Titanium dioxide: Are there health risks?
Update of frequently asked questions to the BfR of 12 May 2021
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is currently authorised as the food additive E 171 and can be used as a white colour pigment in confectionery and coatings, e.g. in dragees and chewing gum. Under the nomenclature CI 77891, the substance is contained as a white pigment in cosmetic products such as toothpaste. Titanium dioxide is also used as a UV filter in sunscreens. The majority of titanium dioxide is used in technical applications, however, such as the manufacture of paints, varnish, paper and plastics.
Due to the diversity of applications, all important routes of absorption must be considered in the context of a health assessment of titanium dioxide: absorption via the skin (dermal), via the respiratory tract (inhalation) or via the digestive tract (oral).
The BfR has compiled frequently asked questions on the topic of titanium dioxide.