singer heavy duty zig zag stitch

2. Enhanced Workspace The extended arm length and elevated height create a larger sewing area. This advantage is particularly useful when working on bulky or oversized projects, such as quilts or blankets, as it minimizes the need for repositioning and folding fabric.

One of the primary advantages of an upholstery hand sewing machine over a regular sewing machine is its portability and ease of use. Upholsterers often find themselves in various settings, whether it's in a workshop, a client's home, or even at events. A hand sewing machine provides the flexibility to work in different environments without being tethered to a large, stationary machine.

As you browse sewing machine specials, don't forget to check online retailers, local fabric shops, and craft stores. Many stores offer exclusive in-store promotions, while online retailers might have larger inventories and customer reviews that can assist in making an informed decision. Additionally, subscribing to newsletters from sewing brands can keep you updated on upcoming sales or promotions.

What exactly is titanium dioxide?

Mexican researchers sought to evaluate the effects of E171 across a span of conditions in mice, including its influence on behavior, along with the effects on the colon and liver. The research, published in 2020 in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, showed that E171 promoted anxiety and induced adenomas, or noncancerous tumors, in the colon. They also found that E171 heightened goblet cells hypertrophy and hyperplasia, which is typically seen in asthma patients and triggered by smoking or external pollutants and toxins. They also noted mucins overexpression in the mice, which can be linked to cancer cell formation. 

Additionally, the committee noted that the available data did not provide convincing evidence of genotoxicity for titanium dioxide as a food additive, but recognized the limitations in current methodologies with respect to the testing of poorly soluble particulate materials. Although there were uncertainties in the genotoxicity data, the experts took into account the fact that the additive was not carcinogenic in adequately conducted two-year studies in mice and rats at doses of up to 7,500 mg/kg BW per day for mice, and 2,500 mg/kg BW per day for rats, the highest doses tested. There was also no evidence of reproductive or developmental toxicity in studies in rats at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg BW per day, the highest doses tested.  

What's the Verdict?

The updated evaluation revises the outcome of EFSA’s previous assessment published in 2016, which highlighted the need for more research to fill data gaps.  

While the FDA maintains that the regulated use of titanium dioxide is safe, the European Food Safety Authority and some other experts warn of potential, serious health risks.

The US and Canada, however, approve the use of titanium dioxide as a food additive. Canada's recent review of titanium dioxide reconfirmed its safety and pointed out that many of the toxicity studies the EU reviewed were not relevant to the safety of titanium dioxide as a food ingredient, and that the ban is based on an abundance of caution and uncertainty.