The most important constituent of paint is titanium dioxide, an opaque substance that gives paint its high gloss and rich depth of color. TiO2 (titanium dioxide) replaced the dangerous metal lead that was used in paint for this purpose. TiO2 (titanium dioxide) has also been used for years in coloring for food and cosmetics, crayons, and UV protection in sunscreens and many other products we use every day.
The disinfectant and self-cleaning qualities of TiO2 (titanium dioxide) are being widely employed in Japan and many European countries today for such products as coated ceramic tile for use in homes. This coating is reported to last the life of the tile and is activated by a UV light source and water. Other applications are TiO2 (titanium dioxide) coated self-cleaning roof tiles for homes and buildings, which are also activated by the UV light of the sun.
In addition, TiO2 (titanium dioxide) is currently being used to treat the air in fruit, vegetable and cut flower storage areas to prevent spoilage and increases the products� shelf life. The photocatalytic properties of TiO2 (titanium dioxide) remove ethylene gas from the air. Ethylene is a naturally occurring gaseous hormone produced by plant tissue that in low concentrations triggers the ripening of fruits and vegetables. Ethylene is also produced from other sources including internal combustion engines, certain fungi, and cigarette smoke.
