In the modern world, the titanium industry is developing rapidly. It is the source of a large number of substances that are used in various industries.

Characteristics of titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide has many names. It is an amphoteric oxide of tetravalent titanium. It plays an important role in the development of the titanium industry. Only five percent of titanium ore goes into the production of titanium oxide.

Eat a large number of modifications of titanium dioxide. In nature, there are titanium crystals that have the shape of a rhombus or a quadrangle.

Titanium dioxide formula is presented as follows: TiO2.

Titanium dioxide is widely used in various industries. It is known throughout the world as a food additive such as E-171. However, this component has a number of negative effects, which may indicate that titanium dioxide is harmful to the human body. This component is known to have whitening properties. This can be good in the production of synthetic detergents. The harm to the human body from this dietary supplement poses a threat to the liver and kidneys.

IN Food Industry There is a possibility of harm from titanium dioxide. If it is used in excess, the product may acquire an undesirable shade, which will only repel consumers.

Titanium dioxide has a fairly low level of toxicity.

It may become toxic when interacting with other components of any product. Using products containing high levels of toxins can lead to poisoning or even death. Therefore, it is very important to know which elements you should not use titanium oxide with.

Properties of titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide has a large number of characteristic properties. They determine the possibility of its use in various industries. Titanium dioxide has the following properties:

• excellent degree of whitening of various types of materials,
• interacts well with substances that are intended to form a film,
• resistance to high levels of humidity and environmental conditions,
• low level of toxicity,
• high level of resistance from a chemical point of view.

Preparation of titanium dioxide

More than five million tons of titanium dioxide are produced annually in the world. Recently, China has greatly increased its production. The world leaders in the production of this substance are the USA, Finland, and Germany. It is these states that have great opportunities to obtain this component. They export it to different countries around the world.

Titanium dioxide can be obtained by two main methods:

1. Production of titanium dioxide from ilmenite concentrate.

On manufacturing enterprises The process of obtaining titanium oxide is thus divided into three stages. At the first of them, ilmenite concentrates are processed using sulfuric acid. As a result, two components are formed: ferrous sulfate and titanium sulfate. Then it increases the level of iron oxidation. Special filters separate sulfates and sludge. At the second stage, titanium sulfate salts are hydrolyzed. Hydrolysis is carried out by using seeds from sulfate solutions. As a result, titanium oxide hydrates are formed. At the third stage, they are heated to a certain temperature.

2. Production of titanium dioxide from titanium tetrachloride.

In this type of obtaining a substance, there are three methods, which are presented:

• hydrolysis aqueous solutions titanium tetrachloride,
• vapor-phase hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride,
• heat treatment of titanium tetrachloride.

Table. Manufacturers of titanium dioxide.

Company	Production volumes, thousand tons
DuPont Titanium Technologies	1150
National Titanium Dioxide Co	n/a
Ltd. (Cristal)	705
Huntsman Pigments	659
Tronox, Inc.	642
Kronos Worldwide, Inc.	532
Sachtleben Chemie GmbH	240
Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd	230

IN modern world Titanium oxide is actively used in various industries.

Titanium dioxide has the following uses:

• Production of paint and varnish products. In most cases, titanium white is produced based on this component.
• use in the production of plastic materials.
• production of laminated paper,
• Production of cosmetic decorative products.

Titanium oxide has also found wide application in the food industry. Manufacturers add it to their products as one of the components of food-type dyes. It is practically not noticeable in food products. Manufacturers add it in minimal quantities to ensure that their products are better stored and have an attractive appearance.

Titanium dioxide (titanium dioxide, E171) is a food additive that is a white coloring matter.

It is a transparent crystalline powder that turns yellow when heated. It is found in nature in three variations: in the form of anatase, rutile and brookite minerals, which have different crystal structures. To obtain the substance, only titanium dioxide with the structure of anatase and rutile is used.

Food titanium dioxide has been approved for use in industry since 1994 as a dye to give food a whitening effect.

