TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE FOR

TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Public Health Service

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

September 1997
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE ii

DISCLAIMER

The use of company or product name(s) is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by

the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE iii

UPDATE STATEMENT

A Toxicological Profile for Titanium Tetrachloride was released on June 1994. This edition

supersedes any previously released draft or final profile.

Toxicological profiles are revised and republished as necessary, but no less than once every three

years. For information regarding the update status of previously released profiles, contact ATSDR at:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch

1600 Clifton Road NE, E-29

Atlanta, Georgia 30333


vi

*Legislative Background

The toxicological profiles are developed in response to the Superfund Amendments and

Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986 (Public Law 99-499) which amended the Comprehensive

Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA or Super-fund). Section

211 of SARA also amended Title 10 of the U. S. Code, creating the Defense Environmental

Restoration Program. Section 2704(a) of Title 10 of the U. S. Code directs the Secretary of Defense to

notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services of not less than 25 of the most commonly found

unregulated hazardous substances at defense facilities. Section 2704(b) of Title 10 of the U. S. Code

directs the Administrator of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to

prepare a toxicological profile for each substance on the list provided by the Secretary of Defense

under subsection (b).
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE vii

CONTRIBUTORS

CHEMICAL MANAGER(S)/AUTHORS(S):

Edward Murray, Ph.D.

ATSDR, Division of Toxicology, Atlanta, GA

Fernando Llados, Ph.D.

Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC

THE PROFILE HAS UNDERGONE THE FOLLOWING ATSDR INTERNAL REVIEWS:

1 . Green Border Review. Green Border review assures consistency with ATSDR policy.

2 . Health Effects Review. The Health Effects Review Committee examines the health effects

chapter of each profile for consistency and accuracy in interpreting health effects and

classifying end points.

3 . Minimal Risk Level Review. The Minimal Risk Level Workgroup considers issues relevant to

substance-specific minimal risk levels (MRLs), reviews the health effects database of each

profile, and makes recommendations for derivation of MRLs.

4 . Quality Assurance Review. The Quality Assurance Branch assures that consistency across

profiles is maintained, identifies any significant problems in format or content, and establishes

that Guidance has been followed.

TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE ix

PEER REVIEW

A peer review panel was assembled for titanium tetrachloride. The panel consisted of the following

members:

1 . Dr. Hugh Farber, Private Consultant, Lake Leelanau, MI;

2 . Dr. Arthur Gregory, Private Consultant, Sterling, VA; and

3 . Mr. Lyman Skory, Skory Consulting, Midland, MI.

These experts collectively have knowledge of titanium tetrachloride’s physical and chemical properties,

toxicokinetics, key health end points, mechanisms of action, human and animal exposure, and

quantification of risk to humans. All reviewers were selected in conformity with the conditions for

peer review specified in Section 104(i)(13) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response,

Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended.

Scientists from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have reviewed the

peer reviewers’ comments and determined which comments will be included in the profile. A listing

of the peer reviewers’ comments not incorporated in the profile, with a brief explanation of the

rationale for their exclusion, exists as part of the administrative record for this compound. A list of

databases reviewed and a list of unpublished documents cited are also included in the administrative

record.

The citation of the peer review panel should not be understood to imply its approval of the profile’s

final content. The responsibility for the content of this profile lies with the ATSDR.









TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 1

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT

This statement was prepared to give you information about titanium tetrachloride and to

emphasize the human health effects that may result from exposure to it.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified 1,416 hazardous waste sites as the

most serious in the nation. These sites make up the National Priorities List (NPL) and are the

sites targeted for long-term federal clean-up activities. Titanium tetrachloride has not been

found in any of the sites on the NPL. However, the number of NPL sites evaluated for

titanium tetrachloride is not known. As EPA evaluates more sites, the number of sites at

which titanium tetrachloride is found may change. This information is important because

exposure to titanium tetrachloride may cause harmful health effects. However, since titanium

tetrachloride breaks down rapidly in the environment, it is unlikely that you would be exposed

to it at disposal sites.

When a substance is released from a large area, such as an industrial plant, or from a

container, such as a drum or bottle, it enters the environment. This release does not always

lead to exposure. You can be exposed to a substance only when you come in contact with it.

You may be exposed by breathing, eating, or drinking substances containing the substance or

by skin contact with it.

If you are exposed to a substance such as titanium tetrachloride, many factors will determine

whether harmful health effects will occur and what the type and severity of those health

effects will be. These factors include the dose (how much), the duration (how long), the

route or pathway by which you are exposed (breathing, eating, drinking, or skin contact), the

other chemicaIs to which you are exposed, and your individual characteristics such as age,

sex, nutritional status, family traits, lifestyle, and state of health.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 2

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT

1.1 WHAT IS TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE?

Titanium tetrachloride is a colorless to pale yellow liquid that has fumes with a strong odor.

If it comes in contact with water, it rapidly forms hydrochloric acid, as well as titanium

compounds. In 1990, approximately 1.5 million tons of titanium tetrachloride were produced

in the United States.

Titanium tetrachloride is not found naturally in the environment and is made from minerals

that contain titanium. It is used to make titanium metal and other titanium-containing

compounds, such as titanium dioxide, which is used as a white pigment in paints and other

products, and as an intermediary to produce other chemicals.

Chapter 3 contains more information on the physical and chemical properties of titanium

tetrachloride, and Chapter 4 contains more information on its production and use.

1.2 WHAT HAPPENS TO TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE WHEN IT ENTERS THE

ENVIRONMENT?

Titanium tetrachloride enters the environment primarily as air emissions from facilities that

make or use it in various chemical processes or as a result of spills. If moisture is present in

the air, titanium tetrachloride reacts with the moisture to form hydrochloric acid and other

titanium compounds, such as titanium hydroxide and titanium oxychlorides. The end-products

produced when titanium tetrachloride reacts with water are titanium dioxide and hydrochloric

acid. The hydrochloric acid may break down or be carried in the air. Some of the titanium

compounds may settle out to soil or water. In water, they sink into the bottom sediments.

They may remain. for a long time in the soil or sediments. Some other titanium compounds,

such as titanium dioxide, are also found in the air and water. See Chapters 4 and 5 for more

information on what happens to titanium tetrachloride in the environment.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 3

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT

1.3 HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED TO TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE?

Titanium tetrachloride has not been found in water, soil, food, or air except in the workplace.

Because titanium tetrachloride breaks down so rapidly in the environment, you would

probably not be exposed to it unless you worked in a facility that made or used it, or you

were exposed to it as a result of a spill. If you work at such a facility, you may breathe in

air that contains it or breathe fumes of hydrochloric acid. You could also breathe in particles

of titanium dioxide or titanium metal dust. If titanium tetrachloride spills, you may get it on

your skin. In 1980, about 2,100 workers may have been exposed to titanium tetrachloride in

the workplace. Since titanium tetrachloride breaks down rapidly in the environment, it is

unlikely that you would be exposed to it at disposal sites.

No other information has been found on the presence of titanium tetrachloride in air, water,

soil, or foods that would suggest that you may be exposed to it from these sources. See

Chapter 5 for more information on the potential for exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

1.4 HOW CAN TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE ENTER AND LEAVE MY BODY?

The fumes from titanium tetrachloride can easily enter your body if you breathe air that is

contaminated with it. In your nose and lungs, these fumes may cause burns. Particles that

contain titanium may remain in your lungs or nearby tissue. Titanium tetrachloride and its

breakdown products do not appear to enter other parts of your body. See Chapter 2 for more

information on how titanium tetrachloride may enter and leave your body.

1.5 HOW CAN TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE AFFECT MY HEALTH?

To protect the public from the harmful effects of toxic chemicals and to find ways to treat

people who have been harmed, scientists use many tests.

One way to see if a chemical will hurt people is to learn how the chemical is absorbed, used,

and released by the body; for some chemicals, animal testing may be necessary. Animal
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 4

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT

testing may also be used to identify health effects such as cancer or birth defects. Without

laboratory animals, scientists would lose a basic method to get information needed to make

wise decisions to protect public health. Scientists have the responsibility to treat research

animals with care and compassion. Laws today protect the welfare of research animals, and

scientists must comply with strict animal care guidelines.

Titanium tetrachloride can be very irritating to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and the

lungs. Titanium tetrachloride is corrosive because it reacts strongly with water to produce

hydrochloric acid. The reaction products, especially hydrochloric acid, cause the harmful

health effects and burns that can occur after exposure to titanium tetrachloride. Breathing in

large amounts of titanium tetrachloride can injure the lungs seriously enough to cause death.

We do not know how much of the compound is necessary to cause death. After short-term

exposure to titanium tetrachloride, less serious respiratory system effects can include coughing

and tightness in the chest. More severe effects can include chemical bronchitis or pneumonia,

and congestion of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. These effects can

cause long-term effects such as the narrowing of the vocal cords, windpipe, and upper

airways. Although there are no data on swallowing titanium tetrachloride, it is likely that

eating large amounts of this chemical could also cause death.

Accidental exposure to liquid titanium tetrachloride can result in skin burns and can cause

permanent damage to the eyes if they are not protected.

Some laboratory animals that breathed titanium tetrachloride fumes for 2 years developed

lung tumors of a special type. However, there is no evidence that chronic exposure to

titanium tetrachloride causes cancer in humans. There is not enough information to determine

if titanium tetrachloride causes birth defects or affects reproduction. Titanium tetrachloride

has not been classified for its carcinogenic properties. For more information on the health

effects of titanium tetrachloride, see Chapter 2.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 5

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT

1.6 IS THERE A MEDICAL TEST TO DETERMINE WHETHER I HAVE BEEN

 EXPOSED TO TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE?

There is no medical test to indicate whether you have been exposed to titanium tetrachloride.

However, you can be tested for the presence of titanium dioxide or titanium metal, which are

breakdown products of titanium tetrachloride. This test uses electron microscopes to examine

lung tissue for particles that contain titanium. This test is not specific for titanium tetrachloride

exposure, but it does indicate exposure to some titanium-containing substances.

Also, the test does not indicate whether you may have potential health effects resulting from

such exposure or the amount of titanium compound to which you were exposed. See

Chapters 2 and 6 for more information on determining exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

1.7 WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS HAS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MADE TO

 PROTECT HUMAN HEALTH?

The federal government develops regulations and recommendations to protect public health.

Regulations m be enforced by law. Federal agencies that develop regulations for toxic

substances include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and

Health Administration (OSHA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Recommendations provide valuable guidelines to protect public health but cannot be enforced

by law. Federal organizations that develop recommendations for toxic substances include the

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the National Institute for

Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Regulations and recommendations can be expressed in not-to-exceed levels in air, water, soil,

or food that are usually based on levels that affect animals, then they are adjusted to help

protect people: Sometimes these not-to-exceed levels differ among federal organizations

because of different exposure times (an S-hour workday or a 24-hour day), the use of

different animal studies, or other factors.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 6

1. PUBLIC HEALTH STATEMENT

Recommendations and regulations are also periodically updated as more information becomes

available. For the most current information, check with the federal agency or organization

that provides it. Some regulations and recommendations for titanium tetrachloride include the

following:

z Releases of more than 1 pound of titanium tetrachloride must be reported to EPA.

z Maximum levels have not been established for titanium tetrachloride exposure in the

 workplace.

See Chapter 7 for more information on the regulations and guidelines that have been

established for titanium tetrachloride.

1.8 WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

If you have any more questions or concerns, please contact your community or state health or

environmental quality department or:

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

Division of Toxicology

1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-29

Atlanta, GA 30333

(404) 639-6000

ATSDR can also tell you the location of occupational and environmental health clinics.

These clinics specialize in recognizing, evaluating, and treating illnesses resulting from

exposure to hazardous substances.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 7

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.1 INTRODUCTION

The primary purpose of this chapter is to provide public health officials, physicians, toxicologists, and

other interested individuals and groups with an overall perspective of the toxicology of titanium

tetrachloride. It contains descriptions and evaluations of toxicological studies and epidemiological

investigations and provides conclusions, where possible, on the relevance of toxicity and toxicokinetic

data to public health.

A glossary and list of acronyms, abbreviations, and symbols can be found at the end of this profile.

2.2 DISCUSSION OF HEALTH EFFECTS BY ROUTE OF EXPOSURE

To help public health professionals and others address the needs of persons living or working near

hazardous waste sites, the information in this section is organized first by route of

exposure-inhalation, oral, and dermal; and then by health effect---death, systemic, immunological,

neurological, reproductive, developmental, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects. These data are

discussed in terms of three exposure periods-acute (14 days or less), intermediate (15-364 days), and

chronic (365 days or more).

Levels of significant exposure for each route and duration are presented in tables and illustrated in

figures. The points in the figures showing no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) or lowestobserved-adverse-effect levels (LOAELs) reflect the actual doses (levels of exposure) used in the

studies. LOAELS have been classified into “less serious” or “serious” effects. “Serious” effects are

those that evoke failure in a biological system and can lead to morbidity or mortality (e.g., acute

respiratory distress or death). “Less serious” effects are those that are not expected to cause significant

dysfunction or death, or those whose significance to the organism is not entirely clear. ATSDR

acknowledges that a considerable amount of judgment may be required in establishing whether an end

point should be classified as a NOAEL, “less serious” LOAEL, or “serious” LOAEL, and that in some

cases, there will be insufficient data to decide whether the effect is indicative of significant

dysfunction. However, the Agency has established guidelines and policies that are used to classify

these end points. ATSDR believes that there is sufficient merit in this approach to warrant an attempt
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 8

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

at distinguishing between “less serious” and “serious” effects. The distinction between “less serious”

effects and “serious” effects is considered to be important because it helps the users of the profiles to

identify levels of exposure at which major health effects start to appear. LOAELs or NOAELs should

also help in determining whether or not the effects vary with dose and/or duration, and place into

perspective the possible significance of these effects to human health.

The significance of the exposure levels shown in the Levels of Significant Exposure (LSE) tables and

figures may differ depending on the user’s perspective. Public health officials and others concerned

with appropriate actions to take at hazardous waste sites may want information on levels of exposure

associated with more subtle effects in humans or animals (LOAEL) or exposure levels below which no

adverse effects (NOAELs) have been observed. Estimates of levels posing minimal risk to humans

(Minimal Risk Levels or MRLs) may be of interest to health professionals and citizens alike.

Estimates of exposure levels posing minimal risk to humans (Minimal Risk Levels or MRLs) have

been made for titanium tetrachloride. An MRL is defined as an estimate of daily human exposure to a

substance that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of adverse effects (noncarcinogenic) over a

specified duration of exposure. MRLs are derived when reliable and sufficient data exist to identify

the target organ(s) of effect or the most sensitive health effect(s) for a specific duration within a given

route of exposure. MRLs are based on noncancerous health effects only and do not consider

carcinogenic effects. MRLs can be derived for acute, intermediate, and chronic duration exposures for

inhalation and oral routes. Appropriate methodology does not exist to develop MRLs for dermal

exposure.

Although methods have been established to derive these levels (Barnes and Dourson 1988; EPA 1990),

uncertainties are associated with these techniques. Furthermore, ATSDR acknowledges additional

uncertainties inherent in the application of the procedures to derive less than lifetime MRLs. As an

example, acute inhalation MRLs may not be protective for health effects that are delayed in

development or are’ acquired following repeated acute insults, such as hypersensitivity reactions,

asthma, or chronic bronchitis. As these kinds of health effects data become available and methods to

assess levels of significant human exposure improve, these MRLs will be revised.

A User’s Guide has been provided at the end of this profile (see Appendix B). This guide should aid

in the interpretation of the tables and figures for Levels of Significant Exposure and the MRLs.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 9

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.2.1 Inhalation Exposure

Titanium tetrachloride is a colorless-to-light-yellow liquid with a penetrating acid odor (Merck 1989).

Titanium tetrachloride can be highly irritating to the mucous membranes (including the upper

respiratory tract), the skin, and the eyes (Mogilevskaja 1983). It is a highly corrosive acute irritant to

the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory tract (EPA 1985b). Titanium tetrachloride readily

hydrolyzes in the presence of water or moist air via an exothermic reaction that occurs in two stages.

First, titanium tetrachloride reacts to form a highly dispersed particulate smoke. This smoke reacts

with more moisture in the air to form hydrolytic products of titanium tetrachloride such as

hydrochloric acid, titanium oxychlorides, and titanium dioxide. Titanium tetrachloride is used as an

intermediate in the production of metallic titanium and titanium dioxide. It is reduced in the presence

of metallic sodium to yield a solid mixture of titanium and sodium chloride (Garabrant et al. 1987).

Titanium tetrachloride can also be used for the generation of white smoke screens in military

operations (Wilms et al. 1992), in the pigment and mordant dye industry, and in glass and pearl

manufacturing (EPA 1985b). Because of its rapid evaporation and smoke formation, exposure to

titanium tetrachloride is most likely to occur via the inhalation route. The highly corrosive properties

of titanium tetrachloride that have been described in accidental occupational exposure studies are

probably due to its rapid hydrolysis by water to yield hydrochloric acid (EPA 1985b).

All of the human studies discussed in the section on inhalation exposure are either epidemiological

reports of occupational exposure or case reports of accidental exposure. In most occupational studies

and in reports of accidental exposure, the exact levels of exposure are not known. It should be also

noted that in occupational exposure settings, dermal exposure may occur simultaneously with

inhalation exposure.

Many inhalation studies in animals were conducted with titanium tetrachloride passing through or into

a chamber containing moist air which causes hydrolysis to occur. The extent of hydrolysis will

depend on the amount of water and the residence time before inhalation occurs. Thus, it. is hard to

determine exactly the composition of the mixture (unhydrolyzed titanium tetrachloride plus hydrolysis

products) that the animal breathed.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 10

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.2.1.1 Death

One death was reported in the case of a worker who was accidentally splashed his whole body with

titanium tetrachloride (Chitkara and McNeela 1992). He suffered extensive bums to his facial skin,

nasopharynx, and larynx, and both his eyes were severely injured. His corneas were thick and opaque

with extensive swelling of the bulbar conjunctiva and episclera. Over the next 14 days, some of the

opacity in the right eye cleared, but there was no improvement in the left eye. The patient died from

the complications of severe pulmonary injury caused by inhalation of titanium tetrachloride fumes

(Chitkara and McNeela 1992).

Except for the single case described above, no increase in mortality from any cause was reported in

workers occupationally exposed to titanium tetrachloride from one day to over five years (EPA 1990b;

Fayerweather et al. 1992). However, these studies are limited because they are focused to some extent

on the incidence of, and mortality from, lung cancer and because of the confounding effect of potential

exposure of the subjects to other chemicals in the chemical manufacturing complex. Exposure to other

chemicals confounds matching of the controls and the exposed individuals.

Limited information was located regarding lethal effects in animals after inhalation exposure to

titanium tetrachloride. The 4-hour and 2minute inhalation LC50 values in rats exposed head-only

were 460 mg/m3 and 108,000 mg/m3

, respectively (DuPont 1980); other LC50 values fall in between.

Death was attributed to pulmonary edema and occurred during exposures and up to one week post

exposure. After or during a single 2-hour inhalation exposure to various levels of titanium

tetrachloride and its hydrolysis products (titanium oxychloride, titanium dioxide and hydrochloric

acid), 9 of 15 mice died (Mezentseva et al. 1963). The results indicate that death following exposure

was concentration-dependent; of the 9 animals that died following exposure to titanium tetrachloride,

4 were from the high-dose group, 3 were from the middle-dose group, and 2 were from the low-dose

group. This study also included 3 groups of mice exposed to hydrochloric acid alone (the

concentrations were 0.012-0.06 mg/L, 0.036-0.11 mg/L, and 0.03-0.24 mg/L). Only one mouse died

in the group exposed to the high dose of hydrochloric acid. These results are important because they

compare the toxic effects of titanium tetrachloride and its hydrolysis products with those of

hydrochloric acid, and they suggest that titanium tetrachloride and subsequent hydrolysis products are

more toxic to mice than hydrochloric acid alone. Although the cause of death in this study is not

known, it appeared that in both cases (exposure to hydrolysis products of titanium tetrachloride and
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 11

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

exposure to hydrochloric acid alone) the ultimate toxicant was hydrochloric acid. One possible

explanation for the more severe effects seen from exposure to titanium tetrachloride compared with

hydrochloric acid is that hydrochloric acid, because of its high solubility, is dissolved in the moisture

of the nasopharynx and trachea and thus penetrates the lungs to only a very limited extent. However,

in the case of exposure to titanium tetrachloride, the hydrolysis occurs in several steps; one of the

hydrolysis products, titanium oxide hydrate, is a particulate that can absorb some of the hydrochloric

acid vapors that are also generated during hydrolysis and carry them into the deeper parts of the lungs.

Also, in the lungs, the partially hydrolyzed titanium tetrachloride can be further hydrolyzed with

release of hydrochloric acid, resulting ultimately in hydrochloric acid being carried deeper into the

lung and to the alveoli (Mezentseva et al. 1963). This study is limited in that the precise exposure

levels are not known since the titanium tetrachloride concentrations were communicated as separate

titanium concentrations and hydrochloric acid concentrations. The study also did not give detailed

information on the exposed animals.

In a 4-week inhalation study, male rats were exposed to 0, 5, 10, or 40 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride

6 hours per day, 5 days per week (DuPont 1979). Two animals in the high-exposure group died on

test days 15 and 23; the cause of death appeared to have been respiratory failure. Necropsy of these

rats revealed partial obstruction of the tracheal lumen with precipitated dust particles, denuded tracheal

epithelium, acute obliterative bronchiolitis, interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and hemorrhage.

LOAEL values for death for each species and duration category are recorded in Table 2-l and plotted

in Figure 2-l.

2.2.1.2 Systemic Effects

No studies were located regarding musculoskeletal effects in humans or animals after inhalation

exposure to titanium tetrachloride. The systemic effects observed after inhalation exposure are

discussed below.

The NOAEL and LOAEL values from each reliable study for systemic effects in each species and

duration category are recorded in Table 2-l and plotted Figure 2-l.






TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 18

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Respiratory Effects. Case studies of humans acutely exposed to titanium tetrachloride fumes have

shown the irritant nature of the inhaled chemical. Since titanium tetrachloride undergoes hydrolysis

almost immediately when in contact with water or moisture in the air (forming fumes that contain

titanium oxychloride and hydrochloric acid), its main effect on the lungs is corrosive. Although the

degree of pulmonary injury can vary, exposure can result in an intense chemical bronchitis or

pneumonia (Lawson 1961). Following an accidental acute exposure, three research workers

experienced only mild irritant symptoms consisting of cough and tightness in the chest, which both

lasted only a couple of hours and left no abnormalities on the chest X-ray (Ross 1985). More severe

pulmonary effects were reported in two other incidents of accidental exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

One worker who was splashed with hot titanium tetrachloride suffered marked congestion of the

mucous membranes of the pharynx, vocal cords, and trachea (Ross 1985). This exposure had long-term

effects that included stenosis of the larynx, trachea, and upper bronchi. The second worker

accidentally exposed to titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis fumes developed cough and dyspnea

20 minutes after exposure (Park et al. 1984). His symptoms progressed to severe upper airway distress

that required intubation and ventilation. Further symptoms included hypoxia and diffuse pulmonary

infiltrates suggestive of adult respiratory distress syndrome. He gradually improved, but fiberoptic

bronchoscopy 5 weeks after admission revealed erythema of the entire bronchial tree and the presence

of 35-40 fleshy polypoid lesions. The presence of the polyps, according to the authors, was a sign of

an exaggerated but normal reparative process of the tracheobronchial injury. This delayed

complication has been seen in thermal respiratory injuries, indicating that the severe adverse

respiratory effects seen in this case may, in part, be due to the exothermic nature of the titanium

tetrachloride hydrolysis reaction. One year after the injury, his lungs appeared normal, but some

degree of mild stenosis remained.

The results of occupational exposure of 209 workers employed at a metals reduction facility in

Ashtabula, Ohio, were reported in two retrospective studies (Garabrant et al. 1987; NIOSH 1980). The

results suggest that pulmonary impairment may be caused by exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

Medical examinations, chest X-rays, and pulmonary function tests were done on all workers. Medical

and occupational histories were also obtained. Personal and area air samples were analyzed for

titanium particulates, asbestos, welding fumes, and hydrochloric acid. NIOSH determined that the

hydrochloric acid concentration in the air was negligible (below the OSHA standard of 5 mg/m3

).

Workers were divided into three groups (two experimental and one control) based on their jobs and

duration of employment in specific jobs. The use of a group of maintenance workers as a control may
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 19

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

have caused the underestimation of the true association between respiratory symptoms and pleural

disease because the controls had longer smoking histories and asbestos exposure. Of the 209 workers,

78 were engaged in the titanium tetrachloride reduction process and were also exposed to sodium,

titanium dioxide particulates, and titanium oxychloride. There were no significant differences

regarding symptoms, results of functional tests, and results of chest radiographs among the three

groups. The symptoms utilized for comparison in this study were cough, phlegm production, chronic

bronchitis, and wheezing with dyspnea. Logistic regression analysis of the chest radiograph data

showed that pleural thickening was strongly related to the length of time spent working in titanium

production (p< 0.001). The initial estimate of loss of pulmonary function, taking smoking into account,

was 45 ml/year leading to a deficit of 1.8 L/40-year employment period (NIOSH 1980). Further

analysis of the employees, based on job and duration of employment, confirmed large decreases in

forced vital capacity (FVC) in workers employed in titanium tetrachloride reduction for at least

10 years (Garabrant et al. 1987). A regression analysis of the data adjusted for age, height, and

smoking revealed that the rate of loss of FVC was 24 mL per year for the titanium tetrachloride

workers (Garabrant et al. 1987). The results also showed that previous asbestos exposure and cigarette

smoking were not significantly related to pleural thickening. These results suggest that chronic

exposure to titanium tetrachloride may result in restrictive pulmonary changes and that there is no

clear association between pleural thickening and reduction in ventilator-y capacity. It was difficult to

determine the precise cause of these pulmonary abnormalities, and further studies are needed to clarify

this issue. The limitations of both studies include the lack of information on the duration, route, and

exposure levels, the concomitant exposure to a mixture of chemicals, and the use of maintenance

workers who were older, with past asbestos work and longer smoking histories.

Since titanium tetrachloride is rapidly hydrolyzed in the presence of water, some of the pulmonary

depositions in occupationally exposed workers may be due to some titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis

products. In a study of 3 workers who worked for 9-10 years in a titanium dioxide processing

factory, electron microscopy, and spectrometric and spectrographic analyses of lung tissue showed the

presence of considerable amounts of some form of titanium (Elo et al. 1972). Electron-microscopy

first identified 0.1-0.4-μm-diameter black particles in lysosomes of phagocytic cells filling the alveolar

lumen. The black particles were very similar to the titanium dioxide particles that were layered on top

of the grid and examined under the electron microscope, and further spectrographic analyses using

X-ray fluorescence confirmed the presence of some form of titanium. Large quantities of some form

of titanium were also present in the lymph nodes. Similar findings were made in the case of a
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 20

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

55-year-old man who worked for 3 years in a titanium pigment processing factory (Ophus et al. 1979).

He died of lung metastasis from an undifferentiated tumor in the right ileal bone. Because of his work

history, his lungs were analyzed for the presence of titanium as well. Macroscopic and microscopic

examinations revealed large amounts of white, birefractive pigment in all parts of the lungs without

obvious fibrotic changes. Further analysis confirmed the presence of titanium and occasionally iron,

and also showed that the crystal modification of titanium was in the form of rutile, a natural mineral

of titanium dioxide that also contains some iron. Ash weight determinations of lung tissue revealed an

increased concentration of titanium-containing dust particulates in the right middle lobe (43.3-49%)

and lower lobe (39.2-47%) as compared to < 0.2% found in 2 control specimens. The absence of any

pulmonary response to the deposits of titanium dust may be due to the fact that rutile is a biologically

relatively inert crystalline form of titanium dioxide. None of the techniques used in this study can

unequivocally identify the presence of titanium dioxide. In a study of a 45-year-old man who worked

for 13 years as a furnace feeder in an aluminum smelting company, scanning electron microscopy and

energy dispersive x-ray analysis showed that the lung tissue biopsy from the lower right lobe

contained 1.39x109

 exogenous particulates/cm3 of tissue (Redline et al. 1986). The particulates

contained various metallic alloys; 6 1% of the particulates consisted of aluminum and other metals such

as titanium, zinc, and nickel; 35% contained various aluminum silicates; and 2% of the particles were

silica. This finding confirms the possibility of titanium deposition in the lung tissue and, in this case,

raises the possibility that there is an association of granulomatous lung disease with deposition of

particles of titanium dioxide. The results of these three case reports indicate that titanium dioxide can

be deposited in the lungs of occupationally exposed workers, and that these deposits may or may not

cause histopathological changes. Further studies are needed to establish the causal relationship, if any,

between deposits of titanium dust particulates and granulomatous lung disease.

Findings in animals support the observations made in humans. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were

exposed by inhalation to 1,466, 5,112, 7,529, or 11,492 mg/m3

 of titanium tetrachloride for 10 minutes

(Karlsson et al. 1986). None of the animals died from exposure, but signs of toxicity included wet

noses, nasal discharge, swollen eyelids, and dyspnea. These signs disappeared 48-72 hours after

exposure, and lung histopathology done 7 days later showed minor lesions. The lungs in 1 of 3 and

2 of 2 rats exposed to 5,112 and 11,492 mg/m3

, respectively, showed discrete inflammatory residues,

thickened alveolar septa, and a sparse accumulation of phagocytes. Similar observations were made in

other acute studies in rats (DuPont 1980). In a 4-week inhalation study, rats exposed intermittently to

5 mg/m3

 of hydrolysis products of titanium tetrachloride showed a mild dust-cell reaction and
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 21

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

increased relative lung weight (DuPont 1979). In addition to increased lung weight, higher exposure

concentrations (10 and 40 mg/m3

) induced concentration-related inflammation of the respiratory tract.

The effects were described as acute bronchiolitis, interstitial pneumonitis, proliferation of alveolar

cells, and hyperplasia of the tracheal epithelium with increased mucus secretion. These effects

gradually disappeared during a recovery period of up to 12 months that followed exposure, although

slight collagenized fibrosis persisted in the respiratory bronchioles and adjoining alveolar walls. The

5 mg/m3

 exposure level is considered a less serious LOAEL and was used to derive an intermediate-duration

inhalation MRL of 0.01 mg/m3

, as described in the footnote in Table 2-l.

In a chronic inhalation study, groups of 100 Crl:CD rats/sex/concentration were exposed by inhalation

to 0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/m3

, respectively, of atmospherically hydrolyzed titanium tetrachloride for

6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 104 weeks (EPA 1986; Lee et al. 1986). Five males and

5 females from each group were sacrificed after 3 and 6 months, 10 animals of each sex were killed

after 1 year, and the remaining animals were sacrificed at the end of the second year for gross and

microscopic evaluation. The primary clinical finding was an increased incidence of irregular

respiration and abnormal lung noises in exposed animals. The incidence was concentration-related (8,

12, 24, and 36% in males and 8, 16, 44, and 41% in females at 0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/m3

,

respectively). Also, the time to first observation was shorter at higher concentrations. The major

health effects of exposure to titanium tetrachloride were observed in the respiratory tract of exposed

rats. The incidence of rhinitis increased with concentration and duration of exposure. In the control

animals, the incidence ranged from 3.9 to 31.6% and was usually higher at 2 years. In the low-concentration

group, the incidence of rhinitis at 1 year ranged from 4.3 to 15%, and at 2 years it

ranged from 21.9 to 64.4%. In the mid- and high-concentration groups, the incidences were

4.5-31.8% and 25-33.3%, respectively, at 1 year, and 16.9-56.2% and 23.2-65.8%, respectively, after

2 years of exposure. Tracheitis also increased with duration and, to a lesser degree, with

concentration. The two highest groups had an increased incidence of tracheitis as early as 3 months;

after 2 years, tracheitis was increased in the lowest exposure group. The incidences of tracheitis at the

end of the 2 years tiere 0-2.5%, 12-20%, 41-49%, and 30-44% for the control, low-, mid-, and high-exposure

groups, respectively. The 0.1 mg/m3 level is considered a less serious LOAEL for adverse

effects in the tracheobronchial region. Gross pathology and histopathology revealed compound-related

changes in the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes of the treated animals. Mean absolute and relative

lung weights were increased significantly (p< 0.05) after 1 and 2 years of treatment compared to

untreated controls. In male rats, but not females, relative lung weight was increased significantly
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 22

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

(p< 0.05) after 6 months of treatment. Foci laden with yellow titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis product

were present on the lung pleural surface and on the slightly enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes in

the mid- and high-exposure groups. The pulmonary response in these two groups also included the

presence of the dust-laden macrophages and hyperplasia of the alveolar lining. The incidence and

severity of alveolar hyperplasia increased with concentration; incidences were 0% in the control and

low-exposure groups, and 32-63% and 92-97% in the mid- and high-exposure groups, respectively.

The concentration of 0.1 mg/m3

 is considered a LOAEL for the pulmonary effects and was used for

the derivation of a chronic inhalation exposure MRL of 0.0001 mg/m3

, as described in the footnote in

Table 2-l.

Cardiovascular Effects. No studies were located regarding cardiovascular effects in humans

following inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

No histopathological alterations were reported in the heart and aorta from male rats (females were not

tested) exposed to up to 40 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride aerosol 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for

4 weeks (DuPont 1979). No further information was provided.

Gastrointestinal Effects. No studies were located regarding gastrointestinal effects in humans

after inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

No compound-related alterations were observed in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, jejunum,

cecum, and colon from male rats (females were not tested) exposed to up to 40 mg/m3

 titanium

tetrachloride aerosol 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks (DuPont 1979). No further

information was provided.

Hematological Effects. Limited information is available regarding hematological effects in

humans following inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride. No abnormal values for hemoglobin,

white blood cells, rieutrophils, monocytes, and basophils were found in 10 workers exposed for

4-17 years to low levels of titanium tetrachloride fumes (Lawson 1961). The level of titanium

tetrachloride in the fumes was not reported. Three of the workers had mild eosinophilia, and four had

relative lymphocytosis. Since there were no data from control subjects, it is difficult to estimate

whether these changes are significant or not. According to the author, the observed lymphocytosis

may have been caused by the influenza present among the workers at the time of the study. Another
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 23

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

limitation of the study is the lack of a detailed description of the other chemicals to which the workers

may have been exposed.

No significant hematological alterations were reported in rats exposed intermittently for 4 weeks to up

to 40 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride (DuPont 1979). Parameters evaluated included red cell count, total

and differential white cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean cell volume, and mean corpuscular

hemoglobin concentration. In a chronic inhalation exposure study, Crl:CD rats were exposed to 0, 0.1,

1.0, and 10.0 mg/m3

 of titanium tetrachloride 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 2 years (EPA

1986; Lee et al. 1986). After 18 months of exposure, high-dose rats had a significant increase in

neutrophils (p< 0.05) and a decrease in lymphocytes. Males at this concentration had a significant

decrease in erythrocytes and significant increases in mean cell volume and mean cell hemoglobin.

Hepatic Effects. No studies were located regarding hepatic effects in humans following inhalation

exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

Limited information is available regarding hepatic effects in animals. No histopathological effects

were observed in the liver from male rats (females not tested) exposed to up to 40 mg/m3 titanium

tetrachloride aerosol 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks (DuPont 1979). This finding was

consistent with the fact that the activities of serum transaminases were not significantly altered by the

experimental treatment.

Renal Effects. No studies were located regarding renal effects in humans following inhalation

exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

Limited data are available regarding renal effects in animals after inhalation exposure to titanium

tetrachloride. In male rats (females were not tested), exposure to 10 or 40 mg/m3 of an aerosol of

titanium tetrachloride 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks resulted in decreased urine

osmolality and increased urine pH on the last day of exposure (DuPont 1979). These pai-ameters

returned to pre-exposure levels after a 2-week recovery period. An exposure level of 5 mg/m3

 was

without effect. The biological significance of these findings is unknown.

Endocrine Effects. No studies were located regarding endocrine effects in humans following

inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 24

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

No compound-related histopathological alterations were observed in the thyroid, parathyroid, and

pancreas from male rats (females were not tested) exposed 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for

4 weeks to up to 40 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride aerosol (DuPont 1979). No further information was

provided.

Dermal Effects. No studies were located regarding dermal effects in humans after inhalation

exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

The only information available regarding dermal effects in animals is that no histopathological

alterations were observed in the skin from male rats (females were not tested) exposed 6 hours per

day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks to up to 40 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride aerosol (DuPont 1979).

No further information was provided.

Ocular Effects. Mild symptoms of toxicity developed in a case in which three research workers

were accidentally exposed to titanium tetrachloride fumes (Ross 1985). One person developed eye

irritation that lasted about two hours. Upon medical examination several hours after the accident, no

abnormalities were found. In another case of accidental exposure, a 50-year-old chemical engineer

was sprayed over his head, chest, neck, and back with titanium tetrachloride (Park et al. 1984). When

he removed his mask to clean himself, he was exposed to vapor formed when titanium tetrachloride

came in contact with air. He developed erythema of the conjunctivae, tongue, and pharynx with other

signs of respiratory toxicity. His ocular symptoms were more severe than the ones described in the

first case, possibly due to the formation of hydrochloric acid, which caused second- and third-degree

bums over the parts of his body that came in contact with titanium tetrachloride. No information was

given about the dose or the course of his eye injury.

Eye injury after titanium tetrachloride exposure was also observed in acutely exposed rats. Female

Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to concentrations of 1,466, 5,112, 7,529, and 11,492 mg/m3

 of titanium

tetrachloride for 10 minutes (Karlsson et al. 1986) had swollen eyelids, irritation, wet noses, nasal

discharge, and dyspnea. Although the animals were observed for 7 days, the symptoms disappeared

within 48-72 hours. No animals died from the exposure. Cornea1 opacity, necrotic keratitis, and

conjunctivitis were reported in rats exposed to lethal concentrations of titanium tetrachloride for

2-240 minutes (DuPont 1980). No histopathological alterations were observed in the eyes of male rats
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 25

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

(females not tested) exposed to up to 40 mg/m3 titanium tetrachloride 6 hours per day, 5 days per

week for 4 weeks (DuPont 1979).

Body Weight Effects. No studies were located regarding body weight effects in humans after

inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

Information about animals is limited. Surviving rats exposed to median lethal concentrations of

titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis products for 2-240 minutes exhibited weight loss (unquantified) after

exposure (DuPont 1980). In a 4-week study, male rats exposed to 40 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride

6 hours per day, 5 days per week showed a 19% reduction in body weight gain relative to controls

during the exposure period (DuPont 1979). However, the weight gain returned to a normal pattern

during a post-exposure recovery period. Lower exposure levels, 5 or 10 mg/m3

, did not alter body

weight gain. Body weight from Crl:CD rats exposed to 0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/m3

 of titanium

tetrachloride 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for up to 2 years were not altered by the experimental

treatment (EPA 1986; Lee et al. 1986).

2.2.1.3 Immunological and Lymphoreticular Effects

Very limited information is available regarding immunological effects in humans or animals following

inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride. An elevated lymphocyte count of 23,700 cells/mm3

 was

found in a worker after an accidental exposure to titanium tetrachloride (Park et al. 1984). No further

information or details of exposure were provided, but the worker also suffered second- and third degree

bums related to exposure over 25% of his body. In another study, 4 of 10 workers chronically

exposed to low levels of titanium tetrachloride fumes had relative lymphocytosis (Lawson 1961).

However, it is difficult to interpret this finding because no controls were available, and there was

influenza among the workers at the time the study was conducted.

The immune status in humans is most commonly evaluated by in vitro testing of peripheral blood

lymphocytes (PBLs). Impaired cellular immune function was found in a 45-year-old man who worked

for 13 years as a furnace feeder in an aluminum smelting company (Redline et al. 1986). The in vitro

responses of his PBLs to selected mitogens (phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen, and concanavalin

A) were below the mean values for normal responses established in 50 control subjects. Since he

presented with pulmonary granuloma containing different particles, his PBLs were tested 4 times over
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 26

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

an 1l-month period for responsiveness to titanium tetrachloride, nickel sulfate, and aluminum chloride.

This was done to establish a possible causal relationship between the particulates in the pulmonary

granuloma and the immune response of the delayed hypersensitivity type. Only the response to

titanium tetrachloride was positive in two out of four tests. The controls used in the experiment were

3 painters exposed to titanium dioxide-based paints for 15-28 years; their response to all 3 metallic

salts was negative. These results indicate that chronic exposure to titanium in this one patient may

have led to his sensitization and may be related to the pulmonary granulomatous disease that he

developed. However, three other chronically exposed individuals used as controls were not sensitive

to titanium tetrachloride. The limitations of the study are that exposure occurred to several metals,

that the dose or precise duration are not known, that the in vitro response of the patient to titanium

tetrachloride was positive in two out of four tests, and most importantly, the use of inappropriate

controls.

No histopathological alterations were observed in the thymus and spleen from rats exposed to up to

40 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks (DuPont 1979). No

further immunological parameters were evaluated in this intermediate-duration study. In a chronic

inhalation study, Crl:CD rats were exposed to 0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/m3

 of hydrolyzed titanium

tetrachloride for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 2 years (EPA 1986; Lee et al. 1986). The study

focused on lung injuries and revealed the presence of two types of macrophages in the lung alveoli.

Both types contained particles; one type had densely aggregated particles (dust-laden macrophages),

and the other contained a small amount of particles (foamy dust macrophages). The incidence of these

latter macrophages was increased in rats receiving 10.0 mg/m3

 of hydrolyzed titanium tetrachloride.

Dose-related changes observed in the tracheobronchial lymph nodes of rats exposed to 1.0 and

10.0 mg/m3

 included slight enlargement of the nodes and foci laden with yellow titanium tetrachloride

hydrolysis product. These tracheobronchial lymph nodes were also slightly enlarged. The two types

of macrophages seen in treated rats were not present in any of the control animals. The results

indicate that compound-related lung injury evoked an immune reaction in the form of increased

macrophage infiltration. The limitations of the study are that other immune functions Were not tested

and that no information is available regarding the numbers of lymphoid cells. It is therefore difficult

to estimate the extent of immunologic injury in rats following chronic inhalation exposure to titanium

tetrachloride.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 27

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

All NOAEL and LOAEL values from each reliable study for immunological effects in rats in chronicduration

studies are recorded in Table 2-l and plotted Figure 2-l.

2.2.1.4 Neurological Effects

No studies were located regarding neurological effects in humans following inhalation exposure to

titanium tetrachloride.

Data regarding neurological effects in animals are limited to a report in which no histopathological

alterations were observed in the brain from rats exposed to up to 40 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride

6 hours per day, 5 days per week for 4 weeks (DuPont 1979). Because no further neurological

parameters were evaluated, this exposure level is not a reliable NOAEL; therefore, it is not presented

in Table 2-l or Figure 2-l.

2.2.1.5 Reproductive Effects

No studies were located regarding reproductive effects in humans following inhalation exposure to

titanium tetrachloride.

Information regarding reproductive effects in animals was limited to a 4-week study which reported no

histopathological alterations in the testis and epididymis from rats exposed 6 hours per day, 5 days per

week to up to 40 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride (DuPont 1979). Female rats were not tested in this

study. The 40 mg/m3 exposure level is not considered a reliable NOAEL since no further reproductive

end points were evaluated and females were not tested; therefore, this level is not presented in

Table 2- 1 or Figure 2-l.

2.2.1.6 Developmental Effects

No studies were located regarding developmental effects in humans or animals after inhalation

exposure to titanium tetrachloride.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 28

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.2.1.7 Genotoxic Effects

No studies were located regarding genotoxic effects in humans or animals after inhalation exposure to

titanium tetrachloride. Genotoxicity studies are discussed in Section 2.5.

