Talcum powder is a powder made from a mineral called talc. Talcum powder poisoning may occur when someone breathes in or swallows talcum powder. This can be by accident or on purpose.
Symptoms
Most symptoms of talcum powder poisoning are caused by breathing in (inhaling) talc dust. Sometimes this happens by accident or over a long period of time.
Breathing problems are the most common problem of inhaling talcum powder. Below are other symptoms of talcum powder poisoning in different parts of the body.
BLADDER AND KIDNEYS
Urine output is greatly decreased
No urine output
EYES, EARS, NOSE, and THROAT
Cough (from throat irritation)
Eye irritation
Throat irritation
HEART AND BLOOD
Collapse
Low blood pressure
LUNGS
Chest pain
Cough (from particles in the lung)
Difficulty breathing
Rapid, shallow breathing
Wheezing
NERVOUS SYSTEM
Coma (decreased level of consciousness and lack of responsiveness)
Convulsions (seizures)
Drowsiness
Lethargy (generalized weakness)
Twitching of arms, hands, legs, or feet
Twitching of the facial muscles
SKIN
Blisters
Blue skin, lips, and fingernails
STOMACH AND INTESTINES
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well someone does depends on how much talcum powder they swallowed and how quickly they receive treatment. The faster medical help is given, 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. Talc-free baby powder products are available.
Workers who have regularly breathed in talcum powder over long periods of time have developed serious lung damage and cancer.
Injecting heroin that contains talc into a vein may lead to heart and lung infections and serious organ damage, and even death.
Credit: MountSinai.org
