TITANIUM DIOXIDE
Titanium dioxide
2019 has so far been a hectic year for TiO 2 , with many REACH Committee meetings, consultations, exemptions
and proposals.
At the September 2018 REACH Committee, the UK authorities
led the challenge to the classification, which was enhanced when
the German authorities publicly came out against classifying,
proposing a different route to manage the issue of dust. The
formation of a blocking minority between countries meant that
there was no consensus for the future of TIO 2 . Member States
also raised issues such as major waste implications if TiO 2 waste
becomes hazardous, and it brings into doubt the ability to recycle
white plastics containing more than 1% TiO 2 . Further REACH
Committee meetings took place in December, and then again in
February, March and April.
It was announced in early 2019 that there would be a WTO
interservice consultation, which led to strong statements of
concern from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.
The Commission also launched a public consultation on TiO 2 ,
and thanks to a coordinated global effort, there were almost
500 responses, with 98% of those against any classification for
TIO 2 . At what was thought to be the final REACH Committee
meeting in February before the UK’s planned departure from
the EU, there was not a clear consensus, and as a result, the
Commission postponed the vote and will possibly retry with an
additional REACH Committee meeting in March.
called the ATP) was postponed, because the Commission did not
want to take TiO 2 out. This would not be possible without the
support and motivation of the BCF’s members.
Whilst BCF do see delay as positive, it has to be noted that
there is also a block of member states that would like to see
TiO 2 classified without any derogations for liquid mixtures. It was
noted that several member states, as well as the Commission, are
losing patience and feel it is time to come to a decision.
However, the European elections may change the political
make-up of the Commission, which could change the regulatory
course. The political make-up of the EU will be changing
dramatically at both Parliamentary and COM level - with the
loss of UK engagement for the amendments and the voting
power after Brexit, resulting in a loss in the blocking minority for
TIO 2 . Moreover, we could see higher pressure from the NGOs
on the subject. This, coupled with the change of EU procedure
(with a higher threshold to object), results in uncertainty for the
future – there are still 3 options on the table – full classification
(unlikely but possible), classification for powder form/powder
mixtures only (likely – this was the proposal on the table) and no
classification (less likely but also still possible).
During the final meeting in March, the Commission again did not Prior to any decision or proposal by the new Commission, BCF
achieve a qualified majority for their proposal to classify TIO 2 .
will work to ensure that the economic and social consequences
This means the "blocking minority" held, and enough member
of the proposal are assessed and communicated. In the
Protection
against
dust the
during
the production
and This processing
titanium BCF
dioxide
states stood
up against
Commission’s
proposal.
is down of meantime,
will support the ongoing work with sister
In Germany
the „general
dust limit value“ lobbying
of 1.25 mg/m³ at the
workplace
applies to the production
and processing
of titanium
dioxide.
to the
excellent
from
industry
across
Europe.
The
result associations and CEPE on harmonising occupational dust limits in
Similar dust limit values are also defined in other European countries, but there is no harmonised European limit value.
Europe - the preferred alternative solution.
means
the
entire
list does of dust substances
for protected
classification
(technically
At which
points in the
manufacturing
process
occur and how are employees
from it?
Potential exposure to TiO 2 dust in the supply chain
Manufacture of titanium dioxide
(production and packaging)
Ore mining
Processing
(e.g. paint manufacturer)
Application
(industrial coating/painter/artist)
Closed systems
Ventilation
Separated, ventilated
workplaces
Automated production
Personal protective
equipment
No Dust
Extraction
system
Dust
Dust
No Dust
Open systems
Dust
Ventilation
Personal protective
equipment
Closed control rooms
(Partly) automated packing
No Dust
Extraction system
Personal protective equipment
Images courtesy of VdL, the German Coatings Association
BCF ANNUAL HANDBOOK 2019/20
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