In February 2020, the European Commission officially classified powdered titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as a class 2 carcinogen. This classification arose due to inhalation risks. As a result, TiO₂ is now regulated as a potential carcinogenic substance. These new regulations significantly impact the powder coating industry, where TiO₂ is widely used. Consequently, industries must adapt their processes to comply with these updated safety standards for handling and using TiO₂.
Titanium Dioxide: Essential Uses and Industry Impacts
Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a naturally occurring mineral. It serves as a bright white pigment in various industries. You can find it in paints, food coloring, sunscreens, cosmetics, and many other products. In its processed form, TiO₂ appears as a white solid. Generally, it occurs in three phases: anatase, brookite, and rutile. Among these phases, the rutile phase is especially valued. It is widely used in pigments, paints, inks, and cosmetics.
Powder Coating and TiO₂’s Role
The powder coating process offers durability and protection in various industries. It differs from conventional paints by applying a free-flowing powder instead of a liquid. First, the coating is electrostatically applied. Then, it cures through heating or ultraviolet light, achieving a durable finish. Powder coatings resist corrosion, high and low temperatures, and physical damage. This makes them ideal for both outdoor and indoor applications. Additionally, the hardness of powder coating helps products maintain their aesthetic appeal. They resist chipping or cracking, even under harsh conditions.
Regulatory Impacts and Challenges for TiO₂ Use
Titanium dioxide’s role as a white pigment in paints, coatings, and cosmetics now faces challenges. With TiO₂ classified as a class 2 carcinogen by inhalation, industries must adapt quickly. However, no viable alternative matches the quality or environmental standards of TiO₂. In the RAL color system, only 5% of the 2,328 colors can be produced without TiO₂. This underscores its necessity. Since no direct substitutes exist, TiO₂ remains essential for achieving specific color formulations in powder coating, despite the regulatory hurdles.
Titanium Dioxide Regulations: A Transition period and the warning labels thereafter
As of October 1st of this year, all powder mixtures containing at least 1% titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particles with a size of fewer than ten micrometers (10 µm) must bear a mandatory warning label. This label will inform users of the risk of respiratory effects from dust particles or droplets, as outlined in regulatory EUH211 and EUH212. With this newly published regulation, it is now legally binding to amend labeling for every mixture containing more than 1% TiO₂. Industry associations are advising their members to begin relabeling as soon as possible.
The paint and pigments industry is facing significant challenges due to these new regulations. Previously, the materials used were labeled as solvent-free and eco-efficient. However, with the regulations effective from October 1st, the industry risks losing the environmental label, creating a substantial drawback.
The impact will be even more severe for powder coating producers. Some products will be classified as mixtures requiring warning pictograms and cautionary phrases, such as “suspected of causing cancer by inhalation.”
Additionally, powder paint residues containing fine dust with TiO₂ will be treated as hazardous waste, which will increase disposal costs. This regulatory shift presents considerable challenges for the industry, forcing producers to navigate new compliance requirements while managing increased operational costs.
New Labeling Regulations for Titanium Dioxide Mixtures
As of October 1st, all powder mixtures containing at least 1% titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particles under 10 micrometers (10 µm) must carry a mandatory warning label. This label, specified in regulatory guidelines EUH211 and EUH212, alerts users to respiratory risks associated with dust particles or droplets. This legally binding regulation requires that all mixtures containing more than 1% TiO₂ be relabeled accordingly. Industry associations recommend members start relabeling as soon as possible to comply.
Implications for the Paint and Pigments Industry
These new regulations disrupt the paint and pigments industry, as many of these materials previously held eco-friendly and solvent-free labels. The mandatory labeling could result in the loss of environmental certifications, impacting the industry’s reputation and market positioning.
Impact on Powder Coating Producers
Powder coating producers now face even stricter regulations, as some products fall under classified mixtures. These coatings must display a warning pictogram along with a cautionary phrase, such as “suspected of causing cancer by inhalation.” This additional labeling can impact consumer perception and market demand. Consequently, it may lead to decreased sales and increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies. Manufacturers must adapt their marketing strategies to address these changes. They need to reassure consumers about the safety of their products.
Measurement Methods
The paint, powder coatings, and cosmetics sectors must assess their materials due to stringent regulatory legislation. This assessment focuses on material size and TiO₂ content, which can be equated to airborne dust or spray. Delft Solids Solutions offers several measurement techniques to evaluate particle size in terms of aerodynamic diameter and assess the level of crystalline TiO₂ in the powder mixture:
- Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS): This technique measures the size distribution of small particles in a liquid. It provides insights into the hydrodynamic diameter.
- Laser Diffraction: This method measures the particle size distribution of powders and aerosols, allowing for the determination of the aerodynamic diameter.
- X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD): XRD identifies the crystalline phases of TiO₂ in powder mixtures. It provides quantitative data on TiO₂ content.
- Electron Microscopy: This technique visualizes the morphology and size of particles at a very high resolution, enabling detailed analysis of TiO₂ particles.
- Mercury Porosimetry: This method assesses the porosity and pore size distribution of materials, contributing to a better understanding of the overall properties of the powder mixture.
By utilizing these advanced measurement techniques, Delft Solids Solutions helps industries ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while maintaining product quality and safety.
Airborne Dust Analysis and Titanium Dioxide Quantification Using X-Ray Diffraction
Delft Solids Solutions uses X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) to determine titanium dioxide (TiO₂) levels in pigment materials. XRD is a selective analytical technique widely used for identifying crystalline phases and providing information about unit cell dimensions.
We start by assessing the aerodynamic diameter of pigment powder particles, which often vary in shape and size. Directly measuring aerodynamic diameter is challenging, so we focus on how airborne particles might be released. Simply measuring particle size distribution does not accurately indicate airborne potential. Instead, we follow EN 15051 guidelines to provide quantitative data on inhalable, thoracic, and respirable fractions, particularly assessing respirable particles smaller than 10 µm.
After collecting the dust fraction, we conduct XRD analysis to determine the TiO₂ content. This assessment ensures compliance with the requirement to limit respirable TiO₂ to below 1% of the total material content, as outlined in current regulations. With these insights, manufacturers can adjust their formulations to reduce TiO₂ levels or minimize dustiness. This proactive approach helps ensure regulatory compliance while enhancing product safety.