2.2.1.8 Cancer

A few epidemiological studies have examined cancer mortality in workers employed in industries

using titanium tetrachloride. No association between titanium tetrachloride exposure and lung cancer

mortality was found in 969 male workers occupationally exposed to <0.5->3.0 mg/m3

 of titanium

tetrachloride for periods up to more than 5 years (EPA 1990b; Fayerweather et al. 1992). Of these

workers, 24 lung cancer cases and 96 controls were included in the statistical analyses. Data on the

incidence of lung cancer and chronic respiratory disease (from 1956 through 1985) and mortality (from

1935 through 1983) were included in the study. The smoking status, year of birth, and year of hire of

the workers were also taken into account. No titanium tetrachloride exposure monitoring data were

available before 1975, and the use of respirators for protection against titanium tetrachloride during

routine operations was introduced in 1984. Statistical analysis of the available mortality and lung

cancer incidence data showed that there was no association between titanium tetrachloride and lung

cancer mortality (odds ratio, 1.1). The results showed that only cigarette smoking was a strong

predictor of lung cancer mortality. The distribution of case and control subjects by three different

exposure indices (exposure duration, time-weighted average exposure, and cumulative exposure index)

showed no remarkable differences in frequencies by level of exposure. According to the investigators

(Fayerweather et al. 1992), the finding of no association should not be interpreted as definitive because

the statistical power of the study was limited and, the possibility that misclassification of exposure

may have produced a bias toward finding no association.

Although lung squamous cell carcinoma and keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma were observed in

rats chronically exposed to titanium tetrachloride, it is difficult to estimate their relevance to lung

tumors in humans (EPA 1984, 1986; Lee et al. 1986). One hundred male and 100 female Crl:CD rats

were exposed to 0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/m3

 of hydrolyzed titanium tetrachloride vapors 6 hours per

day, 5 days per week for 104 weeks (2 years). Chronic toxicity was evaluated by sacrificing 20 rats

per group at 3, 6, and 12 months. Histopathology was done on all major tissues and organs, and no

changes were observed except in the respiratory tract. Two types of lung squamous cell carcinoma
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 29

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

were found. Well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was found in 1 of 75 males and

2 of 75 females exposed to 10.0 mg/m3 of titanium tetrachloride (EPA 1984). The other lung tumor

type was a keratinized, cystic, squamous cell carcinoma found in 1 of 75 males and 1 of 75 females

from the same exposure group. No tumors were present in the lower exposure groups or in the

controls. The results of this study were also reported elsewhere (EPA 1986; Lee et al. 1986). No

abnormal clinical signs, changes in body weights, or excess mortality were observed in any of the

exposed groups. Histopathology revealed no changes in the thyroid, adrenal glands, testes, kidneys, or

other organs (not specified). The results showed that the only compound-related changes occurred in

the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes. Morphological analysis of the exposure vapors revealed fine,

round, transparent particles (<1 μm in diameter) and large aggregated particles (up to 400 μm in

diameter). Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis of the particulates showed two peaks characteristic of

titanium and chlorine. Although it is the same set of animals as in the EPA (1984) study, the

incidence of lung squamous cell carcinomas was reported differently in this report. The total number

of lung carcinomas was 5 (2 of 69 males and 3 of 74 females), the same as the total in the EPA

(1984) study. Three of the five were microscopic-sized well-differentiated lung squamous cell

carcinomas, and two were keratinized cystic squamous cell carcinomas. The carcinomas occurred in

the alveoli with squamous metaplasia and next to the alveolar ducts with aggregated dust-laden

macrophages and were probably a result of chronic tissue irritation from dust-laden macrophages and

cellular debris. No metastases were found in any of the rats. According to the authors (Lee et al.

1986), these lung carcinomas are a unique type of experimentally induced tumors that are not known

to occur in humans or other animals. Their etiology is also different from human squamous cell

carcinoma. Lung squamous cell carcinomas in humans arise in the basal cells of the bronchial

epithelium, while cystic keratinizing squamous cell carcinomas observed in this study developed from

the alveolar lining cells that are close to the alveolar duct region. It is, therefore, difficult to determine

the relevance of these keratinizing carcinomas to humans. In a recent written communication, DuPont

(1994) stated that the lung lesions observed in rats by Lee et al. (1986) were reexamined and the

conclusion was that three of the lesions should be diagnosed as squamous metaplasia and the other two

as proliferative ‘keratin cysts. This reevaluation was consistent with the opinion of an international

panel of 13 pathologists who examined similar lung lesions in rats caused by exposure to titanium

dioxide. The panel agreed that the lesions were not malignant neoplasms; a majority of the members

agreed that the lesions were not neoplastic.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 30

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.2.2 Oral Exposure

No studies were located regarding the following health effects in humans or animals after oral

exposure to titanium tetrachloride:

2.2.2.1 Death

2.2.2.2 Systemic Effects

2.2.2.3 Immunological and Lymphoreticular Effects

2.2.2.4 Neurological Effects

2.2.2.5 Reproductive Effects

2.2.2.6 Developmental Effects

2.2.2.7 Genotoxic Effects

Genotoxicity studies are discussed in Section 2.5.

2.2.2.8 Cancer

No studies were located regarding cancer in humans or animals after oral exposure to titanium

tetrachloride.

2.2.3 Dermal Exposure

When occupational exposures occur, both air passages and the skin are open to attack. Therefore,

many of the findings described in the inhalation section will be repeated in this section.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 31

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.2.3.1 Death

One death was reported in the case of a worker who was accidentally splashed over his whole body

with titanium tetrachloride (Chitkara and McNeela 1992). He suffered extensive burns to facial skin,

nasopharynx, and larynx, and both his eyes were severely injured. His corneas were thick and opaque

with extensive swelling of the bulbar conjunctiva and episclera. Over the next 14 days, some of the

opacity in the right eye cleared, but there was no improvement in the left eye. The patient died from

the complications of severe pulmonary injury caused by inhalation of titanium tetrachloride fumes.

No increase in mortality from any cause was reported in workers occupationally exposed to titanium

tetrachloride from 1 day to over 5 years (EPA 1990b; Fayerweather et al. 1992). The studies are

limited, however, because they usually do not report the dose or duration of exposure, because they

are focused somewhat on the mortality from lung cancer, and because of the potential exposure of the

subjects to other chemicals in the chemical manufacturing complex.

No studies were located regarding death in animals after dermal exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

2.2.3.2 Systemic Effects

No studies were located regarding cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, hematological,

hepatic, or renal effects in humans or animals after dermal exposure to titanium tetrachloride. The

systemic effects observed after dermal exposure are discussed below.

Respiratory Effects. Only mild adverse pulmonary effects were observed in workers following an

accidental exposure to titanium tetrachloride (Ross 1985). The precise concentration and duration of

exposure are not known. The mild symptoms included ticklish cough and tightness in the chest that

both lasted about two hours. Chest X-rays performed several hours later did not reveal any

abnormalities. The lungs are the target organ for titanium tetrachloride exposure. A 45year-old man

who worked for 13 years as a furnace feeder in an aluminum smelting company was diagnosed with

granulomatous lung disease (Redline et al. 1986). The scanning electron microscopy and energy

dispersive X-ray analysis of his lung tissue biopsy showed that the lower right lobe contained

1.39x109

 exogenous particulates/cm3 of tissue. Further analysis showed that the particulates contained

various metallic alloys: 61% of the particulates consisted of aluminum and other metals such as
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 32

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

titanium, zinc, and nickel; 35% contained various aluminum silicates; 2% of the particles were silica.

This finding confirms the possibility of titanium deposition in the lung tissue, and in this case raises

the possibility that there is an association between granulomatous lung disease with metal containing

particle deposition. It is also possible that these deposits cause local pulmonary tissue irritation, which

can progress to granulomatous lung disease. Further studies are needed to establish a causal

relationship between deposits of titanium dust particulates and granulomatous lung disease.

No studies were located regarding respiratory effects in animals after dermal exposure to titanium

tetrachloride.

Dermal Effects. Titanium tetrachloride is a highly corrosive acute irritant to the skin, eyes,

mucous membranes, and respiratory tract (EPA 1985b). In a study of acute accidental occupational

exposure to liquid titanium tetrachloride, three workers suffered chemical and thermal skin injuries

from the treatment that followed their exposure (Lawson 1961). The precise dose and duration of

exposure were not known, but all three workers were extensively sprayed with water, which was a

contraindicated treatment. The corrosive and thermal dermal injuries did not come from titanium

tetrachloride alone but resulted from the heat generated by the reaction of titanium tetrachloride and

water. This extremely vigorous reaction is exothermal, generating large quantities of heat and

producing hydrochloric acid responsible for the highly corrosive dermal effects. Therefore, the

titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis resulted in the third-degree bums in all three workers. In all three

cases, the most severe bums occurred in areas that were occluded by either belts or shoes. The bums

were deep, occasionally required skin grafting, and took a long time to heal. In all three cases the

scars were surrounded by dark-brown pigmentation of unknown origin/cause or chemical makeup.

Nine additional cases with less severe outcomes were also noted but were not described in this report.

The effects ranged from mild second-degree bums to transitory erythema. It is postulated that the

initial thermal bum exposes the deeper tissue layers to the effects of hydrochloric acid, resulting in

more severe bums than either one would cause alone (Chitkara and McNeela 1992).

To test for the effects of titanium tetrachloride on skin under controlled conditions, 10 volunteers were

exposed dermally to 0.5 mL of purified anhydrous titanium tetrachloride for 1 minute (Lawson 1961).

Assuming that the chemical was 100% pure, the concentration would be 860 mg, or 12.3 mg/kg/day of

titanium tetrachloride. It was not possible to remove all the chemical by wiping the skin with dry

towels; a whitish-yellow granular deposit was still present on the site of exposure. This remaining
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 33

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

deposit was washed off with cold water. In this experiment, the subjects reported a stinging sensation

between 5 and 32 seconds after exposure. This sensation disappeared after washing with cold water.

According to the author, the experiment confirmed that the titanium tetrachloride dermal injury must

be treated as a combination thermal-acid bum, as has been observed in previous cases of accidental

exposure (Lawson 1961).

It has been postulated that harmful effects of titanium tetrachloride are due to its extremely vigorous

reaction with water in any form (perspiration on the skin, tears, moisture in the air) resulting in

liberation of large quantities of heat. The mechanism of injury is thought to involve a thermal bum,

which then exposes the deeper tissue layers to other titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis products such as

hydrochloric acid, resulting in even more severe and deeper bums. In other words, the extremely

serious effects observed following exposure to titanium tetrachloride are the result of combined

thermal and acid bums (Chitkara and McNeela 1992).

Application of undiluted titanium tetrachloride with a cotton swab to the clipped skin of guinea pigs

resulted in necrosis with erythema after the fifth application (DuPont 1994). The injury was similar to

a second-degree thermal bum. No further information was located regarding dermal effects in animals

after dermal exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

Ocular Effects. In a case of acute accidental exposure, three research workers were exposed to

titanium tetrachloride fumes and suffered minor symptoms (Ross 1985). The workers were using

titanium tetrachloride to assess a welding torch when a brass tap flew off, spilling liquid titanium

tetrachloride, and filling the 8.5x17-foot room with fumes. One of the workers developed a cough,

tightness in the chest, and eye irritation. All these symptoms, which were considered mild, lasted for

about 2 hours.

In cases of acute accidental eye exposure to liquid titanium tetrachloride, the injury to the eye depends

on the degree of the bum and the treatment that follows (Chitkara and McNeela 1992).-In the

description of eight cases of acute eye injury, the exposure concentrations were not reported. On the

basis of these eight cases, four grades of eye bums were identified. Grade I and grade II eye bums

resolve without complications, while grade III and grade IV bums result in eye loss. Grade I eye

injuries usually consist of mild defects of inferior comeal and conjunctival epithelium that heal within

2-3 days after the exposure. Grade II injuries affect the same eye structures but are more severe and
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 34

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

take longer to heal. No information on grade III eye injuries was given. The grade IV eye injuries

have cornea1 and conjunctival bums accompanied by conjunctival ischemia and lens opacity. Over a

period of time (up to 2 months), this injury progresses to severe cornea1 stromal lysis and ultimately

cornea1 perforation resulting in blindness (Chitkara and McNeela 1992).

No studies were located regarding ocular effects in animals after dermal exposure to titanium

tetrachloride.

2.2.3.3 Immunological and Lymphoreticular Effects

There is limited information regarding immunological effects in humans following dermal exposure to

titanium tetrachloride. An elevated lymphocyte count of 23,700 cells/mm3

 was found in a worker

after an accidental exposure to titanium tetrachloride (Park et al. 1984). There was no information on

the precise dose. This worker had suffered second- and third-degree exposure related bums over 25%

of his body. Relative lymphocytosis was observed in 4 of 10 workers chronically exposed to low

levels of titanium tetrachloride fumes (Lawson 1961). The relevance of this finding is not clear

because there were no controls and there was influenza among the workers at the time the study was

conducted. Based on these results, it is not clear if the lymphocytosis observed was an adverse effect

of titanium tetrachloride exposure or not.

PBLs are commonly used in the assessment of the immune status in humans. Impaired cellular

immune function was found in a 45year-old man who worked for 13 years as a furnace feeder in an

aluminum smelting company (Redline et al. 1986). The in vitro response of his PBLs to selected

mitogens (phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen, and concanavalin A) was below the mean values

established in 50 control subjects. His PBLs were also tested 4 times over an 11-month period for

responsiveness to titanium tetrachloride, nickel sulfate, and aluminum chloride. This was done to

establish a possible causal relationship between the metal containing particulates in the pulmonary

granuloma and the immune response of the delayed hypersensitivity type. All the responses were

negative except for the response to titanium tetrachloride, which was positive in two out of four tests.

The controls used in the.experiment were 3 painters exposed to titanium-based paints for 15-28 years;

their response to all 3 metallic salts was negative. These results indicate that chronic exposure to

titanium in this one patient may have led to his sensitization. They also suggest that the accumulation

of particulates with titanium in the lungs may be related to the pulmonary granulomatous disease that
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 35

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

this patient developed. However, the three other chronically exposed individuals used as controls were

not sensitive to titanium. The limitations of the study are that the subject was exposed to several

metals, that the dose and precise duration are not known, and that the in vitro response of the patient

to titanium tetrachloride was positive in two out of four tests.

No studies were located regarding immunological effects in animals after dermal exposure to titanium

tetrachloride.

No studies were located regarding the following health effects in humans or animals after dermal

exposure to titanium tetrachloride:

2.2.3.4 Neurological Effects

2.2.3.5 Reproductive Effects

2.2.3.6 Developmental Effects

2.2.3.7 Genotoxic Effects

Genotoxicity studies are discussed in Section 2.5.

2.2.3.8 Cancer

No studies were located regarding carcinogenic effects in humans after dermal exposure to titanium

tetrachloride. However, as stated at the beginning of Section 2.2.1, the relative amount of exposure by

each route in studies of occupational exposure to titanium tetrachloride is not known. The incidences

of cancer, chronic respiratory disease, pleural thickening/plaques, and pulmonary fibrosis were

investigated from 1956 through 1985 in a group of 1,576 workers occupationally exposed to titanium

dioxide (Chen and Fayerweather 1988). There were no monitoring data for titanium dioxide exposure

prior to 1975. The time-weighted average (TWA) ranges for titanium dioxide exposure (by quartile)

were: >O to < 5.0 mg/m3

, 5.0 to <10 mg/m3, 10 to < 20 mg/m3, and >20 mg/m3. Exposure durations

were not specified for individual workers; however, 25% of them were exposed for less than 0.2 years,

25% were exposed for between 0.2 and 1 year, 25% were exposed for between 1 and 4 years, and
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 36

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

25% were exposed for more than 4 years. Although the results indicate that both the incidence of

cancer cases and the incidence of lung cancer specifically were slightly higher in titanium dioxide-exposed

groups as compared to the control group (901 nonexposed workers), this increase was not

statistically significant. Nested case-control analyses based on 16 lung cancers and 898 control

subjects showed that there was also no statistically significant association between titanium dioxide

exposure and risk of lung cancer after adjusting for age and exposure to titanium tetrachloride,

pigmentary potassium titinate (PKT), and asbestos (Chen and Fayerweather 1988). Similar

observations were made with respect to the incidence of lung cancer (based on 27 cases of lung cancer

deaths and 331 noncancer decedent controls) and chronic respiratory disease (based on 88 chronic

respiratory disease cases and 898 noncancerous nonrespiratory disease controls). No cases of

pulmonary fibrosis were observed in any of the exposed workers. The results indicate that exposure to

titanium dioxide was not associated with an increased incidence of lung cancer. These results are

important for two reasons: titanium dioxide is one of the hydrolysis products of titanium tetrachloride,

and the results support the observations made regarding the incidence of lung cancer among titanium

tetrachloride-exposed workers discussed in Section 2.2.1.2 (EPA 1990b; Fayerweather et al. 1992).

The results indicate that exposure to titanium tetrachloride and exposure to its hydrolysis product,

titanium dioxide, do not increase lung cancer incidence among exposed workers.

No studies were located regarding carcinogenic effects in animals after dermal exposure to titanium

tetrachloride.

2.3 TOXICOKINETICS

No studies were located regarding absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of titanium

tetrachloride in humans or animals following exposure to titanium tetrachloride. Because of the

physicochemical characteristics of titanium tetrachloride, the major route of exposure is by inhalation,

and the major target organ is the lung. Exposure can also occur by the dermal route, especially in

cases of accidental .occupational exposures. Although there are no studies on absorption or distribution

by any of the three routes, it was shown that particles of titanium (titanium dioxide) are present in the

lungs of titanium tetrachloride occupationally exposed individuals (Elo et al. 1972; Ophus et al. 1979;

Redline et al. 1986).
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 37

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.3.1 Absorption

2.3.1.1 Inhalation Exposure

No studies were located regarding absorption in humans or animals following inhalation exposure to

titanium tetrachloride. However, particles (presumably of titanium dioxide) were detected in the liver

and spleen from rats exposed to 10 mg/m3 titanium tetrachloride aerosol 6 hours per day, 5 days per

week for 2 years suggesting that absorption of titanium occurred (Lee et al. 1986). It is well known,

however, that particles are swallowed after being expelled from the respiratory tract by mucocilliary

clearance.

2.3.1.2 Oral Exposure

No studies were located regarding absorption in humans or animals after oral exposure to titanium

tetrachloride.

2.3.1.3 Dermal Exposure

No studies were located regarding absorption in humans or animals after dermal exposure to titanium

tetrachloride.

2.3.2 Distribution

2.3.2.1 Inhalation Exposure

No studies were located regarding distribution in humans following inhalation exposure to titanium

tetrachloride. However, in a case report of chronic inhalation exposure to titanium dioxide, which is

one of the titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis products, particles similar to titanium dioxide were found

in lysosomes of phagocytes within the alveolar lumen (Elo et al. 1972). Spectrometric and

spectrographic analysis showed accumulation of titanium dioxide in the lungs. Analysis of tissues

from one worker who drowned 4 months after stopping work showed that titanium was also present in

the lymph nodes adjacent to the lung. No titanium was found in the tissue specimens from brain,

thyroid gland, myocardium, spleen, liver, kidneys, and nerve ganglia of the sympathetic trunk. These

results suggest that titanium selectively accumulates in the lung and adjacent lymph nodes, but
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 38

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

additional studies are needed to show that this accumulation occurs also after exposure to titanium

tetrachloride.

Very limited information was available regarding distribution of titanium tetrachloride in animals

following inhalation exposure. Dust particles, presumably from titanium tetrachloride, were observed

in the liver and spleen from rats exposed to 10 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride aerosol 6 hours per day,

5 days per week for 2 years (Lee et al. 1986). It is well known, however, that inhaled particles are

swallowed after being expelled from the respiratory tract via mucocilliary clearance.

2.3.2.2 Oral Exposure

No studies were located regarding distribution in humans or animals after oral exposure to titanium

tetrachloride.

2.3.2.3 Dermal Exposure

In a case study of accidental occupational exposure to titanium tetrachloride, three workers suffered

third-degree bums because they were extensively sprayed with water following the exposure (Lawson

1961). The wounds took a long time to heal, and in all three workers the scars were surrounded by

dark brown pigmentation. The authors suggested that the pigmentation may have been due to the

titanium deposits.

2.3.3 Metabolism

No studies were located regarding metabolism in humans or animals following inhalation, oral, or

dermal exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

2.3.4 Elimination and Excretion

No studies were located regarding excretion in humans or animals following inhalation, oral, or dermal

exposure to titanium tetrachloride.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 39

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.4 MECHANISMS OF ACTION

The chemical properties of titanium tetrachloride are responsible for effects observed following both

inhalation and dermal exposures. The instability of titanium tetrachloride in the presence of water

leads to its rapid hydrolysis, which generates heat and various hydrolysis products. One of these

hydrolysis products, hydrochloric acid, is partially responsible for the corrosive effects observed

following exposure to titanium tetrachloride. In a study that compared the effects of titanium

tetrachloride and hydrochloric acid in mice after acute inhalation exposure, it was concluded that an

active component in both cases was hydrochloric acid (Mezentseva et al. 1963). The results showed

that 9 of 15 mice exposed to titanium tetrachloride, and 1 of 15 mice exposed to hydrochloric acid,

died. One possible explanation for the more severe effects seen from exposure to titanium

tetrachloride compared with hydrochloric acid is that hydrochloric acid, because of its high solubility,

is dissolved in the moisture of the nasopharynx and trachea, and thus penetrates the lungs to only a

very limited extent. However, in the case of exposure to titanium tetrachloride, the hydrolysis occurs

in several steps; one of the hydrolysis products, titanium oxide hydrate, is a particulate that can adsorb

some of the hydrochloric acid vapors that are also generated during hydrolysis and carry them into the

deeper parts of the lungs. In the lungs, intermediate hydrolysates continue the hydrolysis process with

the further release of hydrochloric acid, resulting ultimately in larger amounts of hydrochloric acid

being carried deeper in the lung and alveoli (Mezentseva et al. 1963). This study is limited in that the

precise exposure levels are not known, since the titanium tetrachloride concentrations were

communicated as separate titanium concentrations and hydrochloric acid concentrations. The study

also did not give detailed information on the exposed animals.

No studies were located regarding the mechanism of action of titanium tetrachloride in humans or

animals after oral exposure.

