A recent study has detected titanium dioxide particles, a potential carcinogen banned in food in France since 2020 and by the European Union in 2022, in breast milk and various types of infant and animal milk, raising concerns about contamination sources.

Samples from ten women in Paris showed variable levels of titanium dioxide in their breast milk, with some having up to 15 times more particles, indicating that this substance can pass through the mammary gland barrier.

The presence of titanium dioxide in milk suggests contamination from environmental sources, as it has been well-documented in water, soil, and air, and may be accumulating through multiple exposure routes.

The study found that 100% of tested animal milks and 83% of infant milks contained titanium dioxide, with concentrations ranging from millions to billions of particles per liter, highlighting widespread contamination in products consumed by children.

The widespread presence of titanium dioxide in milk, including organic and conventional sources, raises concerns about ongoing exposure despite regulatory bans.

Research indicates that contamination levels reflect exposure for newborns, mothers, and adults, suggesting that non-food environmental sources may contribute to the presence of titanium dioxide in milk.

The study underscores the need for further research to understand the origins of contamination and its potential health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations like children.

Scientists plan to expand their investigations to include larger sample sizes and study the effects of titanium dioxide on newborn organs to better assess potential health risks.

Currently, the health effects of consuming milk contaminated with titanium dioxide are unknown, as there is a lack of studies on its impact through ingestion.

Titanium dioxide has been classified as a potential carcinogen by inhalation since 2006 and is suspected to be genotoxic, raising concerns about its effects on consumers of all ages, including infants.

Researchers emphasize the importance of further studies to understand the sources of contamination and evaluate the potential health risks posed by titanium dioxide exposure.

Given its presence in the environment, including water, soil, and air, titanium dioxide contamination in milk could result from environmental accumulation and exposure routes, complicating efforts to control its spread.