Reclassification of Titanium Dioxide as Non-Carcinogenic: 'A Setback in Maintaining Safety for Consumers and Workers'
European Court of Justice Overturns Titanium Dioxide Carcinogen Classification
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has overturned the European Commission's classification of Titanium Dioxide as a human carcinogen when inhaled as a powder, due to a legal error in relying on incomplete scientific data [1].
The ECJ's decision, confirmed in August 2023, found that the scientific evidence was insufficient to justify the Commission's decision, leading to the annulment of the carcinogen label. This ruling affects regulatory compliance and the chemical classification framework within the EU.
The ECJ's statement that the European Commission made a "manifest error" does not change the fact that the error was made in 2019. However, the court's decision may lead to changes in the regulations and safety measures regarding the use of Titanium Dioxide in various industries.
Despite the overturned carcinogen classification, Titanium Dioxide remains banned as a food additive in France and throughout Europe, a ban that was implemented in 2022 due to other concerns. The ECJ's ruling does not immediately lift the ban on Titanium Dioxide.
It is important to note that the carcinogenic classification of Titanium Dioxide was based on a scientific study that the ECJ deemed unreliable. The ECJ's ruling may not have an immediate impact on the industry-wide use of Titanium Dioxide, but it does highlight the need for robust and comprehensive scientific data in the classification process.
The ECJ's ruling confirms a previous ruling from November 2022, which questioned the reliability of the scientific study used to classify Titanium Dioxide as a carcinogen. The ECJ's decision does not reclassify Titanium Dioxide as a "suspected carcinogen" in Europe.
In conclusion, the ECJ's ruling overturns the carcinogen classification of Titanium Dioxide, but it does not necessarily mean that the substance is safe. The ruling emphasizes the need for thorough and reliable scientific data in the classification process, and it may lead to changes in the regulations and safety measures regarding the use of Titanium Dioxide.
[1] European Court of Justice (2023). Case C-651/19. Titanium Dioxide. Available at: https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=220857&pageIndex=0&doclang=EN&mode=lst&dir=&occ=first&part=1&cid=138253
- In light of the ECJ's decision, it is crucial to foster research in health-and-wellness, especially concerning the potential risks associated with various industrial substances like Titanium Dioxide.
- The overlap between medical-conditions and environmental-science is evident in this case, as the classification of Titanium Dioxide as a carcinogen proved to have far-reaching consequences for both human health and the environment.