As in the case of inhalation injuries, the harmful effects of titanium tetrachloride to the skin and the

eyes are partly due to its extremely vigorous reaction with water in any form (perspirati’dn on the skin,

tears, moisture in the air) resulting in the generation of heat. The mechanism of injury involves a

thermal burn, which exposes the deeper tissue layers to hydrolysis products of titanium tetrachloride

such as hydrochloric acid, resulting in even more severe and deeper bums. In other words, the

extremely serious effects observed following exposure to titanium tetrachloride are the result of

combined thermal and acid bums (Chitkara and McNeela 1992).
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 40

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.5 RELEVANCE TO PUBLIC HEALTH

The major and most common exposures to titanium tetrachloride are via the inhalation and dermal

routes. Titanium tetrachloride is not stable and undergoes rapid hydrolysis. In the presence of water,

titanium tetrachloride is hydrolyzed through a vigorous exothermic reaction generating a large quantity

of heat and several hydrolysis products, including hydrochloric acid. Therefore, exposure can cause

thermal and chemical burns in humans and animals. Monitoring data for titanium tetrachloride in

environmental media are non-existent, and its chemical properties suggest that titanium tetrachloride

partitions to the air. Therefore, the most likely route of human exposure to titanium tetrachloride

hydrolysis or its intermediate products is inhalation.

The most significant effects of acute, intermediate, or chronic inhalation exposure to titanium

tetrachloride are mild-to-severe pulmonary injuries. The corrosive effects of acute exposure can also

affect the skin, eyes, and the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. These effects have

been observed in humans and animals. Since the cases of acute or chronic exposure in humans are

usually accidental or occupational and the precise exposure concentrations are not known, it has not

been possible to measure the dose-response relationship to any degree of accuracy. However, the

results of both acute and chronic exposure in animals suggest that adverse respiratory effects in

animals are dose-dependent. The eye injuries resulting from acute dermal exposure to titanium

tetrachloride in humans have been assigned to four degrees of severity indicating that they are time

and concentration-dependent. It is not known if the animal data support this finding because of the

limited information available regarding eye injuries in animals. In cases of acute animal exposure to

titanium tetrachloride vapor, only mild eye injuries such as eyelid swelling have been observed.

Very few studies have addressed the question of the mechanism of pulmonary toxicity and the role

hydrochloric acid plays in it. The results of a study in mice showed that titanium tetrachloride was

more toxic than hydrochloric acid. One possible explanation for the more severe effects seen from

exposure to titanium tetrachloride compared with hydrochloric acid is that hydrochloric-acid, because

of its high solubility, is dissolved in the moisture of the nasopharynx and trachea and thus penetrates

the lungs to only a limited extent. However, in the case of exposure to titanium tetrachloride, the final

hydrolysis product, titanium oxide hydrate, is a particulate that can adsorb some of the hydrochloric

acid vapors that are generated during hydrolysis and carry them into the deeper parts of the lungs. In

the lungs, the adsorbed hydrochloric acid is released from the particulate, resulting ultimately in
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 41

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

hydrochloric acid being carried deeper into the lung and to the alveoli, thus causing tissue burns at a

much deeper level than hydrochloric acid inhalation (Mezentseva et al. 1963). This mechanism of

toxicity can also explain the second- and third-degree burns observed after acute dermal exposure to

titanium tetrachloride.

Only one case of delayed toxic pulmonary effects was described in humans following acute inhalation

exposure. The exposure caused severe toxic lung effects, but 5 weeks after exposure, fiberoptic

bronchoscopy revealed erythema of the entire bronchial tree and the presence of 35-40 fleshy polypoid

lesions. The presence of the polyps, according to the authors, was a sign of an exaggerated, but

normal, reparative process of the tracheobronchial injury. This delayed complication has been seen in

thermal respiratory injuries, indicating that the severe adverse respiratory effects seen in this case may,

in part, be due to the exothermal nature of the titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis reaction. One year

after the injury his lung appeared normal with some degree of mild stenosis.

The reported adverse hematological effects in humans following acute inhalation exposure include mild

eosinophilia and possibly lymphocytosis. Because of the very limited database, it is difficult to assess

the significance of these findings. These observations could not be verified in animal systems because

of the lack of similar hematological effects following acute exposure (DuPont 1980). However, the

results of chronic exposure in rats do not support the observations in humans. After 18 months of

exposure, a significant increase in the number of neutrophils and a decrease in lymphocytes were

observed in exposed rats. Resolution of these contradictory findings must await additional animal

studies.

Insufficient information is available regarding adverse immunological effects in humans following

titanium tetrachloride exposure. In an effort to elucidate the etiology of granulomatous lung disease,

lymphocytes from a chronically exposed worker with the disease were tested for their responsiveness

to titanium tetrachloride. The results were compared to those from three subjects chronically exposed

to titanium-containing paints. The results were inconclusive because the response of the controls was

always negative while the response of the patient was positive in two out of four tests done over an

1l-month period. The results of chronic inhalation exposure in rats indicate that compound-related

lung injury evoked an immune response in the form of an increased macrophage infiltration. The

limitation of the study is that other immune functions were not tested. As in the case of studies in
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 42

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

humans, insufficient information is available to estimate the true extent of immunologic injury in rats

following chronic inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

Since no toxicokinetic information is available on titanium tetrachloride, it is not possible to estimate

if there is a potential for bioaccumulation of the compound in humans. Because of its chemical

characteristics and rapid hydrolysis in the presence of water, however, it is unlikely that it would

bioaccumulate in the body although its final hydrolysis product may do so.

It is not possible to assess the neurological, reproductive, or developmental effects in humans because

no information was located regarding these effects in humans and only limited data were available in

animals. The limited information available indicates that titanium tetrachloride is not genotoxic in

bacteria (Kanematsu et al. 1980; Ogawa et al. 1987).

Of major concern to individuals occupationally exposed to titanium tetrachloride is potential acute

exposure to large quantities of the compound via inhalation or dermal contact. The degree of

respiratory or dermal injury depends greatly on the amount of titanium tetrachloride to which workers

are exposed, the protective clothing they use, and the treatment measures undertaken after the

exposure. The treatment should avoid the use of water until liquid titanium tetrachloride is wiped off

with dry towels in order to prevent rapid hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride and the generation of

heat and hydrolysis products such as corrosive hydrochloric acid.

Since the major route of exposure to titanium tetrachloride is inhalation, the sensitive population

includes persons with bronchitis, pneumoconiosis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, and

diseases of the upper respiratory tract (Mezentseva et al. 1963). For the same reason, work with

titanium tetrachloride is contraindicated in persons who have other pulmonary or cardiovascular

conditions that make it difficult for them to wear a protective mask (Mezentseva et al. 1963).

It is very unlikely that titanium tetrachloride would be found at hazardous waste sites because of its

instability and rapid hydrolysis.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 43

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Minimal Risk Levels for Titanium Tetrachloride.

Inhalation MRLs.

• An MRL of 0.01 mg/m3 has been derived for intermediate inhalation exposure

(15-364 days) to hydrolysis products of titanium tetrachloride.

The intermediate-duration inhalation MRL was based on a LOAEL of 5 mg/m3

 for mild lung dust cell

reaction and increased relative lung weight observed in groups of 25 male rats exposed intermittently

to 0, 5, 10, or 40 mg/m3

 for 4 weeks (DuPont 1979). Some alterations seen in the mid- and high-exposure

groups consisted of acute bronchiolitis, interstitial pneumonitis, proliferation of alveolar cells,

and hyperplasia of tracheal epithelium with hypermucous secretion. The extent and severity of these

lesions were concentration-dependent and, for the most part, they disappeared during a recovery period

of up to one year after exposure.

• An MRL of 0.0001 mg/m3

 has been derived for chronic inhalation exposure (365 days or

more) to hydrolysis products of titanium tetrachloride.

The chronic-duration inhalation MRL was based on a LOAEL of 0.1 mg/m3

 for tracheitis and rhinitis

seen in groups of 100 male and female Crl:CD rats exposed to 0.1, 1.0, or 10 mg/m3

 for up to 2 years

(EPA 1986; Lee et al. 1986). An increased incidence of rhinitis was seen in the low-exposure group

after 1 year. An increased incidence of tracheitis was not seen in the low-exposure group prior to

2 years of exposure. Adverse respiratory effects, including alveolar hyperplasia, were concentration

dependent.

No acute-duration inhalation MRL has been derived for titanium tetrachloride because there are no

adequate dose-response data available in humans or animals that identify threshold levels for

noncancer health effects.

Oral MRLs.

No MRLs have been derived for oral exposure to titanium tetrachloride because there are no dose-response

data available in humans or animals for any duration of exposure that identify threshold

levels for noncancer health effects.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 44

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Death. One death was reported in the case of a worker who was accidentally splashed over his

whole body with titanium tetrachloride (Chitkara and McNeela 1992). He suffered extensive burns to

facial skin, nasopharynx, and larynx, and both his eyes were severely injured. His corneas were thick

and opaque with extensive swelling of the bulbar conjunctiva and episclera. Over the next 14 days,

some of the opacity in the right eye cleared, but there was no improvement in the left eye. The

patient died from the complications of severe pulmonary injury caused by inhalation of titanium

tetrachloride fumes (Chitkara and McNeela 1992).

Except for the single case described above, no increase in mortality from any cause was reported in

workers occupationally exposed to titanium tetrachloride for 1 day to over 5 years (EPA 1990b;

Fayerweather et al. 1992). However, these studies are limited because they are focused somewhat on

the incidence of, and mortality from, lung cancer, and because of the potential exposure of the subjects

to other chemicals in the chemical manufacturing complex. Exposure to other chemicals confounds

matching the controls and the exposed individuals.

Limited information exists regarding lethal effects of titanium tetrachloride in animals. A 4-hour

inhalation LC50 of 460 mg/m3

 in rats was reported (DuPont 1980); death was attributed to pulmonary

edema due to increased permeability of the damaged alveolar epithelium. In mice, single acute

inhalation exposure to low, medium, and high levels of titanium tetrachloride and its hydrolysis

products, titanium oxychloride and hydrochloric acid, caused dose-dependent death in 9 of 15 mice

(Mezentseva et al. 1963). The study also shows that titanium tetrachloride was more lethal than

hydrochloric acid, which was also used in the study. One possible explanation is that hydrochloric

acid, because of its high solubility, dissolves in the moisture of the nasopharynx and trachea,

penetrating the lungs to a very small extent. In the case of titanium tetrachloride exposure, the

hydrolysis occurs in several steps, and at each step, the products can absorb the hydrochloric acid that

is also generated during hydrolysis, and carry it into the deeper parts of the lungs. There the process

is repeated, resulting ultimately in a larger amount of hydrochloric acid being carried deeper into the

lung and to the-alveoli (Mezentseva et al. 1963). Two of 2.5 rats exposed to 40 mg/m3

 titanium

tetrachloride intermittently for 4 weeks died on test days 15 and 23 (DuPont 1979). Death was

attributed to respiratory failure. Gross and microscopic observations of the respiratory tract suggest

that a combination of irritative effects (i.e., denuded tracheal epithelium) as well as physical

obstruction of the tracheal lumen by dust particles may have contributed to the deaths.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 45

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

Systemic Effects.

Respiratory Effects. The lungs are the major target organ following inhalation exposure and to

titanium tetrachloride. The case studies of humans acutely exposed to titanium tetrachloride fumes

have shown the irritant nature of the inhaled chemical. Since titanium tetrachloride undergoes

hydrolysis almost immediately when in contact with water or moisture in the air (forming fumes that

contain titanium oxychloride and hydrochloric acid), its main effect on the lungs is corrosive, and

although the degree of pulmonary injury can vary, it can result in intense chemical bronchitis or

pneumonia (Lawson 1961). The mild irritant symptoms include cough and tightness in the chest,

which last only a short time and usually leave no abnormalities visible on a chest X-ray (Ross 1985).

More severe pulmonary effects consisted of marked congestion of the mucous membranes of the

pharynx, vocal cords, and trachea (Ross 1985). Although this exposure was acute, it had long-term

effects that included stenosis of the larynx, trachea, and upper bronchi. In some cases of accidental

exposure, these symptoms progressed to severe upper airway distress that required intubation and

ventilation (Park et al. 1984). Additional symptoms may include hypoxia and diffuse pulmonary

infiltrates suggestive of adult respiratory distress syndrome. The improvement is gradual, and may go

through different stages. In one case of accidental exposure to titanium tetrachloride fumes, fiberoptic

bronchoscopy performed 5 weeks after exposure revealed erythema of the entire bronchial tree and the

presence of 3540 fleshy polypoid lesions (Park et al. 1984). The authors indicated the presence of

the polyps was a sign of an exaggerated, but normal, reparative process of the tracheobronchial injury

seen in thermal respiratory injuries. This delayed complication provides support to the theory that the

severe adverse respiratory effects observed after exposure to titanium tetrachloride are in part due to

the exothermal nature of the titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis reaction. Only some degree of mild

pulmonary stenosis was evident in this case after 1 year. Impairment of the pulmonary function may

result from chronic occupational exposure to significant levels of titanium tetrachloride. The results of

occupational exposure of 209 workers employed in a metal reduction facility in Ashtabula, Ohio, were

reported in two-retrospective studies (Garabrant et al. 1987; NIOSH 1980). The results-suggest that

pulmonary impairment may be caused by exposure to titanium tetrachloride. Of the 209 workers,

78 were engaged in the titanium tetrachloride reduction process and were also exposed to sodium,

titanium dioxide, and titanium oxychloride. Logistic regression analysis of the chest radiograph data

showed that pleural thickening was strongly related to the duration of work in titanium production

(p<O.OOl). The initial estimates of loss of pulmonary function, taking smoking into account, was
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 46

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

45 ml/year leading to a deficit of 1.8 L/40-year employment period (NIOSH 1980). Further analysis

of the employees based on job and duration of employment also showed large decreases in FVC in

workers employed in titanium tetrachloride reduction for at least 10 years (Garabrant et al. 1987). A

regression analysis of the data adjusted for age, height, and smoking revealed that the rate of loss of

FVC was 24 mL per year for the titanium tetrachloride workers (Garabrant et al. 1987). The results

also showed an inconclusive relationship between previous asbestos exposure/cigarette smoking and

pleural thickening. These results suggest that chronic exposure to titanium tetrachloride may result in

restrictive pulmonary changes and that there is no clear association between pleural thickening and

reduction in ventilatory capacity. It is difficult to determine the precise cause of these pulmonary

abnormalities, because of the lack of information on the duration, route, exposure levels, and

concomitant exposure to a mixture of chemicals.

Since titanium tetrachloride is rapidly hydrolyzed in the presence of water, it is not likely to be found

in the body. However, it is likely that some of the pulmonary depositions in occupationally exposed

workers are titanium dioxide. Indeed, considerable amounts of titanium were found in lung tissue of

three workers who worked for 9-10 years in a titanium dioxide processing factory (Elo et al. 1972).

Electron microscopy identified 0.l-0.4-μm-diameter titanium particles in lysosomes of phagocytic cells

filling the alveolar lumen. Large quantities of titanium were also present in the lymph nodes. Similar

findings were made in the case of a 55-year-old man who worked for 3 years in a titanium dioxide

pigment processing factory (Ophus et al. 1979). Macroscopic and microscopic examinations revealed

large amounts of white, birefractive pigment in all parts of the lungs without obvious fibrotic changes.

Further analysis confirmed the presence of titanium and occasionally iron and also showed that the

crystal modification of titanium found in the lung was rutile and thus likely to have come from the

crude ore. The absence of any pulmonary response to the titanium dust deposits may be due to the

fact that rutile is a biologically inactive crystalline modification of titanium/titanium dioxide. None of

the techniques used in this study can unequivocally identify the presence of titanium dioxide.

Particulate titanium was also present in the lungs of a 45year-old man who worked for 13 years as a

furnace feeder in an aluminum smelting company (Redline et al. 1986). The particulates contained

various metallic alloys: 61% of the particulates consisted of aluminum and other metals such as

titanium, zinc, and nickel; 35% contained various aluminum silicates; 2% of the particles were silica.

This finding confirms the possibility of titanium deposition in the lung tissue. Furthermore, since the

worker had a case of pulmonary granulomatous disease, the identification of particulates lends support

to the possible association between granulomatous lung disease and particle deposition. These results
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 47

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

indicate that titanium can be deposited in the lungs of occupationally exposed workers, and that these

deposits do not necessarily cause histopathological changes. It is also possible that in some cases

these deposits do cause local pulmonary tissue irritation, which can progress to granulomatous lung

disease. These results indicate that the severity of the pulmonary injury following exposure to

titanium tetrachloride is related to the inhaled amount of the compound. It is also reasonable to

assume that individuals with impaired respiratory function will be more susceptible to the effects of

titanium tetrachloride.

The results of acute-, intermediate-, and chronic-duration exposure studies to titanium tetrachloride in

animals support the observations made in humans. In female Sprague-Dawley rats, signs of

pulmonary toxicity included wet noses, nasal discharge, swollen eyelids, and dyspnea following an

acute inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride (Karlsson et al. 1986). These signs disappeared

48-72 hours after exposure, and lung histopathology 7 days later showed only minor lesions.

Observations of respiratory effects were made in other acute-duration studies in rats (DuPont 1980), in

intermediate-duration studies in rats (DuPont 1979), and in chronically exposed rats (EPA 1986; Lee et

al. 1986). The findings from the DuPont (1979) study were used as the basis for derivation of an

intermediate inhalation MRL. In the chronic study, the primary clinical finding was a concentration-related

increase in the incidence of irregular respiration and abnormal lung noises in exposed animals.

The major health effects of exposure to titanium tetrachloride were observed in the respiratory tract.

The incidence of rhinitis increased with concentration and duration of exposure. Tracheitis also

increased with duration and to a lesser degree with concentration. The 0.1 mg/m3

 in this study was

considered a less serious LOAEL for adverse effects in the extrathoracic/tracheobronchial region.

Gross pathology and histopathology showed compound-related changes in the lungs and thoracic

lymph nodes in the form of foci laden with yellow titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis product. These

foci were present on the lung pleural surface and on the slightly enlarged tracheobronchial lymph

nodes. The pulmonary response also included the presence of the dust-laden macrophages, and the

concentration-related hyperplasia of the alveolar lining. The findings of Lee et al. (1986) served as the

basis for derivation of a chronic inhalation MRL.

Hematological Effects. No abnormal values for hemoglobin, white blood cells, neutrophils,

monocytes, and basophils were found in 10 workers exposed for 4-17 years to low levels of titanium

tetrachloride fumes (Lawson 1961). However, three of the workers had mild eosinophilia, and four

had relative lymphocytosis. The significance of these effects is not known; there were no controls in
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 48

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

the study, and the observed lymphocytosis may have been caused by the influenza present among the

workers at the time of the study.

The results from animal studies do not support the white blood cell observations made in humans. A

significant increase in neutrophils (p< 0.05) and a decrease in lymphocytes were observed in Crl:CD

rats after chronic inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride (EPA 1986; Lee et al. 1986). In

addition, a significant decrease in erythrocytes and a significant increase in the mean cell volume and

mean cell hemoglobin were observed in males after 18 months of exposure.

Dermal Effects. Titanium tetrachloride is a highly corrosive irritant to the skin, eyes, mucous

membranes, and respiratory tract (EPA 1985b). Exposure to liquid titanium tetrachloride results in

chemical and thermal skin injuries, unless appropriate treatment is used following the exposure

(Lawson 1961). The corrosive thermal dermal injuries are not solely due to titanium tetrachloride, but

result from the contact of titanium tetrachloride and water. This extremely vigorous reaction is

exothermal, generating large quantities of heat. It also produces hydrochloric acid as one of the

hydrolysis products which probably is responsible for the highly corrosive dermal effects. Therefore,

the accidental exposure to titanium tetrachloride and its subsequent hydrolysis can result in the third-degree

bums. The most severe bums in reported cases occurred in the areas that were occluded by

either belts or shoes (Lawson 1961). These bums were deep, occasionally required skin grafting, and

took a long time to heal. In all three cases the scars were surrounded by dark brown pigmentation.

Although the reason for this scar coloration is not known, the authors felt it is possible that is

represents accumulations of metallic titanium. Avoiding the initial use of water in the treatment

following exposure to titanium tetrachloride is the single most important factor in preventing the

hydrolysis that leads to thermal and chemical bums. Exposures causing dermal injuries of this extent

are very unlikely to occur at the hazardous waste sites because of the excessive quantities of titanium

tetrachloride needed to produce such corrosive effects.

Ocular Effects. Titanium tetrachloride is a highly corrosive irritant to the eyes (EPA 1985b). Four

grades of eye bums were identified based on the description of eight cases of accidental occupational

exposure (Chitkara and McNeela 1992). Grade I and grade II eye bums resolve without

complications, while grade III and grade IV bums result in eye loss. Grade I eye injuries usually

consist of mild defects of inferior comeal and conjunctival epithelium which heal within 2-3 days after

the exposure. Grade II injuries affect the same eye structures, but are more severe and take longer to
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 49

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

heal. No information of grade III eye injuries was given. The grade IV eye injuries have cornea1 and

conjunctival bums accompanied with conjunctival ischemia and lens opacity. Over a period of time

(up to 2 months), this injury progressed to severe cornea1 stromal lysis and ultimately cornea1

perforation resulting in blindness. The exposures causing eye injuries of this extent are very unlikely

to occur at the hazardous waste sites because of the high concentration of titanium tetrachloride needed

to produce such corrosive effects and the instability of this chemical in the presence of moisture.

Immunological and Lymphoreticular Effects. Two studies reported lymphocytosis in humans

following inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride. In one case, an elevated lymphocyte count

was found in a worker after an accidental exposure to titanium tetrachloride (Park et al. 1984); in the

other case, 4 of 10 workers chronically exposed to low levels of titanium tetrachloride fumes had

relative lymphocytosis (Lawson 1961). However, it is difficult to interpret these findings because no

controls were available, and there was influenza among the workers at the time the study was

conducted. The results of in vitro evaluation of the immune status of an exposed worker was also

inconclusive. Impaired cellular immune function was found in a 45year-old man who had decreased

responses to selected mitogens (phytohemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen, and concanavalin A)

commonly used for the assessment of immune status (Redline et al. 1986). It was also not possible to

determine if prolonged exposure to titanium tetrachloride could cause sensitization of the delayed

hypersensitivity type because the response was positive in only 2 of 4 tests performed over an

1 l-month period. The relevance of these results to humans living near waste sites is unknown.

