Pulmonary talc granulomas, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension resulting from intravenous injection of talc-containing drugs intended for oral use.

BUMC PROCEEDINGS 2002;15:260–261 Talcosis or talc pneumoconiosis is an uncommon form of pulmonary dust disease first recognized over 100 years ago. Talcosis may follow inhalation of relatively low concentrations of talc dust over a long period or exposure to very high concentrations of the dust over a short time (1, 2). In an infant, death occurred within 20 hours of accidental inhalation of talcum powder containing approximately 93% talc (3). Baby powder, consisting mainly of talc powder, is insoluble and, if inhaled in large amounts, dries the tracheobronchial mucous membrane and prevents normal ciliary function. The small air passages then fill with retained mucus. Talc, or hydrated magnesium silicate, is formed during the breakdown and weathering of serpentine, tremolite, and anthrophyllite rock (1). The fibrogenic properties of talc are attributed to these impurities, especially anthrophyllite and tremolite, which are members of the asbestos group of minerals. Pulmonary talc granulomas, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension resulting from intravenous injection of talc-containing drugs intended for oral use