No contact with nanoparticles

As long as they are firmly bonded in such materials, no hazard is to be expected from normal use.

Use in cosmetics

Fine-particle and nanostructured materials are used in various cosmetic products. Examples are sunscreens containing ultra-fine titanium dioxide as a highly effective inorganic UV filter, which are applied directly to the skin. The use of UV filters in cosmetics is subject to stringent additional regulations. Titanium dioxide fully meets all of these requirements.

A large number of independent reports and investigations by Evonik confirm that titanium dioxide is not hazardous to consumers or production workers. Examples are the findings of the EU's Nanoderm project and Evonik's work showing that titanium dioxide does not penetrate healthy skin. The US Environmental Working Group (EWG) has also confirmed that mineral UV filters in sunscreens provide better protection. UV filters such as titanium dioxide are thus an alternative to organic substances, for example, where these are not tolerated by consumers.

Use in food

Evonik does not market new nanomaterials to the food industry. However, amorphous silica has been sold to the food industry for many years as a processing aid. Typical applications include powdered spices, tomato powder and powdered egg. Additions are in the lower single-digit percentage range. Synthetic amorphous silica has been tested for use in foodstuffs and has been approved since the 1960s as food additive E551. There has been no change the structure or particle size of the additives used in food since then. Extensive toxicological studies have not shown any signs that it is detrimental to health, nor has there been any indication of negative effects resulting from its use in pharmaceuticals. If new nanomaterials were to be used in food in the future, they would also be subject to stringent safety testing under the applicable food legislation. In Germany, there is a legal requirement to obtain permission before placing such new foods on the market.