I have had a lot of questions lately from people about inhaling titanium dioxide, and if it is truly bad for you. Considering that Christopher Drummond Beauty is a cosmetic line that has products that are free of Titanium Dioxide, and is also free of nano-particles, I thought it would be necessary to further research the benefits of not having these ingredients.
Let me also say, this is not a witch hunt. I am not looking for information to substantiate my beliefs on the issue. I am looking for information, whether pro or con, that explains the health benefits or cautions for nanoparticles and TD when inhaled.
As we all know, traditional mineral makeup has a main ingredient of Titanium Dioxide (also zinc oxide and bismuth oxychloride). When you couple this with nanoparticles, research is showing that there may be a need for concern. If for nothing else, the nanoparticles that are used (also known as “micronized”).
In an article originally Published by Oxford University Press, toxicology and epidemiology, use of powder Titanium Dioxide (“TD”) and it’s effects on the lungs and internal organs were scrutinized.
“Since it is not well known what the effects of TD are on the lungs, TD manufacturers in both Europe and North America initiated a program to research the effects of inhaling TD. The toxicology studies exposed rats, mice and hamsters to pigment-grade TD or ultrafine (“micronized”) TD for 90 days and the lung burdens and tissue responses were evaluated at the end of the exposure period and for up to 1 year after exposure.”
The results? Inconclusive. More research is needed on the subject. However, inflammation and irritation in the lungs was a constant in the study. There is little research done on the effect of Titanium Dioxide when inhaled.
From the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety:
“High concentrations of titanium dioxide dust may cause coughing and mild, temporary irritation.”
“Long-term inhalation of high concentrations of pigmentary (powdered) or ultrafine titanium dioxide may cause lung cancer, based on animal evidence.”
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that titanium dioxide is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) based on inadequate evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in experimental animals. This conclusion relates to long-term inhalation exposure to high concentrations of pigmentary (powdered) or ultrafine titanium dioxide.
I also found an in depth report on nano-particles and TD when inhaled (very good article, I strongly suggest you read it!).
http://www.jnanobiotechnology.com/content/2/1/12
While they found insufficient results for humans, this was concluded: “In summary, most nano-sized spherical solid materials will easily enter the lungs and reach the alveoli. Nano-sized particles are more likely to result in a higher burden, possibly amplifying any possible chronic effects caused by these particles.”
THE BOTTOM LINE ABOUT NANOPARTICLES AND TITANIUM DIOXIDE:
“Particles in the nano-size range can certainly enter the human body via the lungs and the intestines; penetration via the skin is less evident. It is possible that some particles can penetrate deep into the dermis. The chances of penetration depend on the size and surface properties of the particles and also on the point of contact in the lung, intestines or skin. After the penetration, the distribution of the particles in the body is a strong function of the surface characteristics of the particles.”
While they do not have enough information on the effects of Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and bismuth oxychloride when inhaled, it is universally known and accepted that nanoparticles definitely can be absorbed easier into the lungs than larger particles.
My suggestion? Stay away from nanoparticles in powder form, especially if they have non-natural ingredients in them.
Christopher Drummond Beauty does not use any nano-particles in our products, and minimal amounts of Titanium Dioxide are used.
Tags: Christopher Drummond, nanoparticles in mineral makeup, safe cosmetics, titanium dioxide free makeup, titanium dioxide free mineral makeup, titanium dioxide in cosmetics, zinc oxide
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