News Details

On 20 June 2026, the Government of Canada published the final assessment of the Titanium-containing Substances Group under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). The assessment covered thirteen titanium-based substances, including titanium dioxide, titanium tetrachloride, titanium trichloride, barium titanate, strontium titanate, and several titanium alkoxides which are widely used in industrial and consumer applications. 

Titanium-containing Substances Assessed by Canada Under CEPA 

The assessment covers the following 13 substances: 

Widespread Industrial and Consumer Uses 

Titanium-containing substances are naturally occurring and are primarily found in the environment as titanium oxides. According to information collected through a CEPA section 71 survey, most of the assessed substances were manufactured or imported into Canada in quantities exceeding 100 kg per year. 

These substances support a broad range of industrial sectors, including: 

• Metal mining and refining 

• Chemical processing 

• Paints and coatings 

• Adhesives and sealants 

• Textiles and fabrics 

• Electronics manufacturing 

• Building and construction materials 

• Food packaging applications 

In addition, certain titanium-containing substances are authorized for use as food additives and are present in a variety of consumer products, such as cosmetics, natural health products, non-prescription medicines, cleaning products, plastics, paper products, inks, toys, and arts and crafts materials. 

Environmental Risk Assessment Findings 

Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada evaluated the environmental impacts of the substances using the Ecological Risk Classification of Inorganic Substances (ERC-I) framework. This methodology combines hazard data, exposure modelling, environmental monitoring results, and toxicity thresholds to determine the likelihood of ecological harm. 

The assessment examined both predicted and measured environmental concentrations and compared them against established no-effect thresholds. Based on this comprehensive review, the government concluded that the 13 titanium-containing substances are unlikely to have an adverse effect on the Canadian environment. 

Consequently, the substances were deemed not to meet the criteria under paragraphs 64(a) or 64(b) of CEPA, indicating that they are not entering the environment at levels that pose immediate or long-term risks to ecosystems, biodiversity, or environmental systems that support life. 

Human Exposure Considerations 

Canadians may be exposed to titanium through multiple sources, including: 

• Food and beverages 

• Drinking water 

• Ambient air 

• Soil and household dust 

• Consumer products 

Food was identified as one of the most significant contributors to titanium exposure among the general population. Children aged four to thirteen were estimated to have the highest exposure levels overall due to dietary intake and environmental sources. 

To evaluate population-wide exposure, Health Canada relied on biomonitoring data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). Whole-blood titanium concentrations were used as an indicator of cumulative exposure from all sources and routes. 

The survey found that titanium concentrations were below the analytical detection limit of 10 µg/L in approximately 99.97% of Canadians aged 3 to 79 years. These levels were substantially below the derived biomonitoring equivalent associated with adverse health effects, indicating a significant margin of safety for the Canadian population. 

Health Risk Characterization 

For systemic health effects, regulators identified a No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) of 623 mg titanium per kilogram body weight per day, based on long-term animal studies involving food-grade titanium dioxide. Available evidence showed no significant reproductive, developmental, neurological, or gastrointestinal effects at this exposure level. 

The assessment also examined inhalation exposure, particularly of titanium dioxide. Although respiratory effects such as inflammation and cellular changes were observed in laboratory animals following prolonged inhalation at high concentrations, the resulting margins of exposure for Canadians were deemed sufficient to account for uncertainties in both exposure estimates and toxicological data. 

Health Canada further evaluated potentially vulnerable populations, including: 

• Infants and children 

• Pregnant individuals 

• Indigenous communities 

• Individuals residing near industrial facilities 

Although children exhibited relatively higher exposure levels than adults, the assessment concluded that current exposure levels remain well below thresholds associated with adverse health effects. 

Regulatory Conclusion 

After considering all the available scientific evidence, the Government of Canada concluded that the thirteen substances within the Titanium-containing Substances Group do not pose a risk to human health or the environment at current levels of exposure. 

Consequently, the substances were found not to meet any of the criteria outlined in section 64 of CEPA, meaning no additional risk management measures are proposed at this time based on the assessment. 

Key Takeaways for Industry 

The final assessment provides regulatory certainty for manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of titanium-containing substances in Canada. While these substances are widely used in many industrial and consumer applications, federal authorities have determined that current exposure levels do not pose an unacceptable risk to the environment or human health. 

Companies using titanium-based materials should continue to comply with existing Canadian regulatory obligations, including product stewardship, workplace safety, and applicable substance reporting requirements, while monitoring future regulatory developments under Canada's Chemicals Management Plan.