Health and safety effects of talc

The health and safety of our employees and customers is our prime concern and we take this commitment very seriously.

To this end, we implement a rigorous product screening testing protocol based on conventional analytical methods, enabling us to certify that our talc products do not contain asbestos as defined by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the European Directive 83/477/EEC. Results are verified by independent certified laboratories.

In addition to the analytical testing performed on our orebodies, the health of our mill workers has been closely monitored for over 50 years through a series of independent European epidemiological studies. Indeed, employees from our Italian, French and Austrian operations constitute the largest group exposed to talc in these studies, without other complicating substances being present, and the largest data record base in the world. All of the studies concluded that there is no excess of lung cancer or excess of any other type of cancer amongst these populations. Similarly, pleural or peritoneal mesotheliomas, known to be related to asbestos mineral exposure, were not found. This independent research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and Luzenac has been commended by the World Health Organisation for its contribution.

Talc has not been listed as a known or suspected human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the National Toxicity Program (NTP), the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), the American Congress of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the European Community DG XI Working Group.

In industrial situations, talc powders may generate dust if inappropriately handled or processed. As with all dusts, the quantity and duration of inhalation determine the level of risk. If the lung's natural clearance mechanisms are overwhelmed by excessive exposure, particles accumulate in the lung, a phenomenon known as pneumoconiosis. Tobacco smoke significantly reduces the lung's clearance capacity. Occupational exposure limits are legally implemented throughout Europe, North America and in many other countries. Worker exposure should comply with these limits in order to avoid any adverse effect. Extensive research has shown talc to have an "inert" dust effect, not a toxic effect.

Luzenac supplies customers with material safety data sheets for its products.These contain detailed information about the composition of the talc product as well as handling, safety and disposal procedures as required by National and European Directives.

Visit the Eurotalc website for more details about talc and its health, safety and environmental aspects.