Talcum powder

Definition

Talcum powder is a powder made from a purified mineral called talc. Talcum powder poisoning occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally breathes in or swallows talcum powder.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Alternative Names

Talc

Poisonous Ingredient

Talc

Where Found

• Some antiseptics
• Talcum powder

Note: This list may not include all products containing talcum powder.

Symptoms

Most symptoms are caused by accidental or long-term breathing in (inhaling) of talc dust, especially in infants. Breathing problems are the most common problem.

• Bladder and kidneys
  • Urine output, decreased significantly (or none)
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Cough
  • Eye irritation
  • Jaundice (yellowed eyes)
  • Throat irritation
• Gastrointestinal
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood
  • Collapse
  • Convulsions
  • Low blood pressure
• Lungs
  • Acute respiratory distress
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Respiratory failure
• Nervous system
  • Coma
  • Drowsiness
  • Lack of desire to do anything
  • Twitching of arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Twitching of the facial muscles
• Skin
  • Blisters
  • Blue skin, lips, and fingernails
  • Rash
  • Shedding (sloughing) of skin
  • Yellow skin
• Whole body
  • Fever

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

If the person breathed in the talcum powder, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

• Breathing tube
• Fluids by IV
• Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison
• Medicines to treat an allergic reaction (diphenhydramine, epinephrine, or prednisone)
• Oxygen

You may be admitted to the hospital.

Expectations (prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

Breathing in talcum powder can lead to very serious lung problems, even death.

Use caution when using talcum powder on babies. Serious lung damage and cancer have also been reported in workers who have breathed in talcum powder many times over long periods of time.