On May 10, 2024, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has announced a proposal to adopt a Proposition 65 No Significant Risk Level (NSRL) for titanium dioxide (airborne, unbound particles of respirable size). This measure aims to further protect public health and is now requesting for public comment. Titanium dioxide has been listed as a carcinogen by OEHHA since 2011.
According to the proposal, exposure to titanium dioxide (airborne, unbound particles of respirable size) at or below the following levels would be considered to pose no significant health risk:
- Particles with diameters of 10 micrometers or less: 440 micrograms/day
- Particles with diameters of 0.8 micrometers or less: 44 micrograms/day
Proposition 65
Formally known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, Proposition 65 aims to protect California citizens and the drinking water sources from chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. It does so by requiring enterprises to provide clear warnings if their products or services expose individuals to these chemicals.
Safe Harbor Level
It is legally established threshold for exposure to specific chemicals. It is divided into two types:
- No Significant Risk Levels (NSRL): for carcinogens.
- Maximum Allowable Dose Levels (MADL): for reproductive toxicants.
When exposure levels for a chemical are below these thresholds, enterprises are not required to provide warnings, as the exposure is not considered to pose a significant risk to public health.
Through this proposal, OEHHA aims to offer clear guidance to enterprises, reducing potential legal and health risks associated with exposure to titanium dioxide.
