California Adopts Proposition 65 Safe Harbor Levels for Titanium Dioxide
California has officially established Safe Harbor exposure limits for titanium dioxide (airborne, unbound particles of respirable size) under Proposition 65 — the state’s law requiring businesses to warn consumers about potential exposure to chemicals linked to cancer or reproductive harm.
New Safe Harbor Limits
According to the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), the No Significant Risk Levels (NSRLs) are now:
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440 µg/day for particles ≤ 10 micrometers (µm)
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44 µg/day for particles ≤ 0.8 µm
If exposure from a product is below these thresholds, no Proposition 65 warning is required.
Who Is Affected
These new titanium dioxide Safe Harbor levels impact companies manufacturing or selling:
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Cosmetics and personal care products (e.g. powders, sprays, sunscreens, makeup)
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Household and industrial goods containing titanium dioxide
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Dietary supplements or medical products using titanium dioxide coatings
Manufacturers and importers must evaluate whether their products release respirable particles that could exceed these exposure limits.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with Proposition 65 titanium dioxide regulations can result in:
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Civil penalties up to $2,500 per day per violation
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Private “bounty hunter” lawsuits and costly settlements
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Mandatory reformulation or product removal from the California market
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Reputational damage and consumer trust loss
How to Stay Compliant
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Review formulations containing titanium dioxide.
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Assess exposure levels in powder or aerosol products.
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Keep documentation proving Safe Harbor compliance.
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Add Proposition 65 warnings if exposure exceeds limits.
Cosmereg Can Help
Our experts assist companies in:
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Conducting Proposition 65 exposure assessments
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Determining titanium dioxide compliance status
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Providing regulatory labeling and documentation support
Contact Cosmereg to ensure your products meet California Safe Harbor requirements and avoid unnecessary legal risks.
