Table of Contents
- Overview
- Symptoms
- Treatment
- Prevention
Talcum powder is a powder made from a purified mineral called talc. Talcum powder poisoning may occur 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 poisoning; Baby powder poisoning
Poisonous Ingredient
Talc
Where Found
Talc may be found in:
- Certain antiseptics
- Certain types of baby powder
- Talcum powder
- As a filler in some types in street heroin
Note: This list may not include all products containing talc.
Review Date: 01/27/2010
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason
Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve,
MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
