The following information (Health Effects, Handling/Disposal, and Ingredients) is taken from the product label and/or the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) prepared by the manufacturer. The National Library of Medicine does not test products nor does it evaluate information from the product label or the MSDS.
Health Effects
Warnings:
HANDLING PRECAUTIONS: Use product in well ventilated area. Proper eye protection should be worn. NIOSH approved dust respirator may be required while using. Avoid ingestion.
Acute Health Effects:
From MSDS
Mechanical eye and skin irritation is possible, but unlikely. Excessive exposure to dust may aggravate pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Chronic Health Effects:
From MSDS
Prolonged exposures to excessive quantities of industrial talc can result in scarring of the lungs (pneumoconiosis) and pleural thickening. Pneumoconiosis may produce symptoms of cough or shortness of breath. Pleural thickening usually produces no symptoms. Bronchial irritation may cause sputum production.
Carcinogenicity:
From MSDS
Crystalline silica is listed by IARC as a group 2A carcinogen based on limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in animals. Limited means a positive association has been observed, but chance, bias, or confounding factors could not be ruled out. Other human health studies have demonstrated a negative association for cancer. Crystalline silica is also listed by the NTP as a substance reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen. Considerable controversy exists concerning the IARC and the NTP classifications.
