One form of mineral or mineral extract, including titanium dioxide, that we should be concerned about is ultrafine or nano particles. As technology has advanced, so has its ability to take normal sized particles of minerals and reduce them to sizes never before imagined. While many are praising this new technology, others are warning of its inherent dangers to our bodies. A study by Churg et. al. at University of British Columbia in their paper "Induction of Fibrogenic Mediators by Fine and Ultrafine Titanium Dioxide in Rat Tracheal Explants" (1999) found that ultrafine particles of anatase form of titanium dioxide, which are less than 0.1 microns, are pathogenic or disease causing (see Table 1).

Table 1: Measurements of Mineral Pigment Particles

Particle Size| Measurement Coarse| Less than 10 microns Fine| Less than 2.5 microns Ultrafine (nanoparticles)| Less than 0.1 microns or 100 nanometres -etcgroup.org

Table 2: Particle Size and Entry into Human Body

Nanoparticle Size| Entry Point 70 nanometres| Alveolar surface of lung 50 nanometres| Cells 30 nanometres| Central Nervous System Less than 20 nanometres| No data yet -etcgroup.org

Kumazawa, et. al. in their study, "Effects of Titanium Ions and Particles on Neutrophil Function and Morphology" concluded that cytotoxicity (danger to cell) was dependent on particle size of titanium dioxide. The smaller particle size, more toxic it is (see Table 2). This conclusion is relevant to consumer because of cosmetics industry's increasing use of micronized pigments in sunscreens and colour cosmetics. Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are used in sunscreens because they are colourless at that size and still absorb ultraviolet light. Many cosmetic companies are capitalizing on metal oxide nanoparticles. We have seen, however, that if titanium dioxide particles used to act as a sunscreen are small enough, they can penetrate cells, leading to photocatalysis within cell, causing DNA damage after exposure to sunlight (Powell, et. al. 1996) The fear is that this could lead to cancer in skin. Studies with subjects who applied sunscreens with micronized titanium dioxide daily for 2-4 weeks showed that skin can absorb microfine particles. These particles were seen in percutaneous layers of skin under UV light. Coarse or fine particles of titanium dioxide are safe and effective at deflecting and absorbing UV light, protecting skin, but consumers should avoid using products with micronized mineral pigments, either in sunscreens or colour cosmetics.

As with any health issue, relevant studies must be examined closely to reach balanced conclusions about its impact on our health and well-being. Often, risk determinations are made without considering actual hazards and real-life exposures (Warheit, 2004). The Organic Make-up Co. considers fine or coarse particle sized titanium dioxide and other mineral pigments to be safe according to studies available and information discussed in this article. Despite repeated requests for micronized pigments in our colour cosmetics, we insist on using only coarse or fine particles of mineral pigments, balancing our need to look beautiful with our more pressing need to stay healthy. With multitude of cosmetics and chemicals available to us, it is in our best interest to become informed as consumers and make pure, natural and simple choices to protect our health and longevity.

References:

- Antczak, Cosmetics Unmasked. Harper Collins; London:2001 - Blake, et.al. "Application of Photocatalytic Chemistry of TiO2 to Disinfection and Killing of Cancer Cells", Separation and Purification Methods; Vol 28 (1) 1999 p.1-50 - Churg, Gilks, Dai, UBC Dept. of Pathology. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. Vol 277 Issue 5 L975-L982, 1999 - Dunford, et. al. FEBS Letters 418, 87 1997 - Etcgroup.org - Kamazawa, et.al. "Effects of Titanium Ions and Particles of Neutrophil Function and Morphology". Biomaterials 2002 Sep 23 (17): 3757-64 - Powell, et. al. GUT 38, 390 1996 - Warheit, David "Nanoparticles: Health Impacts?". Materials Today, Feb. 2004 - Witt, Stephen. Director of Technological Support, N. American Refractories Co.

Food #3: Most Breakfast Cereals

The reason I say most breakfast cereals is because there are some that you should eat and I'll mention those in a bit. Most cereals claim to have whole grains, vitamins and minerals- and they do- but they also contain tons of sugar and processed, unhealthy ingredients. Reading ingredients label will tell you all you need to know. Kashi cereal is what I recommend. They have a line of about 10 different cereals and they are all made of healthy ingredients. And yes, they taste pretty good.