New Guidance on Classification and Labelling of Carcinogen Titanium Dioxide Released By ECHA
In September 2021, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) released new guidance information with a focus on titanium dioxide. Following the chemical's classification as carcinogenic if inhaled, this guidance is intended to assist businesses and other relevant parties in knowing how titanium dioxide-containing mixtures must be classified and labelled. In doing so, it aims to facilitate user compliance with obligations under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. In this blog post, we review the release of this important information and its key requirements.
Titanium Dioxide Guidance Information
Also known as titanium (IV) oxide, titanium dioxide is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium. It is an opaque, white mineral that can exist in various crystalline forms, including anatase and rutile.
| IUPAC Name | Titanium Dioxide |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | TiO2 |
| CAS Registry Number | 13463-67-7 |
Titanium dioxide represents a multibillion-dollar market, and a wide range of consumer and industrial applications for it exists. These include utilization in cosmetics, foods, paint, paper, plastics, sunscreen, and more. While it continues to see widespread use, recent research has called into question the safety of several applications of the chemical and of particular routes of exposure.
In February 2020, certain forms of titanium dioxide were classified as suspected carcinogens by way of inhalation. The new guidance includes a discussion of classification and labelling requirements for types of mixtures that contain the chemical.
Solid Mixtures Containing Titanium Dioxide
- For classified solid mixtures (e.g., powder), it is required that they be classified as Carc. 2 (H351) and include the EUH212 supplemental labelling element ("Warning! Hazardous respirable dust may be formed when used. Do not breathe dust.").
- For non-classified solid mixtures, specifically those containing > 1 % (w/w) of titanium dioxide, it is required that they include the EUH212 supplemental labelling element.
Liquid Mixtures Containing Titanium Dioxide
For liquid mixtures, specifically those containing > 1 % (w/w) of titanium dioxide particles (with a diameter < 10 microns), it is required that they include the EUH211 supplemental labelling element ("Warning! Hazardous respirable droplets may be formed when sprayed. Do not breathe spray or mist."). It is not required that these mixtures be classified as Carc. 2 (H351).
These relevant requirements will apply following an eighteen-month transitional period.
More detailed information about the requirements may be found by reviewing the published guidance itself.
Accessing More Information
ECHA guidance information can be an indispensable resource for a diverse range of professionals, including chemical safety professionals of all types. For additional information on developments relative to the newly released guidance, you can visit the ToxPlanet website and blog regularly. Also, be sure to contact us and register for a Free Trial to learn more about how our robust suite of solutions can help address your chemical hazard information needs.