In commercial form, titanium dioxide is usually a pure substance with minor amounts of silica and aluminum oxide impurities that improve the processability of the product.

The main properties of titanium dioxide include:

• High whitening ability;
• Chemical resistance;
• Non-toxic;
• High moisture and weather resistance.

Titanium dioxide does not affect the smell and taste of products; its main purpose is to give products a more appetizing appearance. The food additive gives products the ideal whiteness that is so attractive to the consumer.

Applications of titanium dioxide

In the food industry, titanium dioxide is used as a food additive E171, used for the production of quick breakfasts, milk powder, and powdered products. Titanium dioxide is used to bleach crab sticks and other analogs of fish products, chewing gum, mayonnaise, and also lighten icing, white chocolate, candies, etc.

In the production of dumplings, titanium dioxide is used to clarify flour. The dosage of E171 is selected depending on the required whiteness of the dough. In this case, the required amount of dye is added to the mass along with flour and mixed thoroughly to maximize the distribution of the substance. The amount of titanium dioxide is 100-200 grams per 100 kg of flour.

In the meat processing industry, titanium dioxide, whose properties include good dispersibility (emulsification) and optical attractiveness, is used to bleach bacon, pates and deli products.

Titanium dioxide is also used in the production of canned vegetables, in particular for the purpose of clarifying grated horseradish.

The harm of titanium dioxide

Official clinical studies to date have not been able to identify any negative effects from taking the E171 dietary supplement. According to the data, titanium dioxide does not dissolve in gastric juice and is practically not absorbed by the body through the intestinal walls. Thus, titanium dioxide does not accumulate in tissues and is completely eliminated from the body.

SanPin 2.3.2.1293-03 allows manufacturers of food products to use titanium dioxide in volumes that, from the manufacturers’ point of view, allow them to achieve the required technological effect.

However, there is still an assumption about the potential harm of titanium dioxide: as studies on rats have shown, inhaling titanium dioxide powder increases the likelihood of cancer, being carcinogenic for humans.

Some scientists suggest that nanoparticles of the substance are capable of destroying the body at the cellular level, destroying their natural structure, but there is no exact confirmation this fact, except for testing on rodents, is not available.

Despite the fact that titanium dioxide used in food products is considered harmless, studies of its effect on the body continue. It is not advisable for people with weak immune systems to exceed the recommended dosage of dietary titanium dioxide (1% per day).

Hi all. I think that before you buy any product, you get acquainted with its composition. That's what I always do. Titanium dioxide can be found in many cosmetic products. I have seen the following inscriptions: titanium dioxide, micronized titanium dioxide. And also titanium dioxide, ci 77891. Naturally, I became interested in titanium dioxide, what it is. And is there any harm from this substance? Let's figure it out together.

In nature, this substance occurs in the form of three minerals: rutile, anatase and brookite. Pure dioxide is colorless crystals; when heated, they turn yellow.

In the cosmetics industry, titanium dioxide is used in a crushed state. It is a white powder, insoluble in water. The consistency resembles chalk, which is clearly visible in the photo of the powder. As you can see, the substance is of natural origin. Those. it is not a synthetic product and not organic.

In terms of its chemical properties, dioxide is absolutely inert. This means that it does not react with other substances.

Those. when added to various products, it does not form any additional compounds. This indicates its harmlessness. Partially soluble in hydrochloric acid. Those. reaction is possible with chlorine compounds.

Titanium is not volatile. It is eliminated from the body almost completely. Small dioxide particles have the ability to reflect UVA radiation. It is this radiation that causes such a deadly disease as melanoma. Dioxide particles also reflect UVB radiation, which leads to skin cancer.

Applications of titanium dioxide

The use of this substance is quite extensive. It is actively used in soap making, cosmetics and the food industry. You will find dioxide in the products by marking E171. In essence, it is a dye, a substance used to give the product a white color. Titanium dioxide has received such widespread use due to its non-toxicity. And also good whitening ability and resistance to moisture.