The studies in animals indicate that dust-laden macrophage infiltration of the lung and adjacent lymph

nodes is the prevalent immunological response observed following chronic inhalation exposure to

titanium tetrachloride (EPA 1986; Lee et al. 1986). The results indicate the beginning of an active

cell-mediated immune response in the exposed animals due to the accumulation of titanium

tetrachloride hydrolysis products. These data are insufficient to determine if individuals exposed to

low levels of titanium tetrachloride at hazardous waste sites (unlikely due to instability of titanium

tetrachloride) would develop an active cell-mediated immune response to titanium tetrachloride.

Neurological Effects. No studies were located regarding neurological effects in humans following

exposure to titanium tetrachloride by any route. Limited information was provided in a single

inhalation study in which no histopathological alterations were observed in the brains of rats exposed

intermittently to up to 40 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride for 4 weeks (DuPont 1979); no further
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 50

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

neurological end points were evaluated in that study. The relevance of this finding to human health is

unknown.

Reproductive Effects. No information was located regarding reproductive effects in humans after

inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride by any route. Only one study was located that provided

information regarding reproductive effects in animals. That study (DuPont 1979) reported that no

histopathological alterations were observed in the testes and epididymis from rats exposed

intermittently to up to 40 mg/m3 titanium tetrachloride for 4 weeks; female rats were not tested. Since

neither reproductive function nor other reproductive end points were assessed in the DuPont (1979)

study, the relevance of these limited results to human health cannot be ascertained.

Developmental Effects. No studies were located regarding developmental effects of titanium

tetrachloride in humans or animals after inhalation, oral, or dermal exposure. However, a study was

located which examined neurodevelopmental parameters in offspring of rats administered titanium

tetrachloride intraperitoneally during gestation (Tsujii and Hoshishima 1979). The results showed that

several reflex responses were altered (either delayed or accelerated). However, because the authors did

not conduct a statistical analysis of the results, the significance of the findings is questionable.

Furthermore, because the route of administration was by injection, the relevance to potential exposure

by humans is unknown.

Genotoxic Effects. No studies investigating the potential of titanium tetrachloride to induce

genetic damage in humans or whole animals were found. As the data presented in Table 2-2 indicate,

the in vitro testing of titanium tetrachloride for adverse effects on genetic material has been limited to

several bacterial strains. However, titanium tetrachloride rapidly hydrolyses in aqueous environments;

consequently, results from in vivo or in vitro testing in aqueous media must be interpreted with

caution. In the available studies, titanium tetrachloride, at unspecified doses, was not mutagenic in

Salmonella typhimurium strains TA1537, TA2637, TA98, Tal00, or TA102; exogenous metabolic

activation was not included in the assay (Ogawa et al. 1987). The same investigators did not observe

an enhancement of mutagenesis when S. typhimurium strains TA1537 or TA2637 were exposed

simultaneously to titanium tetrachloride doses ranging from 1 to 10,000 μmol/plate and 100 μmol/plate

9-aminoacridine (9-AA). The well-known mutagen 9-AA was included in the experiment because the

findings from earlier studies conducted by these investigators suggested that 9-AA may serve as a

TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 52

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

carrier of metal cations across cellular membranes. Titanium tetrachloride was determined to be toxic

to the bacteria since, even after washing to remove the chemical, no revertant colonies grew.

Nonactivated doses of titanium tetrachloride ranging from 0.005 to 0.5 molal did not cause preferential

inhibition of recombination repair-deficient (rec-

) Bacillus subtilis strain M45 as compared to

deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair-proficient (rec+

) strain H17 (Kanematsu et al. 1980). Similarly,

unspecified concentrations of titanium tetrachloride in the absence of metabolic activation were

reported to be negative in the B. subtilis ret +/- assay (Kada et al. 1980).

Because titanium tetrachloride rapidly hydrolyzes upon contact with water, the findings from the

limited microbial assay are insufficient to reach any conclusions regarding the potential, if any, of

titanium tetrachloride to induce genotoxic effects.

Cancer. Epidemiological studies are inadequate to determine if titanium tetrachloride causes cancer

in occupationally exposed individuals. However, statistical analysis of the available mortality and lung

cancer incidence data indicate that there is no association between titanium tetrachloride exposure and

lung cancer mortality (EPA 1990b; Fayerweather et al. 1992).

Lesions characterized as lung squamous cell carcinoma and keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma were

observed in rats chronically exposed to titanium tetrachloride (EPA 1984, 1986; Lee et al. 1986).

Following chronic inhalation exposure of rats, these lesions occurred in the alveoli with squamous

metaplasia and next to the alveolar ducts with aggregated dust-laden macrophages; the lesions were

probably a result of chronic tissue irritation from dust-laden macrophages and cellular debris. No

metastases were found in any of the rats. According to the study authors, these lesions are a unique

type of experimentally induced tumors that is not usually seen in humans or other animals. Their

etiology is also different from human squamous cell carcinomas. Human lung squamous cell

carcinomas arise in the basal cells of the bronchial epithelium, while cystic keratinizing squamous cell

carcinomas observed in this study developed from the alveolar lining cells that are close to the alveolar

duct region. Recent information provided by DuPont (1994) indicate that after reexamination of the

tumor data of Lee et al. (1986), a group of pathologists agreed that the lesions should be rediagnosed

as either squamous metaplasia or proliferative keratin cysts, and that based on the reevaluation of the

evidence, titanium tetrachloride was not carcinogenic in rats.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 53

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.6 BIOMARKERS OF EXPOSURE AND EFFECT

Biomarkers are broadly defined as indicators signaling events in biologic systems or samples. They

have been classified as markers of exposure, markers of effect, and markers of susceptibility

(NAS/NRC 1989).

Due to a nascent understanding of the use and interpretation of biomarkers, implementation of

biomarkers as tools of exposure in the general population is very limited. A biomarker of exposure is

a xenobiotic substance or its metabolite(s), or the product of an interaction between a xenobiotic agent

and some target molecule(s) or cell(s) that is measured within a compartment of an organism (NRC

1989). The preferred biomarkers of exposure are generally the substance itself or substance-specific

metabolites in readily obtainable body fluid(s) or excreta. However, several factors can confound the

use and interpretation of biomarkers of exposure. The body burden of a substance may be the result

of exposures from more than one source. The substance being measured may be a metabolite of

another xenobiotic substance (e.g., high urinary levels of phenol can result from exposure to several

different aromatic compounds). Depending on the properties of the substance (e.g., biologic half-life)

and environmental conditions (e.g., duration and route of exposure), the substance and all of its

metabolites may have left the body by the time samples can be taken. It may be difficult to identify

individuals exposed to hazardous substances that are commonly found in body tissues and fluids (e.g.,

essential mineral nutrients such as copper, zinc, and selenium). Biomarkers of exposure to titanium

tetrachloride are discussed in Section 2.6.1.

Biomarkers of effect are defined as any measurable biochemical, physiologic, or other alteration within

an organism that, depending on magnitude, can be recognized as an established or potential health

impairment or disease (NAS/NRC 1989). This definition encompasses biochemical or cellular signals

of tissue dysfunction (e.g., increased liver enzyme activity or pathologic changes in female genital

epithelial cells), as well as physiologic signs of dysfunction such as increased blood pressure or

decreased lung capacity. Note that these markers are not often substance specific. They also may not

be directly adverse, but can indicate potential health impairment (e.g., DNA adducts). Biomarkers of

effects caused by titanium tetrachloride are discussed in Section 2.6.2.

A biomarker of susceptibility is an indicator of an inherent or acquired limitation of an organism’s

ability to respond to the challenge of exposure to a specific xenobiotic substance. It can be an
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 54

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

intrinsic genetic or other characteristic or a preexisting disease that results in an increase in absorbed

dose, a decrease in the biologically effective dose, or a target tissue response. If biomarkers of

susceptibility exist, they are discussed in Section 2.8, Populations That Are Unusually Susceptible.

2.6.1 Biomarkers Used to Identify or Quantify Exposure to Titanium Tetrachloride

Because of the chemical characteristics of titanium tetrachloride, namely its very rapid hydrolysis in

the presence of small amounts of water, it is unlikely that it would exist in the blood. Also, no

methods for the measurement of titanium tetrachloride in biological samples were located. Although

very little information is available, some of the titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis products could be

used as biomarkers to identify or possibly to quantify the exposure to titanium tetrachloride. One of

the more stable hydrolysis products of titanium tetrachloride is titanium dioxide. The use of electron

microscopy and/or spectrometric and spectrographic analysis using X-ray fluorescence showed the

presence of carbon-like, birefractive, pigment aggregations under the pleura that consisted of

O.l-0.4μm-diameter black particles very similar to titanium dioxide in the lysosomes of alveolar and

lymph node macrophages of three titanium dioxide processing factory workers (Elo et al. 1972).

Following accidental exposure to titanium tetrachloride, scars formed after second- or third-degree

burns were surrounded by dark pigmentation (Lawson 1961). The bums were the result of the

vigorous interaction of titanium tetrachloride and water, which was used following the exposure.

Although the nature of this dark pigmentation is not known, the authors of the study felt it is possible

that it is due to the presence of titanium dioxide deposits. These observations suggest that titanium

dioxide could be used as biomarker of titanium tetrachloride exposure.

Another useful indication of dermal exposure to titanium tetrachloride is low pH of the skin (Lawson

1961). This low skin pH results from the presence of hydrochloric acid, which is one of the titanium

tetrachloride hydrolysis products. The low pH may indicate that additional decontamination is needed

to prevent the acid bums.

2.6.2 Biomarkers Used to Characterize Effects Caused by Titanium Tetrachloride

For more information on biomarkers for renal and hepatic effects of chemicals see ATSDRKDC

Subcommittee Report on Biological Indicators of Organ Damage (1990) and for information on

biomarkers for neurological effects see OTA (1990).
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 55

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

No description of biomarkers that could be used to characterize the effects caused by exposure to

titanium tetrachloride was found in the course of the literature search.

2.7 INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER CHEMICALS

Limited information is available regarding the influence of substances other than water on the toxicity

of titanium tetrachloride. Titanium tetrachloride interacts vigorously with water in an exothermic

reaction that produces heat and hydrochloric acid. Under those circumstances, exposure to titanium

tetrachloride can result in a severe thermal and chemical injury.

Acute exposure of Sprague-Dawley rats and Syrian hamsters to the reactant products of aerosolized

titanium tetrachloride and ammonium hydroxide did not cause any significant changes in either species

(DOE 1978). The status of the animals was evaluated 1 hour after exposure or 30 days after exposure.

The mixture of the two chemicals was used to generate cold smoke, which is produced by the reaction

of titanium tetrachloride with concentrated ammonium hydroxide; the resulting products are titanium

dioxide and ammonium chloride (Smith et al. 1980).

2.8 POPULATIONS THAT ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE

A susceptible population will exhibit a different or enhanced response to titanium tetrachloride than

will most persons exposed to the same level of titanium tetrachloride in the environment. Reasons

may include genetic makeup, age, health and nutritional status, and exposure to other toxic substances

(e.g., cigarette smoke). These parameters may result in reduced detoxification or excretion of titanium

tetrachloride, or compromised function of target organs affected by titanium tetrachloride. Populations

who are at greater risk due to their unusually high exposure to titanium tetrachloride are discussed in

Section 5.6, Populations With Potentially High Exposure.

Persons with bronchitis, pneumoconiosis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, and diseases of

the upper respiratory tract are at risk because of the toxic nature of titanium tetrachloride fumes

(Mezentseva et al. 1963). For the same reason, work with titanium tetrachloride is contraindicated in

persons with pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions that make it difficult for them to wear a

protective mask (Mezentseva et al. 1963).
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 56

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.9 METHODS FOR REDUCING TOXIC EFFECTS

This section will describe clinical practice and research concerning methods for reducing toxic effects

of exposure to titanium tetrachloride. However, because some of the treatments discussed may be

experimental and unproven, this section should not be used as a guide for treatment of exposures to

titanium tetrachloride. When specific exposures have occurred, poison control centers and medical

toxicologists should be consulted for medical advice.

2.9.1 Reducing Peak Absorption Following Exposure

In cases of acute dermal exposure to liquid titanium tetrachloride, immediate rinsing with water should

not be used as a treatment (HSDB 1995). Rather, dry wiping of the skin with towels or cotton gauze

is recommended as the best first action to minimize the effects of exposure. After dry wiping, a light-yellowto-white granular deposit may still remain on the skin surface (HSDB 1995). At this stage,

copious amounts of cool water should be used to completely decontaminate the exposed skin. A

similar procedure is recommended in case of eye exposure, wipe the eye area and immediately rinse

the eye with water; neutralizing solutions such as sodium bicarbonate should be avoided (HSDB

1995). Wearing protective clothing and goggles is recommended as a preventative measure (Chitkara

and McNeela 1992). In cases of inhalation exposure, it is recommended that the patient be moved to

fresh air and be monitored for respiratory distress (HSDB 1995). Since inhalation is the most probable

route of exposure, early prophylactic treatment may include oxygen to prevent possible pulmonary

complications (HSDB 1995). Accidental ingestion of titanium tetrachloride should be followed by

dilution with milk and water (HSDB 1995). Neither the administration of bicarbonate to neutralize nor

the induction of vomiting is recommended. Activated charcoal as a means to prevent absorption

seems to be of no value (HSDB 1995). Although corticosteroid therapy improved the pulmonary

status in one patient (Park et al. 1984), and prednisone can be used at l-2 mg/kg/day, the benefits of

the use of steroids are debatable (HSDB 1995).

2.9.2 Reducing Body Burden

No information was located regarding reduction of body burden following exposure to titanium

tetrachloride by any route.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 57

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.9.3 Interfering with the Mechanism of Action for Toxic Effects

The toxicity of titanium tetrachloride stems from its vigorous hydrolysis in the presence of water.

This reaction generates heat and hydrochloric acid (Chitkara and McNeela 1992; Lawson 1961). To

interfere successfully with the possible mechanism of titanium tetrachloride toxicity, the chemical and

thermal injury that follows exposure in the presence of water should be prevented. That is done by

wiping of the exposed site with a dry cloth as thoroughly as possible and avoiding the initial rinsing

with water at all costs. One study suggests topical steroids and ascorbate, antibiotics, and mydratics,

as well as oral ascorbate in cases of very severe injuries (Chitkara and McNeela 1992).

2.10 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE

Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA, as amended, directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with

the Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether

adequate information on the health effects of titanium tetrachloride is available. Where adequate

information is not available, ATSDR, in conjunction with the National Toxicology Program (NTP), is

required to assure the initiation of a program of research designed to determine the health effects (and

techniques for developing methods to determine such health effects) of titanium tetrachloride.

The following categories of possible data needs have been identified by a joint team of scientists from

ATSDR, NTP, and EPA. They are defined as substance-specific informational needs that if met would

reduce the uncertainties of human health assessment. This definition should not be interpreted to mean

that all data needs discussed in this section must be filled. In the future, the identified data needs will

be evaluated and prioritized, and a substance-specific research agenda will be proposed.

2.10.1 Existing Information on Health Effects of Titanium Tetrachloride

The existing data on health effects of inhalation, oral, and dermal exposure of humans and animals to

titanium tetrachioride are summarized in Figure 2-2. The purpose of this figure is to illustrate the

existing information concerning the health effects of titanium tetrachloride. Each dot in the figure

indicates that one or more studies provide information associated with that particular effect. The dot

does not necessarily imply anything about the quality of the study or studies, nor should missing

information in this figure be interpreted as a “data need.” A data need, as defined in ATSDR’s

Decision Guide for Identifying Substance-Specific Data Needs Related to Toxicological Projiles

TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 59

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

(ATSDR 1989), is substance-specific information necessary to conduct comprehensive public health

assessments. Generally, ATSDR defines a data gap more broadly as any substance-specific

information missing from the scientific literature.

The vast majority of literature reviewed regarding the health effects of titanium tetrachloride in

humans concerned case reports and chronic-duration epidemiological studies of workers employed in

industries using titanium tetrachloride and case reports of accidental exposure of workers to titanium

tetrachloride. For workers employed in industries using titanium tetrachloride, the major route of

exposure is by inhalation of the hydrolyzed aerosol. In cases of accidental spills, the predominant

route of exposure is also inhalation unless there is extensive dermal contact. Therefore, the

information on acute-duration exposure comes from inhalation and dermal exposure data, and

information on chronic-duration exposure comes almost exclusively from inhalation exposure data.

The occupational exposure data are often limited by exposures to other chemicals, by the lack of

information on the dose, and by lack of detail on the duration of exposure. No information is

available regarding neurological, developmental, or reproductive effects in humans after exposure by

any route, and no information is available regarding any effects in humans following oral exposure.

All of the information regarding health effects of titanium tetrachloride in animals was obtained from

studies in which the exposure to titanium tetrachloride occurred by the inhalation route. There is

almost no information concerning health effects in animals following oral or dermal exposures.

Because titanium tetrachloride rapidly hydrolyzes in the presence of water and will not survive in the

environment, the major potential route of exposure is inhalation for persons involved in industries

utilizing titanium tetrachloride. In the case of accidental spills that may occur in the manufacturing

process, exposure is more likely to be exposed via the dermal route. Therefore, additional information

on health effects via these two routes would be of value.

2.10.2 Identification of Data Needs

Acute-Duration Exposure. Acute-duration inhalation exposure data in humans indicate that the

lungs are the major target organ of titanium tetrachloride toxicity. Symptoms of pulmonary toxicity

range from mild such as ticklish cough and tightness in the chest (Ross 1985) to more severe such as

shallow breathing, upper airway stridor progressing to hypoxia, and formation of pulmonary infiltrates
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 60

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

that are characteristic of respiratory distress syndrome (Park et al. 1984). Lymphocytosis was reported

in several cases of accidental inhalation exposure, but the results are not sufficient to conclude that

they were a consequence of the exposure (Lawson 1961; Park et al. 1984). The data in animals

support the observations made in humans regarding respiratory injury following acute inhalation

exposure to titanium tetrachloride; irritation, wet nose, nasal discharge, and dyspnea were observed in

rats following a 10-minute inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride (Karlsson et al. 1986).

Exposure to lethal concentrations induced severe histopathologic alterations in the respiratory

epithelium, cornea1 opacity and conjunctivitis, and weight loss in rats (DuPont 1980). Insufficient

information was available to calculate an acute-duration inhalation MRL for titanium tetrachloride.

Additional studies on the acute exposure to titanium tetrachloride in animals are needed to examine the

histopathologic effects in various regions of the respiratory system.

No information was available regarding acute-duration oral exposure of titanium tetrachloride in either

humans or animals. This is not expected to be a major route of exposure to titanium tetrachloride

because of its rapid hydrolysis in moist air.

The skin and the eyes are target organs following acute dermal exposure to titanium tetrachloride

(Chitkara and McNeela 1992; Lawson 1961; Ross 1985). Results from these studies indicate that the

eyes may be the most sensitive target organ for the effects of brief dermal exposure to titanium

tetrachloride. The injury to the eye depends on the degree of the burn (caused by exothermal

hydrolysis reaction of titanium tetrachloride an hydrochloric acid) and of the treatment that follows the

exposure. Further studies examining the effects of acute dermal exposure to titanium tetrachloride in

animals seem unnecessary at this time.

Intermediate-Duration Exposure. No information is available regarding effects of intermediateduration exposure to titanium tetrachloride in humans. Reports of the effects of intermediate-duration

inhalation exposure in rats (DuPont 1979; EPA 1986; Lee et al. 1986) describe effects such as nasal

irritation and lung abnormalities that are almost identical to those observed following chronic exposure

(see Chronic-Duration Exposure and Cancer, below). An intermediate inhalation MRL was derived

based on the results of DuPont (1979). Given the similar findings following intermediate- and

chronic-duration exposure, additional intermediate-duration inhalation studies are not necessary at this

time.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 61

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

No information was available regarding intermediate-duration oral or dermal exposure of titanium

tetrachloride in either humans or animals. However, additional studies are probably not warranted

because of the corrosive nature of the compound and because effects are most likely to be localized.

Chronic-Duration Exposure and Cancer. Two epidemiological studies were conducted on

workers who were chronically exposed to titanium tetrachloride. Doses were not well defined,

concomitant inhalation and possible dermal exposures occurred, and there may have been exposure to

other chemicals. It may be possible to recommend a population from DuPont that has been already

studied for future investigation of effects caused by chronic exposures since they do have the records

of all of their employees potentially exposed to titanium tetrachloride. Data from the existing

epidemiological studies indicate that the pulmonary system is the main target for chronic inhalation

exposure in humans. Further studies on the causes of the pulmonary abnormalities seen in some

workers with chronic exposure to titanium tetrachloride may be useful in determining long-term lung

damage that may be indicative of exposure to the chemical (Garabrant et al. 1987). Similarly, chronic

inhalation exposure in animals also indicates that lungs are the primary target organ for chronic

toxicity in rats (EPA 1986; Lee et al. 1986). A chronic inhalation MRL was derived based on the

results of Lee et al. (1986). No studies on chronic oral exposure in humans or animals were located.

Epidemiological studies that examine the incidence of cancer in workers exposed to titanium

tetrachloride did not show that this compound is carcinogenic in humans. These studies are limited by

lack of data on dose and precise duration of exposure (EPA 1990b; Fayerweather et al. 1992).

Although lung squamous cell carcinoma and keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma were diagnosed in

rats after chronic inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride (EPA 1984, 1986; Lee et al. 1986),

recent data suggest that the lesions are most likely not neoplastic (DuPont 1994). Furthermore, it is

difficult to estimate their relevance to lung tumors in humans because they have a different etiology

and cell type (EPA 1984, 1986; Lee et al. 1986). Additional studies in a species other than the rat by

the inhalation route would help clarify the carcinogenic potential of titanium tetrachloride. These

studies would also elucidate the possibility that the accumulation of titanium metallic particles in the

lungs may cause a sufficient degree of irritation to lead to cancer formation or lung granulomatous

disease.

