Comparing E171 - Titanium dioxide vs E170I - Calcium carbonate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 8,902 products
Found in 1,512 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is titanium dioxide safe?
As a food color (E171), the EU no longer considers it safe and banned food uses in 2022 because potential genotoxicity of nano-sized particles could not be ruled out. Regulators in the U.S., UK, and several other regions still permit it within strict limits.
Is titanium dioxide bad for you?
Typical dietary exposure shows low acute toxicity, but ongoing uncertainty about DNA damage from very small particles led the EU to ban it in foods as a precaution. Occupational inhalation of TiO2 dust—not eating it—is the scenario most closely linked to cancer risk (IARC Group 2B).
Is titanium dioxide safe in sunscreen?
Yes—titanium dioxide is widely accepted as a safe, effective mineral UV filter in sunscreens when applied to skin. The main caution is avoiding inhalation of sprays or loose powders, since respiratory exposure to fine TiO2 particles is the concern flagged by IARC.
What is titanium dioxide used for?
In foods it serves as a whitening and opacifying agent in candies, chewing gum, bakery decorations, sauces, and supplement coatings. Outside food it is used heavily in paints, plastics, paper, cosmetics, and sunscreens for its brightness and UV-scattering properties.
What does titanium dioxide do?
It scatters light to create a vivid white appearance and hides underlying colors or textures, giving foods and tablets a uniform look. In personal care products it blocks and reflects UV light, contributing to SPF protection in mineral sunscreens.
What is chalk made of?
Traditional chalk is mostly calcium carbonate (CaCO3), a naturally occurring mineral; some modern blackboard “chalk” sticks may instead use calcium sulfate (gypsum).
What is chalk paint?
It’s a matte decorative paint that uses calcium carbonate as a white pigment/filler to create a chalky, velvety finish with good coverage and adhesion.
How to make chalk paint?
Stir calcium carbonate powder into a little water to make a slurry, then mix it into latex/acrylic paint—about 2–3 tablespoons calcium carbonate per 1 cup of paint—adjusting to reach the desired texture and coverage.
Can you eat chalk?
Food‑grade calcium carbonate (E170i) used in foods and supplements is considered safe at permitted levels, but eating non‑food‑grade chalk sticks isn’t advised and excessive intake can cause constipation or high‑calcium effects.
What is calcium carbonate used for?
In foods, E170i is used mainly as a white colorant and stabilizer and as a source of calcium; beyond food, it’s common in antacids and as a filler/pigment in tablets, paints, paper, and plastics.