Titanium tetrachloride: general information
Updated 12 December 2024
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Overview
Titanium tetrachloride is a colourless liquid with a penetrating acidic odour. Titanium tetrachloride does not exist naturally in the environment but is man-made. It reacts violently with water, moisture in the air or on the skin to produce hydrochloric acid and heat.
Uses of titanium tetrachloride
Titanium tetrachloride is used in industry to manufacture titanium metal and titanium compounds (titanium dioxide). It is also used to produce artificial pearls and iridescent glass. In the past it has been used by the textile industry to set dyes onto fabric and to produce smoke screens for the military.
How titanium tetrachloride gets into the environment
Titanium tetrachloride may be released into the environment during its production, use, transport or disposal by industry. Titanium tetrachloride is highly reactive and as such would not be expected to build up in the environment.
Exposure to titanium tetrachloride
Exposure to titanium tetrachloride is most likely to occur in an occupational setting where it is used or produced, or following an accidental release. Safe levels are enforced to protect employees who may be exposed to titanium tetrachloride at work. Such levels are below those that are thought to cause harmful effects.
How exposure to titanium tetrachloride could affect your health
Following exposure to any chemical, the adverse health effects you may encounter depend on several factors, including the amount to which you are exposed (dose), the way you are exposed, the duration of exposure, the form of the chemical and if you were exposed to any other chemicals.
Breathing in titanium tetrachloride causes irritation of eyes, nose and throat, cough, chest tightness, headache, fever and confusion. In serious cases damage to the airways, a fast heart rate and eye damage can occur. An accumulation of fluid in the lungs may occur and may take up 36 hours to develop.
Ingestion causes immediate burning of the mouth and throat, breathing difficulty, drooling, difficulty swallowing, stomach pain and vomiting (there may be blood in the vomit). If liquid titanium tetrachloride or vomit containing titanium tetrachloride enters the airways it can damage the lungs. In serious cases there may be damage to heart, lungs, kidneys and blood.
Titanium tetrachloride is corrosive and can cause serious burns and ulcers when in contact with the skin. As well as forming hydrochloric acid, the reaction with water can be violent and generate heat which may contribute to burns. Contact with eyes causes pain, twitching of the eyelids, watering eyes, inflammation, sensitivity to light and burns.
Titanium tetrachloride and cancer
Titanium tetrachloride is not considered to be a cancer-causing chemical.
Vulnerable people
People with breathing problems such as asthma may be more susceptible to the effects of inhaling titanium tetrachloride. This is because titanium tetrachloride can irritate the airways causing chest tightness, wheezing and breathlessness.
Pregnancy and the unborn child
There are limited data available on the direct effects of exposure to titanium tetrachloride during pregnancy. Therefore, it is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions. Effects on the unborn child are more likely to occur if the exposure to titanium tetrachloride causes the mother to become unwell.
Children
If children breathe, ingest or touch titanium tetrachloride they will have similar effects to those seen in adults.
What to do if you are exposed to titanium tetrachloride
It is very unlikely that the general population will be exposed to a level of titanium tetrachloride high enough to cause adverse health effects. However, if you have any health concerns regarding exposure to titanium tetrachloride seek guidance from your GP or contact NHS 111.
Additional sources of information
NHS Choices – Acid and chemical burns
Email chemcompendium@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any questions about this guidance or enquiries@ukhsa.gov.uk if you have any other questions.
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