Titanium Dioxide
Titanium Dioxide
Carcinogens are substances that can cause cellular malfunction, which in turn can cause cells to become cancerous. This malfunction can lead to the rapid growth of altered cells, which can ultimately be fatal to the body. Many people are trying to limit or avoid carcinogens because of the alarming increase in cancer incidence across all demographics. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and other regulatory agencies tasked with protecting the public and employees in the workplace consider titanium dioxide to be a harmless, inert material. Half of the nuisance dust, which is 15 mg/m cubed (OSHA) or 10 mg/m cubed (ACGIH Threshold Limit Value), as specified by the US Department of Labor, might cause lung fibrosis, according to the MSDS. "Not classifiable as a human carcinogen" is the ACGIH's official stance on titanium dioxide. The MSDS states that a "slight increase in lung tumour incidence in lab rats" is one symptom of chronic overexposure to titanium dioxide in an industrial context. Furthermore, "when titanium dioxide was fed to rats/mice in a carcinogen bioassay, it was not carcinogenic" . The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that the chemical was carcinogenic in rats, with a tiny amount of lung fibrosis shown at 5000 mg/m cubed.
"Pulmonary Response of Rats Exposed to Titanium Dioxide by Inhalation for Two Years" (1985) by Lee, Trochimowicz, and Reinhardt is the study upon which the NIOSH carcinogenicity in rats declaration is based. The study's authors discovered that rats subjected to a daily six-hour, five-day-a-week dose of 250 mg/m cubed of dust for two years with compromised rat clearance mechanisms developed small lung tumors. Furthermore, they pointed out that there is absolutely no biological significance of this evidence in relation to lung tumors in people. It should be mentioned that rats are notoriously susceptible to developing lung tumors when exposed to excessive amounts of dust that is neither highly soluble nor poisonous. The respiratory systems of rats and bigger mammals (e.g., humans, monkeys, and dogs) handle particles in quite different ways (Warheit, 2004). Since other rodent species, like mice or hamsters, have not shown this sensitivity in their lungs (Warheit, 2004), it would be incorrect to extrapolate data from rats to humans in order to determine the carcinogenicity of titanium dioxide.
According to ewg.org, several industries and groups have maintained that titanium dioxide is hazardous. The safety disclaimers for the restrictions on the permissible use of titanium dioxide, however, have been compiled from a number of investigations and reviews of studies. The World Health Organization and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization held a study assessment in Rome in 1969. In order to determine if titanium dioxide could be hazardous, researchers conducted and evaluated cross-species investigations. The conference determined that rats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, and male humans did not absorb titanium dioxide when given this mineral in various diet percentages and over extended periods of time. No harmful consequences from ingesting titanium dioxide were observed, and no particles of the material were found in the blood, liver, kidneys, or urine. It is deemed a safe chemical for public health by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (2002), which permits its consumption and external application, including the eye area. While certain incidences of pulmonary fibrosis did occur, other epidemiological studies found no statistically significant association between titanium dioxide exposure and lung cancer or respiratory disease among workers. People in industrial settings are more exposed to harmful substances than the general population, which is why these research focused on them.
There are no known detrimental effects of titanium dioxide, making it a safe pigment to use. According to Antczak (2001) and the Physical & Theoretical Chemical Laboratory at Oxford University, it is not mentioned as a carcinogen, mutagen, teratogen, comedogen, toxin, or trigger for contact dermatitis in any other safety regulation publications than the NIOSH. So, it's safe to say that titanium dioxide isn't carcinogenic and can be used in a variety of products without worry. Nonetheless, this does not put an end to the discussion, as there is ongoing contention regarding the safety of a specific kind of titanium dioxide.
Ultrafine or nanoparticles are something to be worried about when it comes to minerals or mineral extracts, such as titanium dioxide. The capacity to decrease normally sized mineral particles to sizes never previously envisaged has grown alongside technological advancements. While many are singing the praises of this cutting-edge equipment, others are sounding the alarm about the risks it poses to human health. According to research published in the 1999 article "Induction of Fibrogenic Mediators by Fine and Ultrafine Titanium Dioxide in Rat Tracheal Explants" by Churg et. al. of the University of British Columbia, ultrafine anatase titanium dioxide particles smaller than 0.1 microns are harmful and can cause disease (refer to Table 1).
Mineral Pigment Particle Measurements (Table 1)
How to Measure Particle Size
Coarseness: 100 microns or less
Delicate - Under 2.5 microns
Very small - (nanoparticles) Under one hundred nanometers, or less than 0.1 microns
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Size of Particles and How They Enter the Body (Table 2)
Small Particle - Point of Ingress
Lung alveolar surface - 70 nanometers
50 nm - Cytomes
Central Nervous System - 30 nanometers
Not available at this time; less than 20 nanometers
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Results from the study "Effects of Titanium Ions and Particles on Neutrophil Function and Morphology" by Kumazawa et al. indicated that the size of titanium dioxide particles determined the level of cytotoxicity, or cell damage. Particle toxicity is directly proportional to particle size (see Table 2). Because micronized pigments are becoming more common in sunscreens and color cosmetics, this finding is important for consumers. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are utilized in sunscreens due to their ability to absorb UV light while remaining colorless at that size. Metal oxide nanoparticles are a boon to the cosmetics industry. On the other hand, research has shown that sun exposure can harm DNA if sunscreen particles small enough can enter cells and cause photocatalysis (Powell, et. al. 1996). The possibility of skin cancer is a major concern. The skin is capable of absorbing microfine particles, according to studies conducted on people who used sunscreens containing micronized titanium dioxide on a daily basis for two to four weeks. They were visible under ultraviolet light in the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin. Sunscreens and colored cosmetics containing micronized mineral pigments are harmful to the skin, whereas those with coarse or fine titanium dioxide particles are harmless and effective at protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays.
We need to carefully review the relevant studies in order to draw fair conclusions on the effect on our health and wellbeing, as is the case with any health issue. It is common practice to make risk assessments apart from practical considerations of potential dangers and exposures (Warheit, 2004). The Organic Make-up Co. (http://www.organicmakeup.ca) has determined that, based on the existing research and knowledge, mineral pigments such as titanium dioxide, whether in fine or coarse particle size, are safe to use. We balance the priority of looking good with the more important of being healthy by insisting on utilizing only coarse or fine particles of mineral pigments in our color cosmetics, even though micronized pigments have been requested on multiple occasions. Given the abundance of cosmetics and chemicals on the market, it is crucial for us to educate ourselves as consumers and opt for pure, natural, and uncomplicated options to safeguard our well-being and lifespan.
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