LOS ANGELES—Researchers at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles induced DNA damage and genetic instability in mice. TiO2 is used as a white food color, and is also found in cosmetics, sunscreen, paint, vitamins and other common household products.
The mice were exposed to TiO2 nanoparticles in their drinking water and began showing genetic damage on the fifth day. The TiO2 nanoparticles induced single- and double-strand DNA breaks and also caused chromosomal damage and inflammation, all of which increase the risk for cancer.
Once in the system, the TiO2 nanoparticles accumulate in different organs because the body has no way to eliminate them. And because they are so small, they can go everywhere in the body, even through cells, and may interfere with sub-cellular mechanisms.
