Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely used in ceramics to create specific glaze effects, such as opacity and varied textures. Generally, it is considered safe when incorporated into glazes, as the firing process significantly reduces any toxicity by stabilizing the compound within the glassy matrix of the glaze. However, the safety concerns primarily arise during the handling of the powdered form before firing, as inhaling titanium dioxide dust can pose health risks, including respiratory problems. It's essential to use appropriate protective measures, like masks and proper ventilation when working with the powder. Once fired, the encapsulated titanium dioxide in the glaze should pose little to no risk. Always adhere to safety guidelines provided by the material's manufacturer.

Because titanium dioxide is chemically immobilized during combustion. glazing with titanium dioxide is usually not hazardous. As pure titanium dioxide powder can be inhaled in small particles and damage lung tissue during glaze manufacture. it is a potential inhalation risk. Therefore. proper handling and safety procedures are required.

Cellulose insulation, commonly used in residential and commercial buildings for thermal and acoustic purposes, typically appears as a grayish material rather than white. This coloration is due to the source material—recycled paper, mostly newsprint, which is treated with borate for fire and pest resistance. The gray color can vary slightly based on the specific recycled content and treatment process. While not white, its efficacy in insulation is not compromised by its color. In comparison, fiberglass insulation is often found in pink or yellow hues, which might be where the expectation for insulation materials to be colorful or white stems from.

Yes, pigments are indeed molecules. These molecules are responsible for absorbing certain wavelengths of light and reflecting others, which is what gives materials their color. Pigments can be found in a wide variety of sources, including plants, animals, and synthetic materials. In plants, chlorophyll is a pigment that absorbs blue and red light but reflects green, giving leaves their green color. In animals, melanin is a pigment responsible for the color of skin, hair, and eyes. Synthetic pigments are created through chemical processes and are used in paints, inks, plastics, and fabrics to provide colors that may not be readily available in nature. The specific arrangement of atoms within a pigment molecule determines the wavelengths of light it will absorb and reflect, thus determining its color. Pigments play a crucial role not only in the visual appearance of objects but also in various biological and industrial applications.