Titanium is also used in the production of paper, plastics, and the paint and varnish industry. Speaking about the dangers, let's just look at where the E171 additive is used in the food industry:

• for instant breakfasts
• crab sticks
• powdered milk
• mayonnaise
• White chocolate
• flour (per 100 kg of flour it is allowed to add from 100 to 200 g of dioxide)
• in the confectionery industry - clarification of glaze, etc.

The application is so widespread that it is simply ridiculous to think about colossal harm to the body. After all, dioxide is found almost everywhere: in soap, toothpaste, cream, and food. Why is dioxide so widely used in cosmetics? And how justified this is - let's figure it out.

Why is titanium used in cosmetics?

As I already said, the main use of the substance is as a dye. It’s the same in cosmetics – the snow-white color of creams, soaps, and pastes is titanium dioxide. In powders and foundations, the substance is used to create the desired shade.

Concentration in powder no more than 15%, in foundation no more than 10%

But the main and irreplaceable property of titanium in cosmetics is still protection from ultraviolet radiation. Plus, the substance is hypoallergenic and does not irritate the skin. Therefore, it is added even to creams for the little ones.

In the EU and the USA, dioxide is allowed not only in the cosmetics and food industries. It is successfully used for coloring medicines. Also in the Russian Federation, capsules and tablets are painted with titanium.

In the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries, the dioxide is carefully purified and very finely crushed. And in deodorants, lipsticks and powders, the powder gets into the form of nano particles. It is around these nanoparticles that the controversy rages.

Titanium dioxide - harmful or not

Recent studies have shown that sunscreen cosmetics containing this substance are of no use in swimming pools. Those. When swimming in chlorinated water, the dioxide is immediately washed off the body. And, naturally, it loses its properties. But in sea water you can withstand up to 4 entries into the water. What can you say about this? We're not talking about harm here. And about the inability of the cream to perform its functions under certain conditions.

There have been other studies about the supposed biochemical effects of dioxide on cells. Titanium at the cellular level can interfere with signal transmission. In this case, the dioxide must enter the body through food. I’ll say right away that minimal research was carried out.

In terms of toxicology and allergies, the hazard level is low. As for oncology – below average. You must understand that you need to eat dioxide in large spoons and for a long time. Then there is a possibility of triggering an oncological process. All experiments were carried out on animals and the maximum doses were given to them. In our right mind, we would not consume titanium dioxide in such quantities.

The American independent organization EWG divides dioxide into regular and sunscreen. This organization compiles a rating of hazardous substances. So, dioxide becomes a sunscreen when crushed into nanoparticles.

A nanoparticle has a size of less than 100 nm in diameter. For sunscreen cosmetics, dioxide with a particle size of about 25 nm is used.

There is an assumption that nanoparticles can enter the blood through the skin. And they will be carried throughout the body by blood, entering cells and the brain. It is also believed that nanoparticles can accumulate in the body. But you understand, no one has conducted long-term studies. Let’s say what changes occur in the body if you use powder with dioxide for 10 years.

So it turns out that nanoparticles can accumulate in the skin, in general just guessed. After all, it will take decades to confirm or refute these fears. Therefore, I personally have not found a single experimental study on the dangers of nanodioxide particles.

If you still have doubts, check out the website E.W.G.. They claim that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provide the best sun protection. If the substance were dangerous, would almost every country in the world approve it?

Examples of cosmetics with titanium dioxide

This natural mineral is present in many cosmetic products. I will now introduce you to some of them. And I have saved a photo of such cosmetics for you.

Spray - tanning activatorfrom Vichy SPF 50+ . This cosmetic product provides intense hydration. It also allows you to quickly achieve a lasting and natural tan. This fluid is hypoallergenic and can be used to care for sensitive skin.

