EXPOSURE SOURCES AND CONTROL METHODS

The following operations may involve titanium dioxide in textile industry and lead to worker exposures to this substance:

• Use as a pigment in paints, varnishes, enamels, and lacquers to impart whiteness, opacity, and brightness;

• Use in coated fabrics and textiles on natural and artificial leather, oilcloth, upholstery materials, and wall coverings;

• Use as a delustrant for acrylic, nylon, and spandex fibers; and as a shoe whitener

Methods that are effective in controlling worker exposures to titanium dioxide, depending on the feasibility of implementation, are

Process enclosure,

* Local exhaust ventilation,
* General dilution ventilation, and
* Personal protective equipment.

PERSONAL HYGIENE PROCEDURES

If titanium dioxide collects on the skin, workers should wash the affected areas with soap and water.

Clothing contaminated with titanium dioxide should be removed, and provisions should be made for the safe removal of the chemical from the clothing.

A worker who handles titanium dioxide should thoroughly wash hands, forearms, and face with soap and water before eating, using tobacco products, using toilet facilities, or applying cosmetics.

Workers should not eat, drink, use tobacco products, or apply cosmetics in areas where titanium dioxide is handled, processed, or stored.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH GUIDELINE FOR TITANIUM DIOXIDE

Effects on Humans: Titanium dioxide causes pulmonary irritation in chronically exposed workers [Hathaway, Proctor, Hughes, and Fischman 1991, p. 545]. Three workers from a group of 15 exposed to titanium dioxide dust at unspecified concentrations and for unknown durations showed radiographic evidence consistent with "slight" fibrosis, although these workers were asymptomatic [Hathaway, Proctor, Hughes, and Fischman 1991, p. 545]. In another study, three workers exposed to this substance during the manufacture of titanium dioxide pigments showed signs of fibrosis described as "slight" [Hathaway, Proctor, Hughes, and Fischman 1991, p. 545]. In intermittent contact with the skin for three days, titanium dioxide caused mild irritation [RTECS 1993].

1. Acute exposure: The signs and symptoms of acute exposure to titanium dioxide include physical irritation of the skin and eyes, with redness and swelling; cough; and sneezing.

2. Chronic exposure: The signs and symptoms of chronic exposure to titanium dioxide include X-ray evidence of mild fibrosis; dyspnea; cough; and declines in pulmonary function.

1. Emergency procedures: