Protecting workers during production and processing of titanium dioxide

Together with other titanium dioxide producers, Evonik has examined the impact of inhalation of titanium dioxide dust. In these studies, rats, mice and hamsters were exposed to air containing different concentrations of titanium dioxide dust for up to 90 days. All three species exhibited changes in the lung tissue after exposure to extremely high doses (250 mg/m³). At lower concentrations of 0.5 mg/m³, which correspond to the concentrations found in the workplace, no damage to tissue was observed in rats, hamsters or mice. Moreover, only slight changes to tissue were observed in rats at concentrations of 2.0 mg/m³, which are also of relevance for the workplace.

Titanium dioxide concentrations at Evonik’s workplaces are below 0.5 mg/m3. Consequently, employees are not exposed to health risks in the production and handling of titanium dioxide, providing they observe the valid operating standards and industrial regulations on working with particulates.

IARC Hazard Groups

1 Carcinogenic to humans

2A Probably carcinogenic to humans

2B Possibly carcinogenic to humans

3 Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans

4 Probably not carcinogenic to humans