In 2021, at France’s request, the European Commission classified titanium dioxide as ‘carcinogenic by inhalation’. This applies only to dust and not to liquids or cosmetics. Many products were nevertheless withdrawn from the market. In 2022, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) annulled the classification on several grounds (see judgment). France and the European Commission have appealed the ruling, which is why the proceedings are still ongoing. However, experts agree that titanium dioxide does not cause cancer. The animal experiments used very high doses, which led to a dust effect in the lungs (see dust lung, see material information Titanium dioxide).
