Colour Titanium Dioxide-What Is Proposition 65 Reasons Titanium Dioxide Other Chemicals

Proposition 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, is a California law that requires warnings on products that contain certain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. If a product contains any of these chemicals at levels above the safe harbor limits established by the state, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer is required to provide a warning to California consumers.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the chemicals listed under Proposition 65. The reasons titanium dioxide and other chemicals are listed are based on scientific evidence and studies that have shown they may pose certain health risks:

1. Titanium Dioxide:

Titanium dioxide is primarily used as a white pigment in a variety of products, including paints, plastics, paper, and cosmetics. It is also used in sunscreen products as a UV-blocking agent. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified titanium dioxide as a Group 2B carcinogen, meaning it is possibly carcinogenic to humans. This classification is based on studies that have shown that high concentrations of titanium dioxide dust can cause cancer in laboratory animals, and there is limited evidence of cancer in humans. As a result, California has added titanium dioxide to the Proposition 65 list.

2. Other Chemicals:

Chemicals listed under Proposition 65 include a wide range of substances, such as:

– Carcinogens: Substances that can cause cancer. Examples include asbestos, benzene, and formaldehyde.

– Reproductive toxicants: Substances that can cause birth defects or reproductive harm. Examples include lead and certain pesticides.

– Developmental toxicants: Substances that can affect the development of an organism, including during pregnancy or early life stages. Examples include certain solvents and heavy metals.

The reasons these chemicals are listed under Proposition 65 include:

– Scientific evidence: Research studies that demonstrate a link between exposure to the chemical and an increased risk of cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.

– Regulatory listings: Inclusion on lists of chemicals identified as hazardous by authoritative bodies such as the IARC, the National Toxicology Program (NTP), or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

– Statistical data: Data that shows a significant increase in the incidence of cancer or reproductive harm in populations exposed to the chemical.

It is important to note that the presence of a chemical on the Proposition 65 list does not necessarily mean it is unsafe at all exposure levels. The law requires warnings only when exposure to the chemical exceeds the established safe harbor levels.