Genotoxicity. No conclusions can be reached regarding the potential, if any, of titanium

tetrachloride to induce genetic damage. It is probable that valid results cannot be obtained in any
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 62

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

in vivo or in vitro test systems because of the rapid hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride in aqueous

environments.

Reproductive Toxicity. No information was located regarding reproductive toxicity in humans

following exposure to titanium tetrachloride. A single 4-week inhalation study in rats provided very

limited information (DuPont 1979). Studies examining the reproductive effects of titanium

tetrachloride would help determine if toxic effects would occur as a result of acute- or chronic-duration

inhalation or dermal exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

Developmental Toxicity. No information was located regarding developmental toxicity in

humans or animals following exposure to titanium tetrachloride by the inhalation, oral, or dermal

route. One study was located that examined neurodevelopmental effects of titanium tetrachloride on

offspring from rats administered the chemical intraperitoneally during gestation (Tsujii and Hoshishima

1979). Studies examining the developmental effects of titanium tetrachloride would help determine if

toxic effects would occur as a result of acute- or chronic-duration inhalation or dermal exposure to

titanium tetrachloride.

Immunotoxicity. Isolated cases of titanium tetrachloride-induced lymphocytosis have been

reported in humans exposed by the inhalation route (Lawson 1961; Park et al. 1984). The

interpretation of these results is limited because no details of the exposure were provided (Park et al.

1984), no controls were provided, and an epidemic of influenza was concurrent (Lawson 1961).

Impaired cellular immune function evident in reduced mitogen responsiveness was present in a worker

exposed chronically to titanium metal (Redline et al. 1986). In two out of four assays done with PBLs

from this worker, the response to titanium tetrachloride was positive, indicating the possible

sensitization against titanium tetrachloride. More information is needed to confirm this finding and

determine if there is a relationship between the delayed hypersensitivity observed in this worker and

the accumulation of metallic titanium in the pulmonary granuloma also found in this case. Additional

studies of dermal and inhalation exposure examining the potential effects of the longer Exposure in

animals would help elucidate the immunotoxicity of titanium tetrachloride.

Neurotoxicity. No information was located regarding neurotoxicity in humans following exposure

to titanium tetrachloride. Data in animals were restricted to a limited-scope single 4-week inhalation

study in rats (DuPont 1979). However, studies on the neurotoxicity of this compound are probably not
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 63

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

warranted because of the corrosive nature of the compound and because effects are most likely to be

localized.

Epidemiological and Human Dosimetry Studies. Human studies on titanium tetrachloride

consist of either case reports of accidental occupational exposure or epidemiological studies of workers

employed in the manufacture of metallic titanium, titanium salts, titanium pigments, or mordant dyes.

Because of the rapid hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride in the presence of small amounts of water,

the exposures in case reports and epidemiological studies are virtually all by the inhalation route, with

two accidental exposures via the dermal route with subsequent inhalation. A good database of

occupationally exposed workers (EPA 1990b; Fayerweather et al. 1992) exists at DuPont and was used

to evaluate the association between the exposure to titanium tetrachloride and lung cancer incidence

and mortality. Locating populations for future epidemiological studies may be difficult if exposure

records of potentially exposed workers are not maintained. Since titanium tetrachloride is used to

generate smoke screens, the records of potentially exposed individuals may be available from the

military. If such groups of exposed individuals are located, investigation regarding systemic,

immunological, neurological, developmental, and reproductive effects, and correlation of these effects

with the exposure levels of titanium tetrachloride would provide useful information. Further studies on

occupationally exposed workers may be useful in determining chronic effects of this compound.

Because of its rapid hydrolysis, very few persons are likely to be exposed to titanium tetrachloride at

hazardous waste sites.

Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect.

Exposure. It is not possible to determine the levels of titanium tetrachloride in the blood because

titanium tetrachloride is very rapidly hydrolyzed in the presence of small amounts of water. However,

some titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis products could be used as biomarkers to identify or possibly

quantify the exposure to titanium tetrachloride. One of the more stable hydrolysis products of titanium

tetrachloride is titanium dioxide. The use of electron microscopy, and spectrometric and

spectrographic analysis using X-ray fluorescence, showed the presence of carbon-like particles that

were very similar to titanium dioxide in the lysosomes of alveolar and lymph node macrophages of

three titanium dioxide processing factory workers (Elo et al. 1972). Also present in the lung and
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 64

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

lymph node tissue samples were large quantities of titanium (presumably titanium dioxide). Further

studies would be useful.

Effect. Following accidental occupational exposure to titanium tetrachloride, the scars left from the

second- or third-degree bums were surrounded by dark pigmentation (Lawson 1961). Although the

nature of this dark pigmentation is not known, the authors of the study suggested it may be due to the

presence of metallic titanium deposits. These observations suggest that both titanium dioxide and

metallic titanium might be used as a biomarkers of titanium tetrachloride exposure.

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion. No studies were located regarding

absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of titanium tetrachloride; however, further studies are

not warranted because of the very reactive nature of this compound.

Comparative Toxicokinetics. No studies were located regarding toxicokinetics in any animal

species; however, further studies are not warranted for titanium tetrachloride because of the very

reactive nature of this compound.

Methods for Reducing Toxic Effects. The most important way to prevent toxic effects of

titanium tetrachloride in the occupational setting is to use protective clothing and a respirator. If

exposure occurs, the use of water for decontamination is dangerous. To prevent thermal and chemical

injuries that result from the vigorous hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride, wiping with dry towels or

cotton gauze is recommended to minimize the effects of exposure. After dermal exposure and dry

wiping, a light-yellow-to-white granular deposit may remain on the skin surface (HSDB 1995). At

this stage, copious amounts of cool water should be used to decontaminate the exposed skin

completely. Since inhalation is the most probable route of exposure, early prophylactic treatment may

include oxygen to prevent possible pulmonary complications. Further exposure should, of course, be

avoided (HSDB 1995). Although corticosteroid therapy improved the pulmonary status in one patient

(Park et al. 1984), and prednisone can be used at l-2 mg/kg/day, the use of steroids is debatable

(HSDB 1995). One study suggested the use of topical steroids and ascorbate, the use of antibiotics

and mydratics, and the use of oral ascorbate in cases of very severe injuries (Chitkara and McNeela

1992).
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 65

2. HEALTH EFFECTS

2.10.3 Ongoing Studies

No ongoing studies regarding the health effects of titanium tetrachloride were reported in the Federal

Research in Progress File database (FEDRIP 1995).

TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 67

3. CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL INFORMATION

3.1 CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Information regarding the chemical identity of titanium tetrachloride is located in Table 3- 1.

3.2 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Information regarding the physical and chemical properties of titanium tetrachloride is located in

Table 3-2.



TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 71

4. PRODUCTION, IMPORT/EXPORT, USE, AND DISPOSAL

4.1 PRODUCTION

Titanium tetrachloride is a colorless-to-light-yellow watery liquid that is produced by the chlorination

of titanium compounds by a continuous process in a fluid-bed reactor. Minerals with a high titanium

content, such as beneficiated ilmenite, mineral r-utile, and leucoxene, are used in the production of

titanium tetrachloride. Carbon (usually as coke) is also added during the chlorination process as a

reducing agent because the titanium compounds contain oxygen (Whitehead 1983).

The estimated production of titanium tetrachloride in the United States in 1972 was at least

5,670,000,000 grams (12,474,000 pounds) (HSDB 1995); in 1975, it was at least 9,500,000,000 grams

(20,900,000 pounds) (HSDB 1995); and in 1980, it was 2,500,000 tons (5,000,000,000 pounds)

(Whitehead 1983). More recently, the aggregate production volume for titanium tetrachloride reported

in the Toxic Substances Control Act Inventory for 1990 was 3,150,556,000 pounds (1,575,278 tons)

(CICIS 1993).

A list of titanium tetrachloride production and processing facilities in the United States along with the

production or processing volume for each facility are provided in Table 4-l (TR193 1995).

Table 4-l lists the facilities in each state that manufacture or process titanium tetrachloride, the

intended use, and the range of maximum amounts of titanium tetrachloride that are stored on site. The

data listed in Table 4-l are derived from the Toxics Release Inventory (TR193 1995). The TRI data

should be used with caution since only certain types of facilities are required to report. Therefore, this

is not an exhaustive list.

4.2 IMPORT/EXPORT

No information on import or export volumes for titanium tetrachloride was located.

4.3 USE

Titanium tetrachloride is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of titanium metal, titanium

dioxide, titanous chloride pigments, iridescent glass, artificial pearls, and as a starting material for a


TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 74

4. PRODUCTION, IMPORT/EXPORT, USE, AND DISPOSAL

variety of organic and inorganic titanium compounds. It is also used as a mordant dye, a

polymerization catalyst, and as a catalyst in many organic syntheses in the chemical industry (Chitkara

and McNeela 1992; EPA 1985b; Merck 1989; Nordman and Berlin 1986; OHM/TADS 1992;

Stokinger 1981; Whitehead 1983).

Titanium tetrachloride was formerly used with potassium bitartrate as a mordant in the textile industry,

with dyewoods to dye leather, and as a smoke-producing screen with ammonia for the military (Merck

1989; Whitehead 1983).

4.4 DISPOSAL

The recommended disposal methods for titanium tetrachloride (including its container) include disposal

in a landfill or by incineration (IRPTC 1985; OHM/TADS 1992). Small spills or leaks of titanium

tetrachloride should be covered with a sufficient amount of sodium bicarbonate. The mixture should

be removed and placed in an appropriate container such as a fiber drum, plastic bag, or carton, and

then incinerated (IT11 1984; OHM/TADS 1992). Alternatively, titanium tetrachloride spills may be

spread in a thin layer on the ground and dispersed by large amounts of water into a sewer. Spill areas

should be washed thoroughly. The local waste water treatment authority should be notified of any

discharge (IT11 1984).

No additional information on disposal methods for titanium tetrachloride was located.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 75

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

5.1 OVERVIEW

Titanium tetrachloride is an inorganic compound that undergoes rapid hydrolysis upon contact with

water. On contact with moist air, it produces a heavy, dense white smoke composed of fine particles

of hydrochloric acid, titanium oxychloride, and titanium dioxide. It may be released to air during

production and/or use, or as a result of chemical spills. Because it hydrolyzes upon contact with

water, it is unlikely to be transported significant distances in any environmental media. However, one

of its hydrolysis products, titanium dioxide, may persist in soils or sediments. The other hydrolysis

product, hydrochloric acid, dissociates in water and air.

Exposure to titanium tetrachloride is primarily occupational, with titanium industry workers having the

greatest potential exposure. Exposure to fumes and vapors can occur during handling of titanium

tetrachloride and may also occur in the chlorinating department during production of titanium dioxide.

Exposure can also occur by the dermal route, particularly in cases of occupational spills. Members of

the general population are not likely to receive significant exposure to titanium tetrachloride except in

the case of a spill or accident.

No analytical methods are currently available for measuring concentrations of titanium tetrachloride

directly in any environmental medium, although methods are available for determining the

concentrations of several of its hydrolysis products. As a result of the absence of detection methods

for this compound, coupled with the compound’s rapid rate of hydrolysis, titanium tetrachloride

concentrations have not been reported in air, water, soil, sediments, or in food products.

Titanium tetrachloride has not been identified at any of 1,416 hazardous wastes sites that have been

proposed for inclusion on the EPA National Priorities List (NPL) (HazDat 1995). However, the

number of sites evaluated for titanium tetrachloride is not known.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 76

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

5.2 RELEASES TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Table 5-l summarizes data on industrial releases of titanium tetrachloride reported to the EPA (TR193

1995). These data should be used with caution since only certain types of facilities are required to

report. This is not an exhaustive list.

5.2.1 Air

According to the Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TR193 1995), an estimated total of

24,722 pounds of titanium tetrachloride, amounting to 99.6% of the total environmental release, was

discharged to the air from 38 large manufacturing and processing facilities in the United States in

1993. Table 5-l lists the amount of titanium tetrachloride released from each of these facilities.

5.2.2 Water

No information was found regarding releases of titanium tetrachloride to surface water or groundwater

via underground injection. However, assuming titanium tetrachloride spills may be dispersed with

large amounts of water into a sewer system using recommended clean-up procedures (ITII 1984),

runoff contaminated with titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis products could reach surface waters.

5.2.3 Soil

According to the Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TR193 1995), an estimated total of 100 pounds of

titanium tetrachloride, amounting to 0.4% of the total environmental release, was discharged to land

from 38 large manufacturing and processing facilities in the United States in 1993. Table 5-l lists the

amount of titanium tetrachloride released from each of these facilities.

The TRI data should be used with caution because only certain types of facilities are required to

report. This is not an exhaustive list.


TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 79

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

5.3 ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

5.3.1 Transport and Partitioning

Titanium tetrachloride hydrolyzes rapidly upon contact with moist air to form a vapor of hydrochloric

acid, titanium dioxide, and titanium oxychloride (Whitehead 1983; Wilms et al. 1992). Consequently,

environmental transport of this compound is negligible; however, the atmospheric transport of the

resulting hydrolysis products may be significant.

No data were located to estimate the residence time for titanium tetrachloride in air or water; however,

based on the compounds rapid hydrolysis, residence times are expected to be short (in the order of

hours).

5.3.2 Transformation and Degradation

5.3.2.1 Air

Upon contact with moist air, titanium tetrachloride rapidly hydrolyzes with fuming into hydrogen

chloride, titanium dioxide, and titanium oxychloride (Whitehead 1983; Wilms et al. 1992).

5.3.2.2 Water

When titanium tetrachloride is released to water it rapidly hydrolyzes to hydrochloric acid, titanium

oxychloride, and titanium dioxide. Titanium oxychloride usually further hydrolyzes to hydrochloric

acid and titanium dioxide (Wilms et al. 1992). In water, hydrochloric acid dissociates to the hydrogen

and chloride ions. Titanium dioxide is insoluble in water and may settle out into the sediments.

5.3.2.3 Sediment and Soil

No information was located on the degradation of titanium tetrachloride released to soils or sediments;

however, based on the rapid hydrolysis of this compound in moist air or in water, it may be expected

that titanium tetrachloride will also hydrolyze upon contact with moisture in the soil and sediment.

Residues of titanium dioxide, a very inert compound, are likely to remain in the soil or settle out to

the sediment.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 80

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

5.4 LEVELS MONITORED OR ESTIMATED IN THE ENVIRONMENT

No methods are currently available for measuring concentrations of titanium tetrachloride directly in

any environmental medium. Methods are available for determining concentrations of several of its

hydrolysis products (see Section 6).

5.4.1 Air

No information was located on concentrations of titanium tetrachloride in air.

5.4.2 Water

No information was located on concentrations of titanium tetrachloride in surface water or

groundwater.

5.4.3 Sediment and Soil

No information was located on concentrations of titanium tetrachloride in sediment or soil.

5.4.4 Other Environmental Media

No information was located on concentrations of titanium tetrachloride in any other environmental

media.

5.5 GENERAL POPULATION AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE

Information on the potential for general population exposure to titanium tetrachloride as a result of its

manufacture, use, disposal, or presence at a hazardous waste site was not located. The lack of data on

concentrations of titanium tetrachloride in air, water, soil, food, and other sources of general

population exposure, coupled with the rapid rate of hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride in all

environmental media, suggest that such exposure is probably limited. Members of the general

population are not likely to receive significant exposure to titanium tetrachloride except in the case of

a spill or accident.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 81

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

Workers who are involved in the manufacture, processing, handling, and disposal of titanium

tetrachloride are likely to be exposed to higher concentrations by dermal exposure and inhalation than

the general population. Occupational exposure to titanium tetrachloride may be significant for workers

in titanium industries. Preliminary data from a workplace survey, the National Occupational Exposure

Survey (NOES), conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

from 1980 to 1983, indicated that 2,107 workers, including 131 women, were potentially exposed to

titanium tetrachloride in the workplace in 1980 (NIOSH 1993).

NIOSH (1992) does not provide recommendations for occupational exposure levels to titanium

tetrachloride, but does provide a recommendation for occupational exposure levels to titanium dioxide,

a hydrolysis product, of 0.2 mg/m3

. However, two independent limit setting organizations have

recommended exposure limits for titanium tetrachloride. The American Industrial Hygiene

Association’s Workplace Environmental Exposure Limits (WEEL) Committee has recommended an

S-hour TWA for chronic exposure of 0.5 mg/m3

 for titanium tetrachloride (AIHA 1994). In addition,

the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s Emergency Response Planning Guidelines Committee

has recommended short-term (<1 hour) emergency limits (ranging from 100 mg/m3

 to 5 mg/m3)

(AIHA 1992).

5.6 POPULATIONS WITH POTENTIALLY HIGH EXPOSURES

Workers in the titanium processing industry have the greatest potential for exposure to titanium

tetrachloride during its production, processing, handling, and disposal. Workers who are involved in

the process of producing titanium metal from titanium tetrachloride receive the most exposure,

particularly those involved in the reduction process where they are exposed to vapors of titanium

tetrachloride, titanium oxychloride, and titanium dioxide particulates (Garabrant et al. 1987).

Maintenance and repair workers at these facilities also are exposed to high concentrations of titanium

tetrachloride vapors containing its hydrolysis products, titanium oxide and hydrochloric acid

(Mogilevskaja 1983). Workers who may use titanium tetrachloride for examining welding machinery

also may be exposed as a result of occupational spills (Ross 1985).

Other than individuals who are occupationally exposed to titanium tetrachloride, no members of the

general population are likely to receive high exposures except as a result of an accidental spill.

Because of its rapid hydrolysis and because it has not been identified at any NPL hazardous waste site
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 82

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

(HazDat 1995), individuals living near these sites are unlikely to be exposed to any significant

concentrations of titanium tetrachloride.

5.7 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE

Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA, as amended, directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with

the Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether

adequate information on the health effects of titanium tetrachloride is available. Where adequate

information is not available, ATSDR, in conjunction with the NTP, is required to assure the initiation

of a program of research designed to determine the health effects (and techniques for developing

methods to determine such health effects) of titanium tetrachloride.

The following categories of possible data needs have been identified by a joint team of scientists from

ATSDR, NTP, and EPA. They are defined as substance-specific informational needs that if met would

reduce the uncertainties of human health assessment. This definition should not be interpreted to mean

that all data needs discussed in this section must be filled. In the future, the identified data needs will

be evaluated and prioritized, and a substance-specific research agenda will be proposed.

5.7.1 Identification of Data Needs

Physical and Chemical Properties. Although it has been determined that titanium tetrachloride

hydrolyzes rapidly upon contact with water in all environmental media, it is not a well-defined

chemical in terms of its physical and chemical properties (Merck 1989). Because of its rapid

hydrolysis, information on some of its other chemical and physical properties would be difficult if not

impossible to measure.

Production, Import/Export, Use, Release, and Disposal. According to the Emergency

Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. Section 11023, industries are

required to submit chemical release and off-site transfer information to the EPA. The Toxics Release

Inventory (TRI), which contains this information for 1993, became available in May of 1995. This

database will be updated yearly and should provide a list of industrial production facilities and

emissions.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 83

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

The available use, production, and release information for titanium tetrachloride is insufficient to

determine the amount of titanium tetrachloride that hydrolyzes (CICIS 1993; OHM/TADS 1992;

Whitehead 1983). In addition, there is a lack of data on how much titanium tetrachloride may be

stored at waste sites, current methods of industrial disposal, and environmental releases that may result

from its use as a dye, as a catalyst, and in the titanium metal industry. This information would be

useful in determining whether significant releases of titanium tetrachloride occur, what disposal

methods are available, and the potential of its hydrolysis products for environmental contamination.

Environmental Fate. Titanium tetrachloride readily hydrolyzes upon contact with moisture to

form hydrochloric acid, titanium dioxide, and titanium oxychloride (Whitehead 1983; Wilms et al.

1992). Information on the degradation rates, persistence, and fate of these degradation products would

be helpful in determining levels of titanium tetrachloride that may have an impact on various

environmental media. This is particularly true for releases of titanium tetrachloride to soil as a result

of spills.

Bioavailability. Available information regarding the rate of titanium tetrachloride absorption

following inhalation, oral, and dermal contact has been discussed under Toxicokinetics (see

Section 2.3) (Elo et al. 1972; Lee et al. 1986; Ophus et al. 1979; Redline et al. 1986). Information is

lacking on the Bioavailability of titanium tetrachloride from environmental media as there is no

information available on titanium tetrachloride concentrations in environmental media. Because of the

physico-chemical properties of titanium tetrachloride, the major route of occupational exposure is by

inhalation and the major target organ is the lung. Exposure can also occur by the dermal route

particularly in cases of occupational spills. The rapid hydrolysis of titanium tetrachloride in water

(Wilms et al. 1992) suggests that human exposure via contaminated drinking water or surface waters is

unlikely, and no further studies on the bioavailability of this compound in water are indicated.

Food Chain Bioaccumulation. No information was found on the Bioaccumulation potential of

titanium tetrachloride in aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems. However, its rapid hydrolysis upon contact

with moisture (Wilms et al. 1992) suggests that there is little potential for Bioaccumulation or

biomagnification in aquatic or terrestrial organisms. Further studies on the Bioaccumulation or

biomagnification of this compound are not required.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 84

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

Exposure Levels in Environmental Media. No data were located on the concentration of

titanium tetrachloride in ambient air or in occupational settings, therefore no estimate of inhalation

exposure to titanium tetrachloride can be obtained for the general population or for any occupationally

exposed groups. No data on the concentration of titanium tetrachloride in drinking water, surface

water, or groundwater were located. However, because of its physico-chemical properties, titanium

tetrachloride is expected to undergo rapid hydrolysis (Wilms et al. 1992) and would not be expected to

be present in these environmental media.

Reliable monitoring data for the levels of titanium tetrachloride in contaminated media at hazardous

waste sites are needed so that the information obtained on levels of titanium tetrachloride in the

environment can be used in combination with the known body burden of titanium tetrachloride to

assess the potential risk of adverse health effects in populations living in the vicinity of hazardous

waste sites.

