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Overwhelmingly, research that’s relevant to human eating patterns shows us that E171 is safe when ingested normally through foods and drugs (1,2).
Le lithopone a été découvert dans les années 1870 par DuPont. Il a été produit par la Krebs Pigments and Chemical Company, entre autres1. Il se faisait en différents grades, en fonction de la teneur en sulfure de zinc. Les qualités « bronze » et « or » contenaient 40 à 50 % de sulfure de zinc, ce qui les rendaient particulièrement couvrantes2. Bien que ce pigment ait atteint son pic de popularité autour de 1920, il s'en produisait encore annuellement plus de 220 000 tonnes en 1990. Il est principalement utilisé dans les peintures, les pâtes et les plastiques3.
Lithopone
On November 23, 2022, the General Court of the European Union reversed the conclusion that titanium dioxide was carcinogenic and released a statement (1,2):
“First, the Commission made a manifest error in its assessment of the reliability and acceptability of the study on which the classification was based and, second, it infringed the criterion according to which that classification can relate only to a substance that has the intrinsic property to cause cancer.”
As part of our mission at CRIS we base our safety assessments on the currently available scientific evidence and consider many variables (e.g., study quality, journal of publication, etc.), even if it goes against previous conclusions. Evidence-informed decisions making is critical to ensure that the laws and regulations put into place are for the benefit of the population.
The EU General Court maintains that the scientific evidence presented wasn’t the complete picture for the ingredient, “in the present case, the requirement to base the classification of a carcinogenic substance on reliable and acceptable studies was not satisfied.”
Titanium dioxide is often used as a UV absorber and pigment in cosmetic products, such as foundations, lipsticks, creams, sunscreens and other skin care products. It helps protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays by blocking them, while providing a brightening effect.
Yet another study, this one published in 2006 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer said there was insufficient evidence to conclude that titanium dioxide causes cancer. However, the study also categorized the ingredient as a potential human carcinogen.
Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, will be listed on product labels, but companies are not required to list ingredient size or structure. When it is used in sunscreens to block UV light, titanium dioxide is considered an active ingredient, which means the concentration must also be listed.
Given its widespread use, finding reliable suppliers of barium sulphate is crucial for industries that rely on this compound. Many companies specialize in the production and distribution of barium sulphate, ensuring that businesses can source high-quality materials tailored to their specific needs.