Titanium
Classification:
Titanium is a metal, which is found naturally in rutile, ilmenite, anatase (TiO2), titanite, and brookite.
Cas:
7440-32-6
Synonyms/Trade Names:
Cintimet 30, IMI 115, NCI-C 251, Oremet, Titanium Sponge Granules (DOT).
Chemistry/Composition:
Ti.
Structure:
Almost hexagonal closed packing.
Crystallographic Constants:
2.950 2.950 3.686 60.000 60.000 60.000.
Crystal Group:
Hexagonal.
Color:
Dark gray.
Optical Properties:
Opaque.
Pleochroism:
None.
Powder Diagram:
2.244 2.557 2.342 1.726 (5-682).
Natural Sources:
Mined in Brazil, the RSA, Russia, and the USA.
Medical Importance:
Key Hazards:
Possibly fibrogenic.
Involved Organs:
Lung.
Exposure/Epidemiology:
Exposure may occur in mining, in metallurgy and by use in color and textile industries. World production of ilmenite was 2.1×106 tons in 1976.
Thresholds: |
TWA |
STEL |
|
mg/m3 |
mg/m3 |
| Poland | 10 | |
| Russia | | 10 |
Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Titanium dioxide and titanium carbide belong to the so-called inert substances and are not fibrogenic. In animal experiments, tumors could be induced by titanium (at exposure levels similar to those produced in welding).
Lung Diseases:
Benign pneumoconiosis.
Clinical Presentation:
Associated specific symptoms are not known.
Radiology:
Associated specific findings are not known.
Lung Function:
Usually normal findings.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage:
Usually normal findings.
Pathology:
Gross:
The lungs are of normal color and consistency, or may display a grayish hue.
Histology:
The alveoli can contain an increased number of macrophages, and collections of brown, birefringent dust particles may be seen in the lymphatic tissue.
Prognosis:
Usually good and without serious sequelae.
Additional Diseases:
None.
References:
search Pubmed for Titanium
Brown RC, Gormley IP, Chamberlain M, Davies R: The in-vitro effects of mineral dusts. Welding fumes and metallic particulates. Academic Press, London (1980) 202-230
Dail DH, Hammar SP: Pulmonary Pathology. Springer, New York (1988)
Ferin J, Oberdörtser G: Biological effects and toxicity assessment of titanium dioxide: anatase and rutile. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 46 (1985) 69-72
Godelaine D, Beaufay H: Comperative study of the effect of chrysotile, quartz and rutile on the release of lymphocyte-activating factor (interleukin 1) by murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro. IARC Sci Publ 90 (1989) 149-155
Gylseth B, Stettler L, Mowe G, Skaug V, Lexow P: A striking deposition of mineral particles in the lungs of a farmer: a case report. Am J Ind Med 6 231-240
Kayser K: Analytical Lung Pathology. Springer, Heidelberg, New York (1992)
Lee KP, Trochmowicz HJ, Reinhardt CF: Pulmonary response of rats exposed to titanium dioxide by inhalation for two years. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 79 (1985) 179-192
Lewis RJ: Carcinogenically active chemicals. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York (1991)
Nolan RP, Langer AM, Weisman I, Herson GB: Surface character and membranolytic activity of rutile and anatase: two titanium dioxide polymorphs. Br J Ind Med 44 (1987) 687-698
Nordman H, Berlin M: Titanium. In: L Friberg, GF Nordberg, VB Vouk (Eds): Handbook on the toxicology of metals. Elsevier, Amsterdam, New York (1990)
Valentin H, Schaller KH: Titanium. In: Commission of the European Society (Eds): Human biological monitoring of industrial chemicals series. Brussels (1983)
Zitting A, Skyttä E: Biological activity of titanium dioxides. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 43 (1979) 93-97