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Weight of epidemiological evidence for titanium dioxide risk assessment: current state and further needs

Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology volume 30, pages 430–435 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

We address here the importance of epidemiological evidence in risk assessment and decision-making in Europe. To illustrate this, titanium dioxide (TiO2) was used as a model compound. TiO2 is widely used as an odorless white pigment and opacifying agent. A recent systematic review assessing the weight of evidence on the relationship between exposure to TiO2 (all forms) and cancer in humans questions the assumptions that TiO2 is an inert material of low toxicity. Based on this new data, France submitted a proposal to classify TiO2 as a possible human carcinogen under the European regulation. The European Chemicals Agency Risk assessment committee concluded that TiO2 (all forms) warrants a classification as a suspected human carcinogen via inhalation (Category-2) under the CLP regulation (for Classification, Labeling and Packaging of chemicals). No considerations was given to TiO2 particle size, which may affect human health effects. Consequently, further epidemiological studies are needed to assess possible associations between different physical–chemical characteristics of TiO2 exposures and their impact on human health. This would allow strengthening the evidence on which to build the most appropriate regulation and to guaranty safe use given any exposure route of any TiO2 particle shape or size.

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Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Grant No. D 17LESCO410.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Irina Guseva Canu

  2. Department of Risk Assessment, Methodology and Studies Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Maisons-Alfort, France

    Sandrine Fraize-Frontier

  3. Department of Risk Assessment, Chemical Evaluation Unit, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), Maisons-Alfort, France

    Cécile Michel & Sandrine Charles

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  1. Irina Guseva Canu
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  2. Sandrine Fraize-Frontier
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  3. Cécile Michel
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  4. Sandrine Charles
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Correspondence to Irina Guseva Canu.

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Guseva Canu, I., Fraize-Frontier, S., Michel, C. et al. Weight of epidemiological evidence for titanium dioxide risk assessment: current state and further needs. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol 30, 430–435 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-019-0161-2

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