**: Titanium dioxide can be added to ceramics and glass to make them more opaque and white, or to give them a specific color.

10. **Agriculture**: It is used in agriculture as a component in controlled-release fertilizers and as a reflective material to enhance plant growth.

11. **Textiles**: It can be used to coat fabrics to provide a white color or to enhance the brightness of the fabric.

12. **Photocatalysis**: Titanium dioxide has photocatalytic properties, which means it can break down harmful substances when exposed to UV light. This property is used in self-cleaning surfaces and air purification systems.

Titanium dioxide is generally considered safe for use in the applications mentioned above, but there have been concerns about its potential health effects, especially when used in its nanoscale form. As such, regulatory agencies around the world monitor and regulate its use in consumer products.