In recent years, TiO₂ has come under a lot of scrutiny as a possible carcinogen due to inhalation.

In 2017, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) concluded that titanium dioxide could be a carcinogen if it is inhaled.

This proposition was established on the base of old scientifically questioned animal test data, in which respirable titanium dioxide dust was inhaled in excessive quantities, approximately 40 times higher than maximum exposure limit established for factory workers.

Other broad data, including separate epidemiologic studies of TiO2 workers, have shown no TiO₂ specific links to cancer.

Finally, after 3 years of consultation and discussions, 18th of February 2020 the European Union published the official delegated regulation to classify titanium dioxide as a suspected carcinogen (category 2) by inhalation in certain powdered forms. This delegated regulation was published as an amendment to EU Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging (CLP) of substances and mixtures. The regulation will be applicable after the 18th months transitional period, from 1st October 2021.

The publication is available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/SL/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32020R0217

The classification is not related to the chemistry of titanium dioxide, but to the dust particles inhaled in extremely large quantities . It sets a dangerous precedent for numerous other powdered substances (including most of pigments).

During transitional period Grupa Azoty Zakłady Chemiczne "Police" SA will continue to cooperate with our customers, business partners as well as industry associations and relevant authorities in order to develop a uniform approach to classification requirements.

We will regularly inform about our activities in this area.