Is Exposure to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle Associated with Occupational Lung Cancer among Titanium Dioxide Production Workers? An Emerging Issue

This systemic literature review was conducted to find out if there was an association between exposure to TiO2 NP (Titanium dioxide nanoparticle) and occupational lung cancer among TiO2 production workers. An electronic database search was employed which generated several studies relating to TiO2 nanoparticle toxicity. From these studies only ten (10) articles were chosen for this study because they met the review criteria. Two articles were centered around cohort study design while other 8 studies were on experimental design. The two cohort studies did answer the review question that showed no association of TiO2 toxicity and respiratory diseases while the experimental design studies produced conflicting results. The conflicting results were attributed to their objective, sample size, and the study designs. Despite the different conclusions there is adequate evidence in the experimental studies that demonstrated evidence of TiO2 nanoparticle toxicity. Notable cases include cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, apoptotic and cell necrosis in rat and human cells exposed to TiO2 which is generally dose response related. The strengths and limitations of the 10 studies are also discussed. General understanding gained from these studies is for appropriate agencies to be proactive in developing mitigation and controls measures against nanoparticle exposure. This is necessary to avert repetition of previous experiences with exposure to asbestos fibers as a point of reference.