Sunscreen for children . It is produced with the SPF 50+ badge. This cosmetic product contains the innovative Mexoplex® solar filter. Withstands up to 6 baths in water for 20 minutes. Can be used by the whole family.

(titanium dioxide) - a synthetic white pigment, having two forms - rutile and anatase, obtained by hydrolysis of solutions followed by calcination of hydrated titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide is the main product of the titanium industry. Nowadays, on the Internet you can increasingly find the request “, so let's try to figure out why it is needed and how it is used.

The main areas of application of titanium dioxide:

Paints and varnishes:(titanium white) enamels, varnishes, as well as paints and coatings based on them: to improve hiding power and for whitening, to prevent film aging, to protect coatings from ultraviolet rays, and from yellowing of painted surfaces.

Plastic(furniture, windows, plastic car parts): for high whiteness and intensity of color shade, preventing aging of the material and the effects on it external factors.

Paper: used for whitening and improving smoothness, also for the production of paper coating agents.

Cosmetics: for ultraviolet protection in sunscreens, to improve the whitening of toothpastes.

Food industry: for whitening such products, semi-finished products, minced fish, white meat, chewing gum, refined sugar. To protect plastic packaging from ultraviolet radiation, which helps during storage and transportation of products that are not resistant to sunlight.

Pharmaceutical industry: titanium dioxide pigment has high chemical purity, for better whitening and hiding properties.

Printing ink: increasing the protection of coatings to atmospheric influences.

Used in other areas: protection of wood from external factors (increasing weather resistance, filtering solar radiation), adding to rubber products, production of glass and glass ceramics, radio electronics, air purification, in the production of optical and heat-resistant glass, heavy alloys, intermediate chemical compounds, materials for high temperatures (fire protection protection of draft furnaces), experimental chromatography of liquids. Dioxide serves as a standard of purity when creating ultra-pure glasses.

To meet the needs described above, titanium dioxide used in various fractions, whose characteristics are adapted to the respective use. Titanium dioxide crystals have forms such as rutile and anatase. Depending on the use, crystals of various shapes and particle sizes are used.

Titanium dioxide has found wide application in the paint and varnish industry as a white pigment due to its good whiteness. Having such advantages as non-toxicity, availability, ability to repel ultraviolet radiation and resistance to external atmospheric influences. We hasten to disappoint old conservatives: paints based on zinc or lead are a thing of the past.

Consequently, the main ability titanium dioxide in enamels and paints gives them whiteness. But competitors are also present, the most important being chalk and marble calcite. They cost less and have White color. Therefore, paints contain a mixture of these substances, and in rare cases only one pigment.

The whiteness of the paint is expressed in the amount of titanium dioxide included in its composition, but it also increases its price in comparison with paints that contain more chalk or marble calcite. There are recommendations for partial replacement of titanium dioxide with aluminum oxide or talc, but all this has to do with economic considerations. Oddly enough, there is some pattern in the fact that the consumption and production of titanium dioxide is a kind of indicator of economic development. This is such an opportunity, friends.

To produce welded frames of reinforced concrete products, workers performing reinforcement welding must wear special clothing made from fire-resistant fabrics. This type of clothing protects welders from sparks and metal splashes.

Titanium dioxide is a dye that is actively used in the food industry. It helps give food products a snowy white color and makes them more attractive to consumers. Officially, titanium dioxide is considered absolutely safe for humans, but many consumers disagree with this statement.

Titanium dioxide is of major concern to people because it is not exclusively a food coloring. It is widely used in the production of white paints, varnishes, enamels, emulsions, plaster, primer and other repair materials. It is also used in the manufacture of white plastic, rubber, glass and paper.

But the wide range of applications does not yet indicate its danger to humans. Therefore, in order to clarify once and for all the question of whether titanium dioxide is harmful to health, it is necessary to understand the properties of this substance and understand how it affects the body of adults and children.

Application

Titanium dioxide is a tasteless and odorless powder with an intense white color and pronounced bleaching properties. With its help, manufacturers impart unnatural whiteness to food products that naturally have a gray or yellowish tint.

