Question

Can someone with a lung disease use talcum powder?

Answer

There is an association between talcum powder and lung disease but this is very specific and probably not what you are referring to. The talc is often contaminated with a form of asbestos and with silica. Talc has been associated with pulmonary disease such as bronchoconstriction in children exposed to high concentrations. More exceptionally, drug users may grind up tablets containing talc, inject them intravenously, and that may cause lung conditions too. Talc was also previously used for the treatment of certain conditions such as spontaneous pneumothorax, and this led to the development of tumours within the pleura. So, to answer your question talcum powder needs to be used with caution in anybody, and that includes people with lung disease. However, provided it is not inhaled, injected or given as medical treatment into the chest cavity it is unlikely to produce any adverse effect.