Side Effects of Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide is a mineral that occurs naturally and exists in a white powder odorless form.
The natural occurring mineral is greatly versatile with a large range of uses such as in humans, animals and food processing.
Below we have some of the side effects of sodium dioxide in human, animals and the environment.
Side Effects in Human
· Genetoxicity
This occurs when a chemical substance alters the DNA of a person.
The micro -particles of a component (E171) of titanium dioxide in food additives are a great contribution to genetoxicity in human.
· Skin irritation
Titanium dioxide is applicable as an additive in cosmetics, such as in the sunscreen.
It causes irritation and darkening to some sensitive skins.
· Inflammation
There is an increase in the intake of titanium dioxide as a food additive leading to its accumulation in the body.
Absorption of high level of titanium dioxide in the bloodstream leads to intestinal inflammation. The inflammation poses damage to the intestinal mucosa especially on patients with colitis.
· Eye irritation
Titanium dioxide causes irritation and pain when it comes in contact with the eye. In such an instance a person has to rinse to the eye so as to clear the irritation.
· Nose and Throat Irritation
Titanium dioxide is applicable in many processing factories, with a vast usage as an additive in food, cosmetics and plastics.
This exposes many workers to a risk of inhaling a large concentration of titanium dioxide leading to irritation of the nose and throat. A long-term accumulation of the particles leads to developing of cough and phlegm.
· Cancer
A person inhaling the titanium dioxide particles over time is at a high risk of suffering from lung cancer.
Titanium dioxide falls under the Group 2B carcinogen, being an agent that leads to oxidative stress, hence can result to cancer.
· Respiratory Problems in Humans
Workers in processing industries that involve the application of Titanium dioxide are at high risk of suffering from breath shortness, wheezing and coughing.
This is due to inhaling the fumes from the mineral for a long period of time.
Environment Effects
· Harm to Marine Life
The particles of titanium dioxide get into the sea through the beaches.
The sunscreens we apply for Ultra violet rays protection contain titanium dioxide which looses the protective chemicals when in contact with water.
The nanoparticles of titanium dioxide that get into the water bodies expose toxic agents hence posing harm to marine life.
Conclusion
Titanium dioxide is a natural occurring mineral with a wide range of applications and additive value to many commercial products.
The mineral has both pros and cons in it’s applications depending with the percentage of usage. A high concentration of titanium dioxide poses toxicity and danger to the environment and other living things.