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Asbestos in commercial indian talc
Author(s) -
Fitzgerald Sean,
Harty Elizabeth,
Joshi Tushar Kant,
Frank Arthur L.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.22969
Subject(s) - tremolite , asbestos , talc , chrysotile , medicine , amphibole , environmental health , metallurgy , materials science , quartz
Background Easily available commercial Indian talc products widely used in Southeast Asia were examined for the presence of asbestos. Asbestos in talc products carry all risks of asbestos‐related disease. Methods Using polarizing light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction, and X‐ray analysis, multiple over‐the‐counter Indian talc products were examined for the presence of asbestos. Results Results In an initial group of five Indian talc products, one was found to contain tremolite asbestos. The second group of eight products was tested and six of eight contained tremolite asbestos as well. No other regulated amphibole was found. Conclusion Large quantities of body talc products containing asbestos are used throughout Southeast Asia and are likely to pose a public health risk for asbestos‐related diseases, especially for the cancers related to asbestos exposure. The country of origin in which the talc examined was sourced for production is unknown to the authors, and further investigation to measure associated public health risk is needed.