ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses Biological Titanium Effects. Titanium (Ti) was once considered biologically inert, but increased human and environmental exposure, particularly to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), has led to toxicological and ecotoxicological investigations. TiO2 NPs were classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans when inhaled by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) due to sufficient evidence of cancer risk in animals. The European Union has also categorized TiO2 in its powder form as a suspected carcinogen by inhalation. Studies have shown that Ti, especially in the form of TiO2 NPs, can induce various toxic effects, including oxidative stress, cellular damage, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. The potential for TiO2 NPs to induce oxidative stress depends on various factors, including their physicochemical properties, dose, exposure duration, concentration, and the specific biological system involved. Ecotoxicological assessments encompass laboratory experiments, field studies, and modeling approaches, aiming to understand Ti risks to the environment and living organisms. These findings inform environmental management practices, guide policy decisions, and contribute to the protection and conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. Research spans different taxonomic groups, primarily focusing on aquatic organisms but also including terrestrial taxa.
