Titanium dioxide is classified as a carcinogen, and most member states capitalized "unacceptable"!

The EU’s classification of titanium dioxide as a carcinogen continues to ferment. At the expert hearing (CARACAL) in mid-September, most EU member states opposed the classification of titanium dioxide as a carcinogen. However, the European Commission announced that it would continue to discuss this topic anyway. .
A total of nine EU member states voted against the meeting, but the reasons for their opposition were not the same. Some countries oppose the posting of hazard warning signs, but some countries believe that the content of the signs is too loose. Six other member states voted in favor. The European Commission’s current proposal stipulates that liquid mixtures should not be labeled, but powder coatings should be labeled.

According to the new procedural rules, the European Commission can also decide on its own classification without the consent of the member states, and it is likely to intend to do so. However, according to industry requirements, whether the European Commission is obliged to conduct prior impact assessment is still controversial, and industry representatives specifically put forward the risks brought by the proposal after confirmation. At the same time, pressure from their respective sources also requires the committee to first analyze the impact of classification. 300 companies and associations have jointly appealed.
According to a recent announcement by the German Press Agency (DPA), the European Commission plans to make a formal decision as early as October. Thereafter, the industry will be notified at least 20 months in advance to perform its obligations.
Related news: Titanium dioxide = carcinogen?

The use of titanium dioxide
As an important inorganic chemical product, titanium dioxide is widely used in coatings, inks, papermaking, plastics and rubber, chemical fiber, ceramics, cosmetics, food, medicine and other industries. At present, nearly 60% of the world's consumption of titanium dioxide is used for coatings, 16% is used for plastics, 14% is used for papermaking, 3% is used for printing inks, and 7% is used for others (including rubber, cosmetics, medicine, enamel, chemical fiber, etc.) .

Summary of relevant situations
1. France submitted a proposal for harmonized classification and labeling in May 2016, requiring the classification and labeling of titanium dioxide to be defined as a "substance that is potentially carcinogenic to the human body when inhaled", and it is required to be classified as a "Carc carcinogenic category" The 1B category and H350 i category in the category are applicable to the fine particles and nanometer states of titanium dioxide, and no distinction is made in terms of morphology, crystalline phase and surface treatment.
2. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced on June 9 that it has proposed to include titanium dioxide (TiO2, titanium dioxide) in the category of substances suspected of causing cancer through inhalation.
3. The Titanium Dioxide Manufacturers Association (TMDA) stated that it is safe to continue to use titanium dioxide in all applications based on scientific and effective research evaluations.
4. The British Coatings Federation (BCF) and CEPE (European Paint, Ink and Artistic Pigment Industry Association) believe that once titanium dioxide enters paint, coatings, printing inks or wallpaper, there will be no exposure to solid particulate matter with inhalation risk .
5. The American Coatings Association (ACA) believes that the EU classification of titanium dioxide as a carcinogen is unnecessary and may unnecessarily restrict or even eliminate certain products in certain international trade.
6. The Canadian Paint and Coatings Association (CPCA) believes that the focus of CLP classification is to consider any risks attributed to dust exposure environment, rather than exposure to formula products (including paints and coatings), because these products are already in titanium dioxide In the mixture, it will not cause harm. 
7. On March 21, 2019, the United States issued a statement to the World Trade Organization (WTO), requesting the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to clarify from a scientific point of view why the "low-toxic" titanium dioxide is classified as a Class II carcinogen. In addition, the controversial products include metallic cobalt.
8. On July 31, 2019, Australia and other countries jointly questioned the EU's proposal to designate titanium dioxide and cobalt as carcinogens. The entry into force of the proposal would lead to unnecessary trade restrictions.
 At this point, the ins and outs of the "titanium dioxide will be classified as a carcinogen in Europe" have all been presented. What is the final decision of the European Commission? "Testing Almighty King" will work with you to monitor the progress of the event.