Canadian authorities conclude titanium dioxide is safe for the environment as well as human health

In June 2026, Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada published a joint assessment of the Titanium-containing Substances Group under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). The assessment examined 13 titanium-containing substances used in a wide range of applications, including paints, coatings, plastics, cosmetics, food contact materials, and consumer products. It concluded that these substances pose a low risk to both the environment and human health, and do not meet any of the criteria set out in section 64 of CEPA, the threshold Canada uses to identify substances harmful to the environment or to human health. 

For the environment, the assessment considered how titanium-containing substances are used, their potential releases, measured concentrations in Canadian waters, and their potential effects on aquatic organisms. Based on this evidence, the Government of Canada concluded that titanium dioxide (TiO2) and the other titanium-containing substances present a low risk to the environment and are unlikely to adversely affect ecosystems or biodiversity under current conditions of use. 

For human health, the review evaluated exposure from food, drinking water, environmental sources, and consumer products. Biomonitoring data showed that titanium was not detected above the survey detection limit in 99.97% of Canadians tested, indicating very low levels of systemic exposure. The assessment concluded that current exposure levels are well below those associated with adverse health effects. 

The scope of the assessment addresses microscale forms of the substances, including pigmentary TiO2, which accounts for the vast majority of the market. TiO2 nanoforms, which can have different properties and use patterns, were not part of this evaluation and are to be considered separately in a future assessment. With that scope in mind, Canada's assessment adds to a growing body of regulatory reviews that assess potential risks on the basis of actual exposure levels and the totality of available evidence, concluding that TiO2 , in its established uses, poses a low risk to human health and the environment. 

Source: Assessment - Titanium containing Substances Group - Canada.ca