Titanium dioxide, also known as titanic oxide, is a naturally occurring oxide of the element titanium. It is a white, powdery substance with a high refractive index, making it useful in many industrial and cosmetic applications. Alternate names for this compound include titanium(IV) oxide, titania, and titanic anhydride. It is often abbreviated as TiO2. The use of titanium dioxide in products such as sunscreen, paint, and food coloring has come under scrutiny in recent years due to concerns about its potential health and environmental impacts. Despite these concerns, titanium dioxide remains a popular and widely used substance in many industries.