But there are no identified risks to health.
The American Chemical Society media release is below. Click here for the study.
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Children may have highest exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Children may be receiving the highest exposure to nanoparticles of titanium dioxide in candy, which they eat in amounts much larger than adults, according to a new study. Published in ACS’ journal, Environmental Science & Technology, it provides the first broadly based information on amounts of the nanomaterial – a source of concern with regard to its potential health and environmental effects – in a wide range of consumer goods.
In the study, Paul Westerhoff, Ph.D., and colleagues point out that titanium dioxide is a common additive to many consumer products, from food to paint to cosmetics. Westerhoff explained that the body releases the nanoparticles in feces and urine, sending them to wastewater treatment plants, which cannot prevent the smallest particles from entering lakes and rivers. Only one previous study, done a decade ago, reported on titanium dioxide content in a few commercial products. To fill the knowledge gap about the sources of humans’ exposures, the researchers bought and tested food, personal care products, paints and adhesives and measured how much titanium dioxide they contain.
The group found that children consume more titanium dioxide than adults because sweets like candies, marshmallows and icing are among the products with the highest levels. The paper lists the names of the products tested and their titanium dioxide content. Westerhoff recommends that regulators shift their focus from the type of titanium dioxide used in paints and industrial processes to food-grade particles, because those are much more likely to enter the environment and pose a potential risk to humans and animals.
Titanium dioxide was fully tested and deemed totally inert as a replacement for lead in coatings 40 years ago. The fact that we “pass” the particles suggests that they are not harmful to humans. As for releasing TiO2 into the environment… where the heck do you think it comes from?????
‘the body releases the nanoparticles in feces and urine’. These particles are ‘likely to enter the environment and pose a potential risk to humans and animals.’ These are supposedly humans and animals which can’t excrete.
But it’s only a potential risk, which means it’s not an *actual* risk. Finding an actual risk could make an academic career. Claiming a ‘potential’ risk is merely begging for research funding.