George Fuchs and David Savastano, NAPIM and Ink World03.23.20
Titanium dioxide, or TiO2, is the key pigment for many products, including white inks, white paints and sunscreen. However, TiO2 has come under a lot of scrutiny in recent years as a possible carcinogen due to inhalation. The question is not the titanium dioxide itself, but rather the dust that occurs during production.
In 2017, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) determined that titanium dioxide could be a carcinogen if it is inhaled. This has been under discussion for the past three years.
On Feb. 18, 2020, the European Union (EU) published a delegated regulation classifying titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a category 2 suspected carcinogen by inhalation under EU Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labeling and packaging (CLP) of substances and mixtures. The decision goes into effect Sept. 9, 2021.
This ruling has the potential for major impacts on the paint and ink industries. Dust inhalation is not limited to titanium dioxide; it could be taken to other critical powders,
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