European Commission consults on the safety of titanium dioxide in children’s products

The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER) consults on its opinion regarding the safety of titanium dioxide in toys until July 4, 2022.

Considering the classification of titanium dioxide in the EU as a category 2 carcinogen via inhalation, SCHEER had to evaluate available products to ascertain the level of safety in using the substance in toys and toy materials. The conclusion of their evaluation says toys containing titanium dioxide are considered safe if manufacturers prove that the products contain no ultrafine particles.

Titanium dioxide is a substance used in white pigments and inhalation exposure can occur with products that release particles. Therefore, when ultrafine particles are present in the products, SCHEER suggested that safe use should not be indicated for casting kits, chalks, and powder paint. However, the use of titanium dioxide as a colouring agent for polymers in toys poses no risk since the pigment for such is locked in. But if it is not embedded in polymer, substance release is highly possible.

For finger paints, white colour pencils, lipstick and lip gloss, SCHEER do not affirm them as safe for use for children. The hazard characterization for immunotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic activity is highly uncertain.