Exposure Levels in Humans. Most human exposures to titanium tetrachloride occur in the

workplace as a result the production of titanium or because of accidental spills. No data on titanium

tetrachloride concentrations in various human tissues and body fluids of unexposed populations,

populations living near hazardous waste sites, or occupationally exposed groups are available. Because

of its tendency to undergo rapid hydrolysis in aqueous environments, titanium tetrachloride is not

likely to be detected in human tissues although particles of titanium dioxide, a hydrolysis product,

have been detected in the lungs of occupationally exposed individuals (Elo et al. 1972; Ophus et al.

1979; Redline et al. 1986). Data on workplace exposures do exist (Garabrant et al. 1987; Ross 1985);

however, exposure levels for the general population or persons living near hazardous waste sites are

not available. Additional data on the concentrations of titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis products in

body tissues and fluids are needed to estimate the extent of occupational exposure to this compound

and in determining whether there is a health risk to occupationally exposed populations. Members of

the general population are not likely to be exposed to titanium tetrachloride except in the case of a

spill or accident.

This information is necessary for assessing the need to conduct health studies on these populations.

Exposure Registries. No exposure registries for titanium tetrachloride were located. This

substance is not currently one of the compounds for which a subregistry has been established in the
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 85

5. POTENTIAL FOR HUMAN EXPOSURE

National Exposure Registry. The substance will be considered in the future when chemical selection is

made for subregistries to be established. The information that is amassed in the National Exposure

Registry facilitates the epidemiological research needed to assess adverse health outcomes that may be

related to exposure to this substance.

5.7.2 Ongoing Studies

No ongoing studies on the potential for human exposure to titanium tetrachloride were located.

TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 87

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the analytical methods that are available for detecting, and/or

measuring, and/or monitoring titanium tetrachloride, its metabolites, and other biomarkers of exposure

and effect to titanium tetrachloride. The intent is not to provide an exhaustive list of analytical

methods. Rather, the intention is to identify well-established methods that are used as the standard

methods of analysis. Many of the analytical methods used for environmental samples are the methods

approved by federal agencies and organizations such as EPA and the National Institute for

Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Other methods presented in this chapter are those that are

approved by groups such as the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and the

American Public Health Association (APHA). Additionally, analytical methods are included that

modify previously used methods to obtain lower detection limits, and/or to improve accuracy and

precision.

6.1 BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES

Titanium tetrachloride hydrolyzes into titanium dioxide and hydrochloric acid upon contact with water

or moisture in the air. Titanium tetrachloride cannot be detected in biological materials; however,

titanium dioxide and titanium metal can be detected and may be used as indicators of exposure to

titanium tetrachloride, although the presence of these materials in biological tissue does not necessarily

mean the exposure occurred. See Table 6-l for a summary of the analytical methods most commonly

used to detect titanium tetrachloride and titanium dioxide in biological materials. The primary method

used to detect titanium dioxide in lung tissue is scanning and/or transmission electron microscopy

(STEM). Electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EMX-SM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis

(EDXA) have been used in conjunction with STEM (Ferin et al. 1976; Redline et al. 1986). Sample

preparation consists of fixation of the tissue sample in osmium tetroxide and/or glutaraldehyde,

dehydration in ethanol, embedding in epoxy, followed by sectioning and staining with uranyl acetate

and lead citrate‘(Ferin et al. 1976; Ophus et al. 1979). These methods can detect particles as small as

0.2 μm.

No analytical methods were found for determining titanium dioxide in urine. However, titanium metal

can be determined in urine by inductively coupled argon plasma, atomic emission spectroscopy

TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 89

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS

(ICP-AES). This method is very sensitive, with a detection level of 20 ppb and a good recovery of

86% (NIOSH 1994a).

No information was located on detecting titanium dioxide in blood, adipose tissue, feces, or human

milk.

6.2 ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES

No methods for detecting titanium tetrachloride in environmental samples were located. However,

titanium dioxide may be used as an indicator of titanium tetrachloride’s presence in air and some food

samples, but its presence does not necessarily mean that titanium tetrachloride is or was present in the

environmental sample. See Table 6-2 for a summary of the analytical methods used to determine

titanium dioxide in environmental samples.

The primary method for detecting titanium dioxide in air is by gravimetric filter weight (G/FW)

(NIOSH 1980, 1994b, 1994c) although gravimetric methods alone are not specific for titanium. Air

sampling may be performed by collection of a sample on a polyvinyl chloride membrane or DM800

filter, drying or heating, followed by equilibration of the sample in an environmental chamber prior to

measurement of the mass of particles collected. Detection limits are in the ppm range (NIOSH 1980,

1994b, 1994c). Spectroscopic methods can detect titanium metal in air at a detection level of 2 μg,

and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) can detect titanium metal at 1.9 μg/mL for 1%

absorption (Anonymous 1975). The corresponding limits of detection in air are dependent upon the

volumes of both the air sample and the resulting extract. Samples for both methods are collected on

an electrostatic precipitator (ESP), filter paper, standard impinger, or a membrane filter. The sample is

reacted with hydrogen peroxide for the general spectrophotometric method, or acidified with

hydrochloric acid solution for the AAS method (Anonymous 1975). Caution must be used for the

general calorimetric method because iron, nickel, chromium, vanadium, molybdenum fluoride, and

large amounts of phosphates and alkali metal sulfates can interfere (Anonymous 1975).-If these

substances are present, additional fractionation steps will be needed. High levels of iron, aluminum,

and fluoride enhance the response from titanium in the AAS method and this could result in an

overestimation of the titanium concentration (Anonymous 1975). ICP-AES is an alternative method to

determine titanium dioxide in air, with detection limits in the ppb range and an excellent recovery of

96% (NIOSH 1994d).

TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 91

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS

Hydrochloric acid is a hydrolysis product of titanium tetrachloride and can be detected in air. Gaseous

hydrochloric acid must first be separated from aerosols that contain chloride ions. Filter packs,

diffusion denuders, and diffusion samplers are the most common methods used to determined

hydrochloric acid in air (Kamrin 1992). However, if hydrochloric acid is found in air, it is not

necessarily indicative of exposure to titanium tetrachloride.

The presence of titanium dioxide in cheese has been studied (Leone 1973). Sample preparation

included charring and ashing, followed by dissolution of the sample in sulfuric acid. A yellow-orange

The addition of hydrogen peroxide to a cheese or air sample to calorimetrically determine titanium

dioxide may cause interference from nickel, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, vanadium, and chromium, if

present. It is unlikely, however, that these elements are present in cheese. Interferences in air samples

can be overcome by the use of treated and untreated standards, or by precipitating the titanium dioxide

(Anonymous 1975; Leone 1973).

No information was located on detecting titanium tetrachloride or titanium dioxide in water, soil, or

sediment.

6.3 ADEQUACY OF THE DATABASE

Section 104(i)(5) of CERCLA, as amended, directs the Administrator of ATSDR (in consultation with

the Administrator of EPA and agencies and programs of the Public Health Service) to assess whether

adequate information on the health effects of titanium tetrachloride is available. Where adequate

information is not available, ATSDR, in conjunction with the NTP, is required to assure the initiation

of a program of research designed to determine the health effects (and techniques for developing

methods to determine such health effects) of titanium tetrachloride.

The following categories of possible data needs have been identified by a joint team of scientists from

ATSDR, NTP, and EPA. They are defined as substance-specific informational needs that if met would

reduce the uncertainties of human health assessment. This definition should not be interpreted to mean

that all data needs discussed in this section must be filled. In the future, the identified data needs will

be evaluated and prioritized, and a substance-specific research agenda will be proposed.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 92

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS

6.3.1 Identification of Data Needs

Methods for Determining Biomarkers of Exposure and Effect. Methods exist for measuring

titanium dioxide and titanium dioxide pigment, that is, different crystalline forms of titanium dioxide,

in lung tissue (Elo et al. 1972; Ferin et al. 1976; Ophus et al. 1979) and for measuring titanium metal

in urine (NIOSH 1994a). However, no methods were identified for detecting titanium tetrachloride

in any biological materials. Most methods can only detect the presence and not the concentrations of

titanium dioxide or titanium dioxide pigments in lung tissue (Elo et al. 1972; Ophus et al. 1979).

STEM and EDXA methods cannot differentiate among different crystalline forms of titanium dioxide.

However, X-ray diffraction (XD) methods can differentiate among the different crystalline forms and

this information can be useful in the assessment of the bioavailablility of the titanium. However, no

method exists for determining background levels of titanium tetrachloride or titanium dioxide in the

general population, or levels at which biological effects occur.

More sensitive methods for detecting long-term exposure to titanium dioxide or titanium metal in

biological tissue are desirable in order to monitor levels of titanium dioxide, titanium dioxide pigment,

or metal in titanium industry workers. In addition, methods should be developed that could easily

differentiate among the different crystalline forms of titanium dioxide in lung tissue so that possible

differences in toxic effect resulting from differing bioavailabilities can be studied.

No biomarkers of effect of titanium tetrachloride exist. However, after a worker’s accidental exposure

to titanium tetrachloride, a dark pigmentation formed around the scars left by the burns, suggesting

that titanium metal or titanium dioxide may be a biomarker of exposure (Lawson 1961). Additional

study is required to determine the cause of the dark pigmentation. Further development of methods

for determining biomarkers of effect for titanium tetrachloride would be beneficial to determine

whether or not an individual has been exposed to the compound.

Methods for Determining Parent Compounds and Degradation Products in

Environmental Media. Human exposure to titanium tetrachloride is most likely to result from

being splashed with the liquid. Titanium dioxide, a hydrolysis product of titanium tetrachloride, or

titanium metal in workplace air may be indicative of exposure to titanium tetrachloride, titanium metal,

or titanium dioxide. G/FW is the most common method for determining titanium and titanium dioxide

in air as particulate matter (NIOSH 1980, 1994b, 1994c), and spectroscopic methods are most common
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 93

6. ANALYTICAL METHODS

for detecting titanium metal associated with particulates in air (Anonymous 1975; NIOSH 1994d).

The sensitivity of the gravimetric methods is in the ppm range, and the sensitivity of the spectroscopic

methods is in the ppb range with good recovery. Both methods can measure background levels in the

environment and levels at which health effects may occur. A calorimetric method to determine the

presence of titanium dioxide in cheese has also been developed (Leone 1973). The reliability and

specificity of many of these methods have not been determined; therefore, methods to improve the

reliability and specificity of titanium dioxide and titanium metal in air would be useful.

No methods for determining titanium tetrachloride or titanium dioxide in water, soil, or sediment were

found.

6.3.2 Ongoing Studies

No ongoing studies regarding analytical methods were located for titanium tetrachloride.

TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 95

7. REGULATIONS AND ADVISORIES

International, national, and state regulations and guidelines pertinent to human exposure to titanium

tetrachloride are sumrnarized in Table 7-l.

ATSDR has derived an intermediate-duration inhalation MRL of 0.01 mg/m3

 for titanium tetrachloride

based on a mild lung dust cell reaction and increased relative lung weight in rats after intermittent

exposure to titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis products for 4 weeks (DuPont 1979).

A chronic-duration inhalation MRL of 0.0001 mg/m3

 was derived for titanium tetrachloride based on

its ability to cause irregular breathing and lung noises in rats, along with rhinitis, tracheitis, and

alveolar hyperplasia (Lee et al. 1986).

Titanium effluent limitations are in effect for discharges from the production of titanium at primary

and secondary titanium facilities. The following existing point sources are subject to regulation:

chlorination off-gas wet air pollution control, titanium tetrachloride handling wet air pollution control,

reduction area wet air pollution control, melt cell wet air pollution control, chlorine liquefaction wet

air pollution control, sodium reduction container reconditioning wash water, chip crushing wet air

pollution control, acid leachate and rinse water, sponge crushing and screening wet air pollution

control, acid pickle and wash water, scrap milling wet air pollution control, scrap detergent wash

water, casting crucible wash water, and casting contact cooling water (EPA 1985a).

TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 97

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TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 107

9. GLOSSARY

Acute Exposure-Exposure to a chemical for a duration of 14 days or less, as specified in the

Toxicological Profiles.

Adsorption Coefficient (Koc)-The ratio of the amount of a chemical adsorbed per unit weight of

organic carbon in the soil or sediment to the concentration of the chemical in solution at equilibrium.

Adsorption Ratio (Kd)-The amount of a chemical adsorbed by a sediment or soil (i.e., the solid

phase) divided by the amount of chemical in the solution phase, which is in equilibrium with the solid

phase, at a fixed solid/solution ratio. It is generally expressed in micrograms of chemical sorbed per

gram of soil or sediment.

Bioconcentration Factor (BCF)-The quotient of the concentration of a chemical in aquatic

organisms at a specific time or during a discrete time period of exposure divided by the concentration

in the surrounding water at the same time or during the same period.

Cancer Effect Level (CEL)--The lowest dose of chemical in a study, or group of studies, that

produces significant increases in the incidence of cancer (or tumors) between the exposed population

and its appropriate control.

Carcinogen-A chemical capable of inducing cancer.

Ceiling Value-A concentration of a substance that should not be exceeded, even instantaneously.

Chronic Exposure-Exposure to a chemical for 365 days or more, as specified in the Toxicological

Profiles.

Developmental Toxicity-The occurrence of adverse effects on the developing organism that may

result from exposure to a chemical prior to conception (either parent), during prenatal development, or

postnatally to the time of sexual maturation. Adverse developmental effects may be detected at any

point in the life span of the organism.

Embryotoxicity and Fetotoxicity- Any toxic effect on the conceptus as a result of prenatal exposure

to a chemical; the distinguishing feature between the two terms is the stage of development during

which the insult occurred. The terms, as used here, include malformations and variations, altered

growth, and in utero death.

EPA Health Advisory- An estimate of acceptable drinking water levels for a chemical substance

based on health effects information. A health advisory is not a legally enforceable federal standard,

but serves as technical guidance to assist federal, state, and local officials.

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH)-The maximum environmental concentration of a

contaminant from which one could escape within 30 min without any escape-impairing symptoms or

irreversible health effects.

Intermediate Exposure-Exposure to a chemical for a duration of 15-364 days, as specified in the

Toxicological Profiles.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 108

9. GLOSSARY

Immunologic Toxicity- T h e occurrence of adverse effects on the immune system that may result

from exposure to environmental agents such as chemicals.

In Vitro-Isolated from the living organism and artificially maintained, as in a test tube.

In Viva-Occurring within the living organism.

Lethal Concentration(LO) (LCLO)-The lowest concentration of a chemical in air which has been

reported to have caused death in humans or animals.

Lethal Concentration (50) (LC50)-A calculated concentration of a chemical in air to which exposure

for a specific length of time is expected to cause death in 50% of a defined experimental animal

population.

Lethal Dose(LO) (LDLO)-The lowest dose of a chemical introduced by a route other than inhalation

that is expected to have caused death in humans or animals.

Lethal Dose(50) (LD50)-The dose of a chemical which has been calculated to cause death in 50% of

a defined experimental animal population.

Lethal Time(50) (LT50)-A calculated period of time within which a specific concentration of a

chemical is expected to cause death in 50% of a defined experimental animal population.

Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (LOAEL)-The lowest dose of chemical in a study, or

group of studies, that produces statistically or biologically significant increases in frequency or severity

of adverse effects between the exposed population and its appropriate control.

Malformations-Permanent structural changes that may adversely affect survival, development, or

function.

Minimal Risk Level-An estimate of daily human exposure to a dose of a chemical that is likely to

be without an appreciable risk of adverse noncancerous effects over a specified duration of exposure.

Mutagen-A substance that causes mutations. A mutation is a change in the genetic material in a

body cell. Mutations can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.

Neurotoxicity-The occurrence of adverse effects on the nervous system following exposure to

chemical.

No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL)-The dose of chemical at which there were no

statistically or biolsgically significant increases in frequency or severity of adverse effests seen

between the exposed population and its appropriate control. Effects may be produced at this dose, but

they are not considered to be adverse.

Octanol-Water Partition Coefficient (KOW)-The equilibrium ratio of the concentrations of a

chemical in n-octanol and water, in dilute solution.

Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL)-An allowable exposure level in workplace air averaged over an

8-hour shift.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE 109

9. GLOSSARY

q1* -The upper-bound estimate of the low-dose slope of the dose-response curve as determined by the

multistage procedure. The ql* can be used to calculate an estimate of carcinogenic potency, the

incremental excess cancer risk per unit of exposure (usually μg/L for water, mg/kg/day for food, and

μg/m3 for air).

Reference Dose (RfD)-An estimate (with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of magnitude) of the

daily exposure of the human population to a potential hazard that is likely to be without risk of

deleterious effects during a lifetime. The RfD is operationally derived from the NOAEL (from animal

and human studies) by a consistent application of uncertainty factors that reflect various types of data

used to estimate RfDs and an additional modifying factor, which is based on a professional judgment

of the entire database on the chemical. The RfDs are not applicable to nonthreshold effects such as

cancer.

Reportable Quantity (RQ)-The quantity of a hazardous substance that is considered reportable

under CERCLA. Reportable quantities are (1) 1 pound or greater or (2) for selected substances, an

amount established by regulation either under CERCLA or under Sect. 311 of the Clean Water Act.

Quantities are measured over a 24-hour period.

Reproductive Toxicity-The occurrence of adverse effects on the reproductive system that may result

from exposure to a chemical. The toxicity may be directed to the reproductive organs and/or the

related endocrine system. The manifestation of such toxicity may be noted as alterations in sexual

behavior, fertility, pregnancy outcomes, or modifications in other functions that are dependent on the

integrity of this system.

Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL)-The maximum concentration to which workers can be exposed

for up to 15 min continually. No more than four excursions are allowed per day, and there must be at

least 60 min between exposure periods. The daily TLV-TWA may not be exceeded.

Target Organ Toxicity-This term covers a broad range of adverse effects on target organs or

physiological systems (e.g., renal, cardiovascular) extending from those arising through a single limited

exposure to those assumed over a lifetime of exposure to a chemical.

Teratogen-A chemical that causes structural defects that affect the development of an organism.

Threshold Limit Value (TLV)-A concentration of a substance to which most workers can be

exposed without adverse effect. The TLV may be expressed as a TWA, as a STEL, or as a CL.

Time-Weighted Average (TWA)-An allowable exposure concentration averaged over a normal 8-

hour workday or 40-hour workweek.

Toxic Dose (TD50)-A calculated dose of a chemical, introduced by a route other than-inhalation,

which is expected to cause a specific toxic effect in 50% of a defined experimental animal population.

Uncertainty Factor (UF)-A factor used in operationally deriving the RfD from experimental data.

UFs are intended to account for (1) the variation in sensitivity among the members of the human

population, (2) the uncertainty in extrapolating animal data to the case of human, (3) the uncertainty in

extrapolating from data obtained in a study that is of less than lifetime exposure, and (4) the

uncertainty in using LOAEL data rather than NOAEL data. Usually each of these factors is set equal

to 10.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE A-1

APPENDIX A

MINIMAL RISK LEVEL (MRL) WORKSHEETS

Chemical Name: Titanium tetrachloride

CAS Number: 7550-45-O

Date: November 14, 1995

Profile Status: Third Draft Post Public Comment

Route: [X] Inhalation [ ] Oral

Duration: [ ] Acute [X] Intermediate [ ] Chronic

Graph Key: 5r

Species: Rat

Minimal Risk Level: 0.01 [X] mg/m3

 [ ] ppm

Reference: DuPont 1979

Experimental design: (human study details or strain, number of animals per exposure/control groups,

sex, dose administration details): Male Charles River (CD) rats (25/exposure concentration) were

exposed to 0, 5, 10, or 40 mg/m3

 of atmospheric titanium tetrachloride allowed to hydrolyze in normal

air for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. Hematology, clinical chemistry, and urine tests, were

conducted on 10 rats/group after the last exposure and after a 2-week recovery period. Five rats/group

were necropsied on the last exposure day, after 2 weeks, and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-exposure.

Blood and urine δ-aminolevulinic acid were determined at l-week intervals during the exposure period

and 2 weeks post-exposure. All major organs and tissues were examined grossly and microscopically.

Effects noted in study and corresponding doses: Two rats in the high-exposure group died on test

days 15 and 23. Death was attributed to respiratory failure triggered by partial obstruction of the

tracheal lumen with precipitated dust particles, denuded tracheal epithelium, acute obliterative

bronchiolitis, interstitial pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and hemorrhage. In the high-exposure group,

body weight gain was depressed by about 19% relative to controls by the end of the 4-week exposure

period, but this trend was reversed during the recovery period. Treatment-related effects consisted of a

decrease in δaminolevulinic acid dehydrase, a decrease in BUN and urine osmolality, and higher

urinary pH in the mid- and high-exposure groups; these values returned to normal after a 2-week

recovery period. Results from clinical chemistry and hematology tests revealed no significant

deviations from normal ranges. Results from pathological examination showed that rats in the low-exposure

group, sacrificed up to one year after exposure, had only a mild lung dust cell reaction. The

mid- and high-exposure groups showed a concentration-dependent inflammation of the respiratory

tract. Alterations consisted of acute bronchiolitis, interstitial pneumonitis, proliferation of alveolar

cells, and hyperplasia of the tracheal epithelium with hypermucous secretion. These lesioins gradually

disappeared after recovery and dust cells became sharply focalized. Collagenized fibrosis in the

bronchioles and adjoining alveolar walls persisted throughout the 12-months recovery period. Relative

lung weight was significantly elevated in all treated groups on the last exposure day and on the mid-and

high-exposure groups 2 weeks post-exposure. Lung weight returned to normal 3 months post-exposure.

There were no compound-related pathological lesions in the other organs and tissues

examined.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE A-2

APPENDIX A

Dose and end point used for MRL derivation: The 5 mg/m3 exposure concentration is considered a

less serious LOAEL for mild dust cell reaction and increased relative lung weight.

