Customers today demand more than just a high-quality product; they seek assurance that their purchases align with ethical standards and ecological responsibility. Lack of transparency in the supply chain or concerns about labor practices can no longer be brushed under the carpet. In response, lithopone factories are embracing comprehensive certification programs that guarantee their operations are socially equitable and environmentally friendly. These initiatives include fair trade practices, zero-discharge policies, and strict worker safety guidelines.
Macromolecular oxidation was detected in proteins by the colorimetric measurement of Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP) and in lipids by the colorimetric quantification of malondialdehyde (MDA). Standard curves were run with chloramine-T and 1,1,3,3 tetraethoxypropane (TEP) for AOPP and MDA methods, respectively [29], [30], [31]. Values were normalized to initial protein content in samples, measured with Bradford reagent [32]. The standard deviation of at least six measures was calculated and p-value < 0.05 were considered significant.
In the meantime, the chemical factories of Continental Europe, principally in Germany, Austria and Belgium, had taken hold of the novelty and under the collective name of lithopone or lithophone, by numerous processes, produced various grades of the pigment, branding the respective qualities as red seal, green seal, yellow seal, blue seal, etc., or selling them under some fancy name. Of this we shall speak later on. The crusade against the use of white lead in the various countries of Continental Europe, assisted the manufacturers, to a very great extent, in marketing their products, not only to industrial concerns, as has been the case in this country, until recently, but to the general painting trade. Up to 1889 the imports into this country were comparatively small. At that time one of the largest concerns manufacturing oilcloth and linoleum in the State of New Jersey began to import and use Charlton white. Shortly after that other oilcloth manufacturers followed suit, replacing zinc white with lithopone in the making of white tablecloth, etc., and later on abandoning the use of white lead in floor cloth and linoleum. This gave an impetus to several chemical concerns, that erected plants and began to manufacture the pigment. Competition among the manufacturers and the activity of the importers induced other industries to experiment with lithopone, and the shade cloth makers, who formerly used white lead chiefly, are now among the largest consumers. Makers of India rubber goods, implement makers and paint manufacturers are also consumers of great quantities, and the demand is very much on the increase, as the nature of the pigment is becoming better understood and its defects brought under control. Large quantities find their way into floor paints, machinery paints, implement paints and enamel paints, while the flat wall paints that have of late come into such extensive use owe their existence to the use of lithopone in their makeup.
Prof Matthew Wright, both a member of the FAF Panel and chair of EFSA’s working group on E 171, said: “Although the evidence for general toxic effects was not conclusive, on the basis of the new data and strengthened methods we could not rule out a concern for genotoxicity and consequently we could not establish a safe level for daily intake of the food additive.”
In May 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published an opinion that stated that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe when used as a food additive.
The manufacturing process also emphasizes precision and quality control. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent particle size distribution, dissolution rate, and overall performance Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure consistent particle size distribution, dissolution rate, and overall performanceFor that reason, the Center for Science in the Public Interest has graded titanium dioxide as a food additive that consumers should seek to “avoid.” Scientists at the nonprofit nutrition and food safety watchdog group today published a new entry for titanium dioxide in its Chemical Cuisine database of food additives.
When examining a lithopone pigment pricelist, one might notice that prices can vary significantly between different grades of lithopone. Generally, there are two main types Lithopone 28 and Lithopone 60, with the numbers denoting the percentage of zinc sulfide content. Lithopone 28, with a lower zinc sulfide content, is often more affordable compared to Lithopone 60, which offers superior whiteness and opacity. The choice between these grades depends largely on the specific requirements of the end application.
Understanding Titanium Dioxide
Following the filtration, the precipitate is washed thoroughly to remove any impurities and excess reagents. This is a crucial step, as thorough washing ensures that no contaminants interfere with the final mass measurement. Once washed, the precipitate is dried in an oven at a controlled temperature to remove moisture, ensuring that the mass recorded reflects only the titanium content.
A legal additive in the United States, titanium dioxide is used in everything from food to consumer goods and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says regulated use of the product as a color additive in food is safe within certain restrictions.
Venator Materials, with roots in Huntsman International, focuses on both titanium dioxide and performance additivesThe California plaintiff is apparently not the only one concerned about titanium dioxide. The European Union recently banned its use citing concerns about serious health consequences.