What is Titanium Dioxide? Is it Safe? Is it used as a Natural Sunscreen? What about Low Nanoparticles?
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a naturally occurring mineral that is commonly used as a whitening agent in many products, including food, cosmetics, and sunscreen. It is also used in the manufacturing of paints, plastics, and paper.
While titanium dioxide has been deemed safe for use by regulatory agencies around the world, there has been some concern about its potential health effects, particularly when it comes to nanoparticles.
Safety Concerns
The main concern with titanium dioxide is that it can be inhaled in the form of nanoparticles, which are particles that are smaller than 100 nanometers in size. These nanoparticles are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and potentially cause damage.
Animal studies have shown that high levels of titanium dioxide nanoparticles can cause inflammation, lung damage, and even cancer. However, it is important to note that these studies used much higher levels of titanium dioxide than what is typically found in consumer products.
Natural Sunscreens
Many natural sunscreens use titanium dioxide as a physical sunscreen agent to protect the skin from UV rays. These sunscreens work by reflecting the sun's rays away from the skin, rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens.
Natural sunscreens that use titanium dioxide are generally considered safe for use, as they do not contain the potentially harmful chemicals found in some chemical sunscreens.
Low Nanoparticles
To address concerns about the potential health effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, some manufacturers have begun producing products that contain low or no nanoparticles.
Low-nanoparticle products contain titanium dioxide particles that are larger than 100 nanometers in size, which means they are less likely to be inhaled and cause damage.
Final Thoughts
While titanium dioxide has been deemed safe for use in consumer products, there is some concern about the potential health effects of nanoparticles. Natural sunscreens that use titanium dioxide as a physical sunscreen agent are generally considered safe for use. To address concerns about nanoparticles, some manufacturers have begun producing products that contain low or no nanoparticles. If you have concerns about the safety of a specific product, you should consult with a healthcare professional.