[ ] NOAEL [X] LOAEL

Uncertainty Factors used in MRL derivation:

[X] 3 for use of a minimal LOAEL

[X] 3 for extrapolation from animals to humans

[X] 10 for human variability

Was a conversion factor used from ppm in food or water to a mg/body weight dose? No

If an inhalation study in animals, list conversion factors used in determining human equivalent dose:

Rats were exposed in stainless steel chambers under dynamic air conditions. No information was

provided regarding the method for generating the titanium tetrachloride atmospheric hydrolysis

products. Because the rats were exposed to an aerosol and the critical effect was respiratory,

Equation 4-5 in Interim Methods for Development of Inhalation Reference Concentrations (EPA 1990)

was used to calculate the HEC (Human Equivalent Concentration). However, the only information

provided regarding the size parameters of the aerosol particles was that the diameter ranged from 1 to

400 pm. Therefore, a default method was used to determine the ratio of the dose available for uptake

from the thoracic region of the experimental animal species to that of humans (RDDRTH).

Examination of Table H-l in EPA (1990) revealed that the most conservative value of RDDRTH for

any sigma g for the thoracic region is 0.2064. The LOAELHEC was thus calculated as follows:

LOAELHEC = LOAEL x RDDRTH

= 5 mg/m3 x 0.2064

= 1.032 mg/m3

where:

LOAELHEC = Human Equivalent Concentration of the LOAEL (lowest-observed-adverse effect level)

RDDRTH = Regional Deposited Dose Ratio for Respiratory Effects in the Thoracic Region

Thus, the proposed intermediate inhalation MRL is derived as follows:

MRL = LOAELHEC ÷ UF

MRL = 1.032 mg/m3

 ÷ 90

MRL = 0.01 mg/m3

Was a conversion used from intermittent to continuous exposure? No
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE A-3

APPENDIX A

Other additional studies or pertinent information that lend support to this MRL: Several studies in

humans lend support to deriving a MRL. A health hazard evaluation of workers employed in a metal

reduction factory suggests that exposure to titanium tetrachloride and its hydrolysis products may

cause pulmonary impairment (Garabrant et al. 1987; Moseley et al. 1982). The data from those

studies support the notion that chronic exposure to titanium tetrachloride may result in restrictive

pulmonary changes. However, the concomitant exposure to other chemicals, such as titanium oxide,

titanium dichloride, titanium oxychloride, sodium, sodium hydroxide, and sodium oxide prevents a

more definitive determination of the role of titanium tetrachloride. Irritation of the upper and lower

respiratory tract is observed in humans following acute inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride

(Park et al. 1984; Ross 1985). The respiratory irritation may lead to cough, wheezing, dyspnea,

respiratory distress, and hypoxia. In some cases, impairment of the respiratory function may continue

for several weeks following exposure (Park et al. 1984).

Acute inhalation studies in animals lend support for a MRL derivation. Acute exposure of rats to

1,466, 5,122, 7,529 and 11,492 mg/m3

 of titanium tetrachloride resulted in wet noses, nasal discharge,

dyspnea, and swollen eyelids (Karlsson et al. 1986). No deaths were found. Histopathology

performed 7 days after exposure was essentially normal and revealed only minor lung lesions. The

lungs in l/3 and 2/2 animals exposed to 5,122 and 11,492 mg/m3

, respectively, showed discrete

inflammatory residues, coarsened alveolar septa, and sparse accumulation of phagocytes. Rats exposed

to 1,200 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride for 30 minutes had severe inflammation of the respiratory

epithelium 1 day post-exposure (DuPont 1980). Forty-nine days post-exposure the respiratory

epithelium had normal appearance.

In a chronic study, Sprague-Dawley rats (l00/sex/exposure concentration) were exposed to 0, 0.1, 1.0,

or 10.0 mg/m3

 of atmospheric titanium tetrachloride allowed to hydrolyze in normal air for

6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 104 weeks. The most significant finding was the increased incidence of

rhinitis and tracheitis with exposure concentration. In the low-exposure group the incidence of rhinitis

was also duration-dependent and ranged from 4.3 to 15% after 1 year of treatment, and from 22

to 64% at the end of the second year. Similar observations were made in the mid- and high-exposure

groups. Tracheitis also increased with exposure duration, and to a lesser degree with concentration.

The two highest groups had increased incidence of tracheitis as early as 3 months, and at the end of

2 years was also increased in the lowest exposure group. The incidences of tracheitis at the end of the

2 years were O-2.5%, 12-20%, 41-49%, and 30-44% for the control, low-, mid-, and high-exposure

groups, respectively. Gross pathology and histopathology revealed compound-related changes in the

lungs and thoracic lymph nodes of the treated animals.

Agency Contact (Chemical Manager): Ed Murray
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE A -4

APPENDIX A

MINIMAL RISK LEVEL WORKSHEET

Chemical Name: Titanium tetrachloride

CAS Number: 7550-45-0

Date: November 14, 1995

Profile Status: Third Draft Post Public Comment

Route: [X] Inhalation [ ] Oral

Duration: [ ] Acute [ ] Intermediate [X] Chronic

Graph Key: 6r

Species: Rat

Minimal Risk Level: 0.0001 [X] mg/m3 [ ] ppm

Reference: EPA 1986; Lee et al. 1986

Experimental design: (human study details or strain, number of animals per exposure/control groups,

sex, dose administration details): Charles River (CD) rats (l00/sex/exposure concentration) were

exposed to 0, 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 mg/m3

 atmospherically hydrolyzed titanium tetrachloride for

6 hours/day, 5 days/week, for 104 weeks. Five males and 5 females from each group were sacrificed

after 3 and 6 months, 10 animals of each sex were killed after 1 year, and the remaining animals were

sacrificed at the end of the second year for gross and microscopic evaluation.

Effects noted in study and corresponding doses: The major health effects of exposure were observed in

the respiratory tract of the exposed animals. The primary observation was an increased incidence of

irregular breathing and lung noises in the exposed rats that was concentration-dependent. This

respiratory effect was present in males (8, 12, 24, and 36%) and females (8, 16, 44, and 41%) exposed

to 0, 0.1, 1 .O and 10 mg/m3

, respectively. The incidence of rhinitis and tracheitis also increased with

concentration. In the low-exposure group the incidence of rhinitis was also duration-dependent and

ranged from 4.3 to 15% after 1 year of treatment, and from 22 to 64% at the end of the second year.

Similar observations were made in the mid- and high-exposure groups. Tracheitis also increased with

exposure duration, and to a lesser degree with concentration. The 2 highest groups had increased

incidence of tracheitis as early as 3 months, and at the end of 2 years was also increased in the lowest

exposure group. The incidences of tracheitis at the end of the 2 years were O-2.5%, 12-20%, 41-49%,

30-44% for the control, low-, mid-, and high-exposure groups, respectively. The 0.1 mg/m3

 is

considered a less serious LOAEL for adverse effects in the tracheobronchial region. Gross pathology

and histopathology revealed compound-related changes in the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes of the

treated animals. Foci laden with yellow titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis products were present on the

lung pleural surface and on the slightly enlarged tracheobronchial lymph nodes in the mid- and highexposure

groups. The pulmonary response in these two groups also included the presence of the dustladen

macrophages, and the hyperplasia of the alveolar lining. The incidence and severity of alveolar

hyperplasia increased with concentration; it was 0% in the control and low-exposure groups, and 32-

63% and 92-97% in the mid- and high-exposure groups.

Dose and end point used for MRL derivation: The 0.1 mg/m3

 is considered a less serious LOAEL for

increased incidence of rhinitis and tracheitis.

[ ] NOAEL [X] LOAEL
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE A-5

APPENDIX A

Uncertainty Factors used in MRL derivation:

[X] 3 for use of a minimal LOAEL

[X] 3 for extrapolation from animals to humans

[X] 10 for human variability

Was a conversion factor used from ppm in food or water to a mg/body weight dose? No

If an inhalation study in animals, list conversion factors used in determining human equivalent dose:

Rats were exposed in stainless steel chambers under dynamic air conditions. Vapors of titanium

tetrachloride were generated by passing nitrogen over liquid titanium tetrachloride. Chamber

atmospheres were monitored by trapping the solid titanium tetrachloride hydrolysis products on

cellulose acetate filters which were analyzed for titanium content. The mass median diameter of the

aerosol particles was about 0.5 μm with a geometric standard deviation of about 2 μm. Because the

rats were exposed to an aerosol and the critical effect was respiratory, Equation 4-5 in Interim

Methods for Development of Inhalation Reference Concentrations (EPA 1990) was used to calculate

the HEC (Human Equivalent Concentration). Table H-l in EPA (1990) was used to determine the

ratio of the dose available for uptake from the extrathoracic region of the respiratory system of the

experimental animal species to that of humans (RDDRET). The RDDR for the ET region

corresponding to a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMDA) of 0.5 μm with a Sigma g of 2.0 μm

is 0.1201. The LOAELHEC was calculated as follows:

LOAELHEC = LOAEL x RDDRET

= 0.1 x 0.1201

= 0.01201 mg/m3

where:

LOAELHEC = Human Equivalent concentration of the LOAEL (lowest-observed-adverse effect level)

RDDRET = Regional Deposited Dose Ratio for Respiratory Effect in the Extrathoracic Region

Thus, the proposed chronic inhalation MRL was derived as follows:

MRL = LOAELHEC ÷ UF

MRL = 0.01201 mg/m3

 ÷ 90

MRL =0.0001 mg/m3

Was a conversion used from intermittent to continuous exposure? The LOAEL was not adjusted for

intermittent exposure because the effects reflect contact irritation.

Other additional studies or pertinent information that lend support to this MRL: Several studies in

humans lend support to deriving a MRL. A health hazard evaluation of workers employed in a metal

reduction factory suggests that exposure to titanium tetrachloride and its hydrolysis products may

cause pulmonary impairment (Garabrant et al. 1987; Moseley et al. 1982). The data from those
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE A-6

APPENDIX A

studies support the notion that chronic exposure to titanium tetrachloride may result in restrictive

pulmonary changes. However, the concomitant exposure to other chemicals, such as titanium oxide,

titanium dichloride, titanium oxychloride, sodium, sodium hydroxide, and sodium oxide prevents a

more definitive determination of the role of titanium tetrachloride. Irritation of the upper and lower

respiratory tract is observed in humans following acute inhalation exposure to titanium tetrachloride

(Park et al. 1984; Ross 1985). The respiratory irritation may lead to cough, wheezing, dyspnea,

respiratory distress, and hypoxia. In some cases, impairment of the respiratory function may continue

for several weeks following exposure (Park et al. 1984).

Acute inhalation studies in animals also lend support for the MRL derivation. Acute exposure of rats

to 1,466, 5,122, 7,529, and 11,492 mg/m3

 of titanium tetrachloride resulted in wet noses, nasal

discharge, dyspnea, and swollen eyelids. (Karlsson et al. 1986). No deaths were found.

Histopathology performed 7 days after exposure was essentially normal and revealed only minor lung

lesions. The lungs in l/3 and 2/2 animals exposed to 5,122 and 11,492 mg/m3

, respectively, showed

discrete inflammatory residues, coarsened alveolar septa, and sparse accumulation of phagocytes. Rats

exposed to 1,200 mg/m3

 titanium tetrachloride for 30 minutes had severe inflammation of the

respiratory epithelium 1 day post-exposure (DuPont 1980). Forty-nine days post-exposure the

respiratory epithelium had normal appearance. Rats exposed to 5 mg/m3

 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for

4 weeks a mild lung dust cell reaction and increased relative lung weight; both effects were reversible

(DuPont 1979). Exposure to >10 mg/m3

, however, induced bronchiolitis, interstitial pneumonitis,

alveolar cell proliferation, hyperplasia of the tracheal epithelium, and collagenized fibrosis. These

effects gradually disappeared over a 12-month recovery period. No studies were located regarding

reproductive or developmental effects in humans or animals after exposure to titanium tetrachloride by

any route.

Agency Contact (Chemical Manager): Ed Murray
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE B-l

APPENDIX B

USER’S GUIDE

Chapter 1

Public Health Statement

This chapter of the profile is a health effects summary written in non-technical language. Its intended

audience is the general public especially people living in the vicinity of a hazardous waste site or

chemical release. If the Public Health Statement were removed from the rest of the document, it

would still communicate to the lay public essential information about the chemical.

The major headings in the Public Health Statement are useful to find specific topics of concern. The

topics are written in a question and answer format. The answer to each question includes a sentence

that will direct the reader to chapters in the profile that will provide more information on the given

topic.

Chapter 2

Tables and Figures for Levels of Significant Exposure (LSE)

Tables (2-l) 2-2, and 2-3) and figures (2-l and 2-2) are used to summarize health effects and illustrate

graphically levels of exposure associated with those effects. These levels cover health effects observed

at increasing dose concentrations and durations, differences in response by species, minimal risk levels

(MRLs) to humans for noncancer end points, and EPA’s estimated range associated with an upper-bound

individual lifetime cancer risk of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 10,000,000. Use the LSE tables and

figures for a quick review of the health effects and to locate data for a specific exposure scenario. The

LSE tables and figures should always be used in conjunction with the text. All entries in these tables

and figures represent studies that provide reliable, quantitative estimates of No-Observed-AdverseEffect Levels (NOAELs), Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Levels (LOAELs), or Cancer Effect Levels

(CELs).

The legends presented below demonstrate the application of these tables and figures. Representative

examples of LSE Table 2-l and Figure 2-l are shown. The numbers in the left column of the legends

correspond to the numbers in the example table and figure.

LEGEND

See LSE Table 2-1

(1) Route of Exposure One of the first considerations when reviewing the toxicity of a substance

using these tables and figures should be the relevant and appropriate route of exposure. When

sufficient data exists, three LSE tables and two LSE figures are presented in the document. The

three LSE tables present data on the three principal routes of exposure, i.e., inhalation, oral, and

dermal (LSE Table 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3, respectively). LSE figures are limited to the inhalation

(LSE Figure 2-l) and oral (LSE Figure 2-2) routes. Not all substances will have data on each

route of exposure and will not therefore have all five of the tables and figures.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE B-2

APPENDIX B

(2) Exposure Period Three exposure periods - acute (less than 15 days), intermediate (15-364 days),

and chronic (365 days or more) are presented within each relevant route of exposure. In this

example, an inhalation study of intermediate exposure duration is reported. For quick reference

to health effects occurring from a known length of exposure, locate the applicable exposure

period within the LSE table and figure.

(3) Health Effect The major categories of health effects included in LSE tables and figures are

death, systemic, immunological, neurological, developmental, reproductive, and cancer.

NOAELs and LOAELs can be reported in the tables and figures for all effects but cancer.

Systemic effects are further defined in the “System” column of the LSE table (see key number

18).

(4) Key to Figure Each key number in the LSE table links study information to one or more data

points using the same key number in the corresponding LSE figure. In this example, the study

represented by key number 18 has been used to derive a NOAEL and a Less Serious LOAEL

(also see the 2 “18r” data points in Figure 2-l).

(5) Species The test species, whether animal or human, are identified in this column. Section 2.5,

“Relevance to Public Health,” covers the relevance of animal data to human toxicity and Section

2.3, “Toxicokinetics,” contains any available information on comparative toxicokinetics.

Although NOAELs and LOAELs are species specific, the levels are extrapolated to equivalent

human doses to derive an MRL.

(6) Exposure Frequency/Duration The duration of the study and the weekly and daily exposure

regimen are provided in this column. This permits comparison of NOAELs and LOAELs from

different studies. In this case (key number 18), rats were exposed to 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane

via inhalation for 6 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 3 weeks. For a more complete review

of the dosing regimen refer to the appropriate sections of the text or the original reference paper,

i.e., Nitschke et al. 1981.

(7) System This column further defines the systemic effects. These systems include: respiratory,

cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematological, musculoskeletal, hepatic, renal, and dermal/ocular.

“Other” refers to any systemic effect (e.g., a decrease in body weight) not covered in these

systems. In the example of key number 18, 1 systemic effect (respiratory) was investigated.

(8) NOAEL A No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (NOAEL) is the highest exposure level at which

no harmful effects were seen in the organ system studied. Key number 18 reports a NOAEL of

3 ppm for the respiratory system which was used to derive an intermediate exposure, inhalation

MRL of 0.005 ppm (see footnote “b”).

(9) LOAEL A Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level (LOAEL) is the lowest dose used in the

study that caused a harmful health effect. LOAELs have been classified into “Less Serious” and

“Serious” effects. These distinctions help readers identify the levels of exposure at which

adverse health effects first appear and the gradation of effects with increasing dose. A brief

description of the specific endpoint used to quantify the adverse effect accompanies the LOAEL.

The respiratory effect reported in key number 18 (hyperplasia) is a Less serious LOAEL of 10

ppm. MRLs are not derived from Serious LOAELs.

(10) Reference The complete reference citation is given in chapter 8 of the profile.
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE B-3

APPENDIX B

(11) CEL A Cancer Effect Level (CEL) is the lowest exposure level associated with the onset of

carcinogenesis in experimental or epidemiologic studies. CELs are always considered serious

effects. The LSE tables and figures do not contain NOAELs for cancer, but the text may report

doses not causing measurable cancer increases.

(12) Footnotes Explanations of abbreviations or reference notes for data in the LSE tables are found

in the footnotes. Footnote “b” indicates the NOAEL of 3 ppm in key number 18 was used to

derive an MRL of 0.005 ppm.

LEGEND

See Figure 2-1

LSE figures graphically illustrate the data presented in the corresponding LSE tables. Figures help the

reader quickly compare health effects according to exposure concentrations for particular exposure

periods.

(13) Exposure Period The same exposure periods appear as in the LSE table. In this example, health

effects observed within the intermediate and chronic exposure periods are illustrated.

(14) Health Effect These are the categories of health effects for which reliable quantitative data

exists. The same health effects appear in the LSE table.

(15) Levels of Exposure concentrations or doses for each health effect in the LSE tables are

graphically displayed in the LSE figures. Exposure concentration or dose is measured on the log

scale “y” axis. Inhalation exposure is reported in mg/m3

 or ppm and oral exposure is reported in

mglkg / da y .

(16) NOAEL In this example, 18r NOAEL is the critical endpoint for which an intermediate

inhalation exposure MRL is based. As you can see from the LSE figure key, the open-circle

symbol indicates to a NOAEL for the test species-rat. The key number 18 corresponds to the

entry in the LSE table. The dashed descending arrow indicates the extrapolation from the

exposure level of 3 ppm (see entry 18 in the Table) to the MRL of 0.005 ppm (see footnote “b”

in the LSE table).

(17) CEL Key number 38r is 1 of 3 studies for which Cancer Effect Levels were derived. The

diamond symbol refers to a Cancer Effect Level for the test species-mouse. The number 38

corresponds to the entry in the LSE table.

(18) Estimated Upper-Bound Human Cancer Risk Levels This is the range associated with the

upper-bound for lifetime cancer risk of 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 10,000,000. These risk levels are

derived from the EPA’s Human Health Assessment Group’s upper-bound estimates of the slope

of the cancer dose response curve at low dose levels (ql*).

(19) Key to LSE Figure The Key explains the abbreviations and symbols used in the figure.


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APPENDIX B

Chapter 2 (Section 2.5)

Relevance to Public Health

The Relevance to Public Health section provides a health effects summary based on evaluations of

existing toxicologic, epidemiologic, and toxicokinetic information. This summary is designed to

present interpretive, weight-of-evidence discussions for human health end points by addressing the

following questions.

1. What effects are known to occur in humans?

2 . What effects observed in animals are likely to be of concern to humans?

3 . What exposure conditions are likely to be of concern to humans, especially around hazardous

 waste sites?

The section covers end points in the same order they appear within the Discussion of Health Effects

by Route of Exposure section, by route (inhalation, oral, dermal) and within route by effect. Human

data are presented first, then animal data. Both are organized by duration (acute, intermediate,

chronic). In vitro data and data from parenteral routes (intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, etc.)

are also considered in this section. If data are located in the scientific literature, a table of

genotoxicity information is included.

The carcinogenic potential of the profiled substance is qualitatively evaluated, when appropriate, using

existing toxicokinetic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic data. ATSDR does not currently assess cancer

potency or perform cancer risk assessments. Minimal risk levels (MRLs) for noncancer end points (if

derived) and the end points from which they were derived are indicated and discussed.

Limitations to existing scientific literature that prevent a satisfactory evaluation of the relevance to

public health are identified in the Data Needs section.

Interpretation of Minimal Risk Levels

Where sufficient toxicologic information is available, we have derived minimal risk levels (MRLs) for

inhalation and oral routes of entry at each duration of exposure (acute, intermediate, and chronic).

These MRLs are not meant to support regulatory action; but to acquaint health professionals with

exposure levels at which adverse health effects are not expected to occur in humans. They should

help physicians and public health officials determine the safety of a community living near a chemical

emission, given the concentration of a contaminant in air or the estimated daily dose in water. MRLs

are based largely on toxicological studies in animals and on reports of human occupational exposure.

MRL users should be familiar with the toxicologic information on which the number is based.

Chapter 2.5, “Relevance to Public Health,” contains basic information known about the substance.

Other sections such as 2.7, “Interactions with Other Substances,” and 2.8, “Populations that are

Unusually Susceptible” provide important supplemental information.

MRL users should also understand the MRL derivation methodology. MRLs are derived using a

modified version of the risk assessment methodology the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

provides (Barnes and Dourson 1988) to determine reference doses for lifetime exposure (RfDs).
TITANIUM TETRACHLORIDE B-7

APPENDIX B

To derive an MRL, ATSDR generally selects the most sensitive endpoint which, in its best judgement,

represents the most sensitive human health effect for a given exposure route and duration. ATSDR

cannot make this judgement or derive an MRL unless information (quantitative or qualitative) is

available for all potential systemic, neurological, and developmental effects. If this information and

reliable quantitative data on the chosen endpoint are available, ATSDR derives an MRL using the

most sensitive species (when information from multiple species is available) with the highest NOAEL

that does not exceed any adverse effect levels. When a NOAEL is not available, a lowest-observedadverseeffect level (LOAEL) can be used to derive an MRL, and an uncertainty factor (UF) of 10

must be employed. Additional uncertainty factors of 10 must be used both for human variability to

protect sensitive subpopulations (people who are most susceptible to the health effects caused by the

substance) and for interspecies variability (extrapolation from animals to humans). In deriving an

MRL, these individual uncertainty factors are multiplied together. The product is then divided into the

inhalation concentration or oral dosage selected from the study. Uncertainty factors used in

developing a substance-specific MRL are provided in the footnotes of the LSE Tables.