Titanium Dioxide Suspected of Carcinogenicity

The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) plans to recommend including Titanium dioxide in a harmonized classification in hazard class carcinogenicity, category 1B.

With the classification, the substance would fulfill a decisive criterion for inclusion in the list of substances of very high concern (SVHC). Furthermore, as a carcinogen, it could no longer be used in consumer products.

The association of titanium dioxide manufacturers has already announced its desire to examine very carefully the dossier that has been submitted. The substance has been registered properly since 2010. Since then, all the available scientific data has been examined, including an epidemiological study with 20,000 workers in 15 locations where TiO2 is produced. According to the association, no negative effects on health have been found to date.

In the next step, the ECHA will examine the dossier to see if it contains all the required information. If that is the case, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) has 18 months to develop a position. If the Committee follows the recommendations of the requester, a dedicated commission will process a draft for inclusion in Annex VI.

Titanium dioxide is a multifunctional product in industry. The substance is used as a white pigment in paints, sun screen, and toothpaste. When exposed to sunlight, it can also clean waste water and air, produce electricity, and even work as a semiconductor to release hydrogen from water.

If you deal with titanium dioxide in any form and have questions about the marketing and sales of your product, we are happy to offer advice. Please contact us at cosmetics@kft.de.

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