Thus, not a single dairy factory can operate without the use of titanium dioxide. This white pigment helps make yoghurt, sour cream, milk powder, milkshakes, feta cheese, condensed milk and drinking whey more appetizing.

In addition, this dye is widely used in confectionery, in particular in white icing, cream, nougat, chewing gum, marshmallows, ice cream and other sweets. Titanium dioxide is always present in ready-made dough, including store-bought dumplings and dumplings. It is added to minced white fish, crab sticks and seafood.

The presence of titanium dioxide in a food product is indicated by the presence of the additive E 171 in its composition. This food additive is allowed in all countries of the world without exception, so every year it is consumed in huge quantities by residents of all continents.

Another property of titanium oxide is its ability to reflect ultraviolet rays. For this reason, E171 dye is included in many cosmetics designed to protect people from the sun. This white pigment provides creams with high UV filters and reliably protects against sunburn.

Finally, it is necessary to note the widespread use of titanium dioxide in the production of toothpastes and many medical supplies. In particular, all white tablets and powders contain this particular dye.

Harm

Today on the Internet you can find a lot of information that titanium dioxide is extremely harmful, as it destroys the human body at the cellular level. However, numerous studies, including those on experimental animals, have not revealed any noticeable harmful effects of this food additive on a living organism.

An article published in the authoritative journal Food and Chemical Toxicology cited three independent studies to identify the harm of titanium dioxide. During them, rats were injected daily into the stomach with 1000 μ/kg of powder dye E 171 and their condition was closely monitored.

Based on the results of three experiments, no negative harm to this food additive for the animal body was revealed. The experimental rats remained active, did not suffer from diseases, and, most importantly, were able to give birth to healthy offspring.

Scientists explain this by the extraordinary inertness of titanium oxide, which dissolves only in highly concentrated acids and alkalis. This food additive is absolutely insoluble in water, animal and vegetable fats, ethanol and other organic solvents.

Therefore, titanium dioxide is not broken down in the human stomach and is not absorbed in the intestines, but is completely eliminated from the body naturally. For this reason, it does not have any effect on human health - neither harmful nor beneficial.

It is important to emphasize that titanium dioxide does not penetrate the body through the skin. This makes it absolutely safe to use sunscreens and other cosmetics containing the E171 additive. The same goes for medications, including tablets, powders and ointments.

The only officially confirmed harm from titanium dioxide is experienced only by employees of enterprises producing this dye. The fact is that titanium dioxide is obtained from titanium ore, or rather the minerals rutile, anatase, brookite and ilmenite. During their processing, titanium dust is released, which is dangerous to humans.

When tiny particles of titanium dioxide are inhaled, they settle in the lungs and cause severe allergic reactions, disrupt metabolic processes and blood circulation in tissues, and provoke serious inflammation and proliferation of fibrous tissue. In especially severe cases, such lung damage can cause the development of tuberculosis and even lung cancer.

However, in this case, the harm to the body is not associated with the properties of the E171 dye, but with the presence of foreign particles in the lung tissues. Inhalation of any other microparticles causes similar damage to the respiratory system.

Thus, the most dangerous is considered to be the entry of silicon dioxide into the human lungs, which causes the most dangerous disease silicosis.

Conclusion

Speaking about how harmful the E171 food additive is to humans, it should be emphasized that at the moment it is considered harmless. This opinion is shared by experts from different countries world, including from Russia.

In reality, this does not mean that titanium dioxide is absolutely safe. This only means that its possible negative properties have not yet been identified. Maybe he really is completely harmless. But it may also turn out that this food additive does not affect human health immediately, but after decades.

However, it should be noted that titanium dioxide has been actively used in the food industry since the middle of the last century and so far no connection has been identified between its use and the occurrence of certain diseases. This suggests that if the E171 dye has harmful properties, then they are expressed extremely weakly.

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