Essay Sample about Titanium Dioxide

Around the world people are greatly impacted by pigments, however very few  know about one of  the most common pigments that plays a key role in battling some of today's largest crises: Titanium Dioxide.Titanium dioxide is the most common white pigment on earth, along with being vital in fighting climate change, and preventing skin cancer(3). Titanium Dioxide is an odorless, inert, safe ionic compound found everywhere in the modern world. It has a chemical formula of TiO2, being composed of one Titanium cation with a charge of +4 and two oxygen anions with a charge of -2. According to the United States Geological Survey, the World's production of TiO2 in 2014 exceeded 9 million tonnes(4). Furthermore, according to Bloomberg Businessweek, it is used in two-thirds of all pigments and the total industry has been valued at approximately $13.2 billion(5).  TiO2 is solid and insoluble in almost all temperatures because it is oxidized. It was discovered in 1791 by William Gregor in black magnetic sand; although commercial production did not occur until the 1920s(2). TiO2 positively affects the human world, nonetheless,  with its abundance what effects does it  have on both people’s health as well as the environment?

Titanium dioxide is typically used in not only most paints but also in sunscreen, teeth whitening, bleaches, and foods. TiO2 is the whitest pigment known to man(3). TiO2 is  used as a main ingredient in sunscreen to prevent skin cancer due to its reflecting, and UV absorbing. According to skincancer.org regular use of even 15 SPF sunscreen can reduce risk of skin cancer by up to 50%(7). Surprisingly TiO2 is in many foods such as powdered donuts and even milk(6). TiO2 is used as a colour, texture enhancer, and anti-caking agent going by the name of E171(8). Additionally E171 is important in the pharmaceutical industry as it is used to colour medicine for consumer safety(8). It is used in paints, solar panels, as an antibacterial, in batteries, and in water filters to combat climate change. When TiO2 paints are used outside homes, energy usage is reduced as the paint lowers heat gained from the sunlight(3). It is used in solar panels and is based on a similar process to photosynthesis where nano-grade TiO2 creates energy from sunlight(3).  TiO2 is used as an antibacterial where it destroys microorganisms into water and carbon dioxide(9). This antibacterial property is used to keep windows, and concrete clean, moreover it is being researched for use in bandages(10). It is also used to make reverse osmosis filters in many homes to filter harmful particles out of water. Finally, its use in batteries as an anode extends the lifespan of lithium ion batteries reducing waste(10). These uses help the environment by reducing resource waste, producing clean energy, and cleaning water. Although there is much positive done by TiO2 there are also negatives such as pollution of waters, and danger to marine life. TiO2 in sunscreen has shown to increase natural levels of titanium in waters by 20%(11.) How those increased levels of TiO2 in water affects ecosystems are currently unknown. According to PHYS.org, “Long term exposure could be toxic to a variety of fish”(12). The total positive impact of TiO2 far outweighs the negative however due to the abundant use of it, research still needs to be done.

Titanium dioxide's effect on people's overall health is extremely crucial. Titanium has many positives of human health and life, however there are many possible concerns regarding its impact. As mentioned previously both sunscreen and medication classification rely on TiO2 for people's health and safety. As previously stated TiO2 is used as an antibacterial thus helping people stay safe. In contrast there are a few concerns. TiO2 has been identified to cause genotoxicity which according to Everydayhealth.com “refers to the ability of a chemical substance to damage DNA”(13). Moreover, according to ncbi, “TiO2 nanoparticles are classified as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans'’”(14). Due to these risks, although TiO2 has many health and life benefits for people, the possible risks that come with it are seriously concerning.

Chemistry is involved in all the major processes in the world. That includes TiO2 , which undergoes ionic bonding, acts as a catalyst for decomposition of microorganisms, and H2O. To form TiO2, Ti and O undergo a synthesis reaction, which is “when two different atoms or molecules interact to form a different molecule or compound” according to Mettler Toledo(15). It is formed when Ti metal is exposed to oxygen in the air, starting the synthesis reaction. Another reaction is when TiO2 acts as a catalyst with microorganisms to break down water and carbon dioxide in a decomposition reaction(2). A decomposition reaction “one reactant breaks down into  … more products”(17).  The composition of a bacteria cell is C6H10O5, the equation C6H10O5 ---> H2O + CO2  models the decomposition reaction when Ti2O acts as a catalyst. Finally TiO2 reacts with water to create a decomposition reaction separating the hydrogen and oxygen from water(16).  The equation  2H2O ---> 2H2 + O2 models the decomposition. Chemistry is core to all fundamental ideas of our world. TiO2 is a great example of chemistry in its uses, reactions, and core ideas.