Talc use in food processing a health hazard, say researchers

Talc is a commonly used substance in manufacturing processes — including food processing. But researchers from The Netherlands say it’s a health hazard and exposure to it should be closely monitored.

In food, talc is minerally inert and passes through the body without being digested, leading to its use as a carrier for food colouring and as a separating agent in sweet goods, bakery, rice, powdered dried foods, seasonings, cheese, sausage skins and table salt.

But in a presentation to the European Respiratory Society's (ERS) International Congress, Dr Jos Rooijackers, a pulmonologist from the Netherlands Expertise Centre for Occupational Respiratory Diseases (NECORD), has stated there is insufficient awareness of the risks to health caused by the inhalation of talc, and that this needs to be addressed urgently.

Dr Rooijackers and colleagues studied workers in a chocolate products factory where talc (hydrated magnesium silicate) was used regularly in the manufacturing process. One factory worker had already been diagnosed with the pulmonary disease talcosis, where the inhalation of talc causes inflammation in the lungs. Damage is progressive with ongoing exposure and may lead to lung fibrosis and respiratory failure.

"Although talcosis is a well-known health effect of talc inhalation in such industries as mining, the risk was not recognised by the company, since talc is considered to be a harmless food additive and safe overall," said Dr Rooijackers. "As soon as an employee was diagnosed with talcosis caused by occupational exposure, the company became concerned about the health risks to its employees posed by talc use."

The researchers analysed individual exposure in all those workers who were in regular contact with talcum dust. The 111 workers who had the highest exposure were asked to complete a questionnaire on their occupational history and respiratory symptoms. Based on their estimated cumulative exposure, 18 workers were referred for a high-resolution CT scan of the thorax. At least one, and possibly two, worker out of the 18 was found to have talcosis. Following the researchers' work, the company implemented effective control measures aimed at limiting workers' exposure to talc.

In addition to talc, the researchers say, inhalation of other food additives as well as flavours and enzymes may be an as yet unidentified respiratory hazard in the food industry, and it is important that this should be studied and quantified.

"Our research shows that comprehensive surveillance programs including exposure assessment and structured medical evaluation are the keystone of prevention and contribute to a safe and healthy workplace," said Dr Rooijackers. "The health effects of occupational exposure to dust, gases and vapours are not well recognised by health professionals and neglected by public authorities and employers, reinforced by a conflict of interest and leading to missed diagnoses and a high burden of disease, thus putting employees in danger."