Titanium dioxide has been approved for use in Europe for a century, and studies have repeatedly shown no harmful effects on the public or workers.

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2) is one of the most versatile chemical compounds in the world, found in a variety of products and technologies we see and use every day, including paints, plastics, cosmetics, sunscreens, glass, and even catalytic converters. Its different properties mean that it can be used in a variety of ways, for example as a brilliant white colorant, to protect against ultraviolet radiation and to reduce pollution.

Titanium Dioxide Rutile NTR 606 Tio2 Industry Grade

It has been used safely for about 100 years in a surprising number of products. It has a history of regulatory approval and thorough, ongoing scientific evaluation of its use and production.

Derived from one of the most abundant natural materials on Earth, the chemically stable state of TiO 2 provides the basis for its use in numerous applications.

Several long-term studies of workers regularly exposed to titanium dioxide have shown no harmful effects.

Is TiO 2 safe for consumers?

TiO 2 has passed safety evaluations by a number of regulatory agencies and has consistently been found to be safe for many of the intended applications.

However, over the years, its prevalence has led to questions and research to determine whether it has any impact on our health and any associated side effects related to exposure. This concern is particularly evident in the use of food and cosmetics industries.

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2), derived from one of the most common elements on Earth, has been recognized as an inert and safe material by a large number of regulatory agencies.

Its vivid white color makes it an ideal substance for many uses. It can also be safely used as a colorant, UV protector, and thickener in cosmetics because there are few allergies or intolerances associated with its consumption or use.

It is also approved for use in a variety of products and materials, including sunscreen, toothpaste, and pharmaceuticals.

The European Court of Justice ruled that TiO 2 was not dangerous

In a judgment delivered on 23 November 2022, the General Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that titanium dioxide (TiO 2) is not an inhalation carcinogen in category 2 and is in compliance with the Classification and Labelling Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. The judgment relates to the classification of powdered TiO 2 as a suspected inhalation carcinogen (Category 2) by the European Union on 18 February 2020.

The main reason for the withdrawal was an error in assessing the reliability and acceptability of the study on which the classification was based, and that the classification could only be applied to substances with intrinsic carcinogenic properties.

Is the production of TiO2 safe?

In nature, titanium is often associated with other common elements such as iron. There are two methods that can be used to separate these materials to form pure TiO2: the sulfate process and the chloride process.

A similar production process is used to manufacture titanium metal for the aerospace, medical, shipbuilding, and construction industries. Like all chemical processes, they are subject to strict environmental laws, and both TiO 2 production methods employ and adhere to stringent health, safety, and disposal standards.

Fabrication of TiO2 is optimized to recycle or reuse raw materials. Typically, the chlorine and sulfuric acid are recovered and the iron is converted to valuable byproducts.

TiO 2 production is regulated by EU-wide standards, including the Seveso Directive, and Europe's leading producers adhere to the Responsible Care ® principle.

Both Seveso and Responsible Care ® help ensure sustainable production and improve the way TiO 2 is manufactured. Life cycle assessments have been conducted to measure the environmental impact of the production of titanium dioxide.

Learn more about sustainability measures.

Is TiO 2 safe for workers?

Current evidence suggests that workers in TiO 2 manufacturing plants (e.g. EU plants) follow standard occupational health and safety requirements and should not be concerned about TiO 2 exposure.

In addition to the national bodies monitoring the substances used in their respective countries, the EU's REACH legislation also monitors the safety of all chemicals used. This requires industry to assess any hazards associated with these substances and manage any potential risks.

In registering TiO 2 under REACH, the industry collected and evaluated the available scientific data on TiO 2 and determined that there was no evidence of harm based on the REACH evaluation criteria.

TiO 2 production is carefully managed by the industry. The producer takes all necessary measures to comply with the laws and regulations of the European Union and the Member States relating to the safe handling of the materials used in the manufacture of TiO 2.

In addition, TiO 2 has been commercialized for about 100 years. Extensive studies of TiO 2 manufacturing workers during this period found no evidence of increased cancer risk.

Four large epidemiological studies in North America and Europe involving more than 24,000 workers in the TiO 2 manufacturing industry showed no increased risk of cancer or other adverse effects from TiO 2 exposure.

Is TiO 2 safe in food?

Titanium dioxide is used as a colorant in foods E171. During decades of use as a food colorant, there is no demonstrable link between general intake of E171 and harm to human health. However, the European Commission withdrew its approval for the use of E171 in food products in the European Union on 18 January 2022. Learn more about the use and safety of the E171.

Conclusion

TiO 2 has an approximately 100-year tradition of safe production and safe commercial use in a wide range of industries, with significant benefits to society and no harmful effects on humans or the environment.

Long-term studies have shown that the consumption, use, and production of TiO 2 is not harmful to humans, and many regulatory agencies have determined that it is non-toxic and non-carcinogenic to humans.