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Well, TiO2 is fully oxidized. It's a very stable substance that's inert in most circumstances. Recent changes in work-safety regarding TiO2 pigment has to do wi
by blattimwind 8y ago
Well, TiO2 is fully oxidized. It's a very stable substance that's inert in most circumstances. Recent changes in work-safety regarding TiO2 pigment has to do with dust (I think it shouldn't surprise anyone that any kind of dust is no good for you), not that they think TiO2 is actually toxic.
Similarly I think negative effects caused by very small particulates probably have less to do with the composition of the particle itself and more to do with it being around.
- hammock 8y agoIf it wasn't clear, I wasn't claiming that titanium dioxide would chemically combine with something in your body as chlorine gas or something would. There are many ways things can be toxic, and many of them involve pretty mundane processes like heavy metal bioaccumulation, or nanoparticles like asbestos, or other dust, or yes, titanium dioxide, getting stuck in hard-to-clean (from the body's point of view) nooks and crannies of your body. And it doesn't take much to be toxic: a single exposure to asbestos. Or the talcum powder fiasco. Not all dust is created equal, and it's the size and shape of the dust that matters. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been a known danger (to the industry, occupational hazard etc) for a long time.