• What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommended exposure limit for titanium dioxide?
• What are the fire and explosion dangers associated with titanium dioxide?
• Is titanium dioxide stable when exposed to air, moisture, or heat?
• Are there any conditions to avoid when using titanium dioxide?
• Does titanium dioxide have an odour threshold (at what level can I smell it)?
• Is the odour of titanium dioxide reliable as a warning property?
• How can I work with titanium dioxide safely?
• What can be done to control hazardous conditions?

What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) recommended exposure limit for titanium dioxide?

TIME-WEIGHTED AVERAGE (TLV-TWA): 10 mg/m3 - Carcinogenicity Designation A4

TLV BASIS - CRITICAL EFFECT(S): Lung irritation

TLV DEFINITIONS:

CARCINOGENICITY DESIGNATION A4 - Not Classifiable as a Human Carcinogen: Inadequate data on which to classify the substance as a human and/or animal carcinogen.

TLV COMMENTS:

NOTE: In many jurisdictions, exposure limits are similar to the ACGIH TLVs. Since the manner in which exposure limits are established, interpreted and implemented can vary, obtain detailed information from the appropriate government agency in each jurisdiction.

What are the fire and explosion dangers associated with titanium dioxide?

Titanium dioxide is non-combustible (does not burn) and does not support combustion.

Is titanium dioxide stable when exposed to air, moisture, or heat?

Titanium dioxide is stable under normal conditions.

Are there any conditions to avoid when using titanium dioxide?

Avoid the generation of titanium dioxide dust.

Does titanium dioxide have an odour threshold (at what level can I smell it)?

Titanium dioxide is odourless.

Is the odour of titanium dioxide reliable as a warning property?

There are no warning properties for titanium dioxide.

How can I work with titanium dioxide safely?

Titanium dioxide is a POSSIBLE CANCER HAZARD. Before handling, it is very important that engineering controls are operating and that protective equipment requirements are being followed. People working with this chemical should be properly trained regarding its hazards and its safe use. Maintenance and emergency personnel should be advised of potential hazards.

When working with fine or ultrafine powders, immediately report leaks, spills or ventilation failures. Consider using closed handling systems or wet processes for large-scale operations involving fine or ultrafine powders. Avoid generating dusts. Prevent the release of dusts into the workplace air. Use in the smallest possible amounts in a well ventilated area, separate from the storage area.

Use the proper tools to open containers. Ripping open a container can cause an uneven tear, thus making spills more likely. Stand upwind of all opening, dispensing and mixing operations. Keep containers closed when not in use.

Good housekeeping is important to prevent accumulations of dust. Dry sweeping is not recommended. Pre-wet the material or use a vacuum equipped with high efficiency filter(s).

Do not use with incompatible materials such as magnesium, lithium or zinc. See Incompatibilities - Materials to Avoid section for more information.

Follow handling precautions on Material Safety Data Sheet. Have suitable emergency equipment for spills and leaks readily available. Maintain handling equipment. Comply with applicable regulations.

What can be done to control hazardous conditions?

Engineering methods to control hazardous conditions are preferred. Methods include mechanical ventilation (dilution and local exhaust), process or personnel enclosure, control of process conditions, and process modification (e.g. substitution of a less hazardous material). Administrative controls and personal protective equipment may also be required.

When using fine or ultrafine powders and there is the potential for generating dust (e.g. bagging operation), engineering control methods to reduce exposures will probably be necessary. Use local exhaust ventilation and process enclosure to control airborne dust. A dust collecting system attached to the ventilation system may also be necessary.

Supply sufficient replacement air to make up for air removed by exhaust systems.

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Document last updated on March 9, 2007

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