Talc: occurrence, characterization, and consumer applications.

Talc is a mineral compound with unique attributes and significant commercial importance. As used in consumer products, talc has a long and proven history of safe use. Direct consumer applications include body powders, other cosmetic formulations, pharmaceutical tableting, and some confectionery food products. Production, characterization, and consumer applications of FDA-regulated talc products, particularly cosmetics, are described. The implementation of stringent safety and quality control measures designed to ensure the absence of asbestos fibers from consumer talc products is discussed. Consumer exposure to talc-containing products is at least 350 times lower than permissible industrial exposure.