BCF: Workers and Users Should Not Be Alarmed by TiO2 Classification
COVENTRY, UK — The European Union 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 paints, coatings and printing inks industries are the largest user globally of TiO2, which is one of the most important raw materials to the sector.
While the classification of TiO2 is only for the powder form of the substance, and does not apply to liquid mixtures of paints, coatings or printing inks containing TiO2, or wallpaper, there are concerns of knock on effects for waste legislation and recycling, for both liquid paints and printing inks and also white plastic containing more than one percent of TiO2. This could have a major impact on UK and EU recycling targets. The classification of TiO2 also sets a precedent for many other substances with similar properties, of which there are many, and will directly affect powder coatings, which will be classified.