Talc-induced lung disease

Talc-induced lung disease comprises of a group of pathologies that can occur due to exposure to the mineral talc (hydrated magnesium silicate).

Four types of pulmonary disease secondary to talc exposure have been defined. These are:

• talcosilicosis: associated with occupational exposure

• talcoasbestosis: associated with occupational exposure

• talcosis: associated with inhalation of pure talc

• pulmonary talc granulomatosis: occurs in the setting of people with substance use disorder who inject tablets intended for oral use (related to talc pulmonary embolism)

History and etymology

The first case of talc pneumoconiosis is thought to have been reported by C Thorel in 1896 ⁵.

See also 

• talc pleurodesis