13/07/17

A POSSIBLE NEW CLASSIFICATION FOR TITANIUM DIOXIDE?

Titanium dioxide is a pigment that is essential for the paint and coatings industry, being used in more than 85% of such products.The basic properties of this pigment include a white colour, coverage, glossiness, UV protection and stability.
More than 12 months have passed since France proposed a new standardized classification for titanium dioxide (CAS 13463-67-7) to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).This proposal called for classification of the substance as a Category 1 B, H350i carcinogen (may cause cancer by inhalation).It should be mentioned that titanium dioxide is not currently listed in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation.The proposal advanced by France of a new classification of titanium dioxide, beyond the negative perception of the term “carcinogenic”, may lead to a prohibition of the sale of all products containing titanium dioxide.
In early June 2017, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the ECHA proposed classifying titanium dioxide as a Category 2 carcinogen, by inhalation, asserting that there is insufficient evidence to classify the pigment as Category 1B.
This proposal will now be examined by the European Commission, which will decide on the matter in the fall.It is important to remember that in Italy, the classification of titanium dioxide as a Category 2 carcinogen does not prevent the sale of products containing this pigment.
We will keep you updated on future developments.