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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Classification & Labelling & PBT assessment

GHS

General Information

Name:
Talc (Mg3H2(SiO3)4)
Not classified
Implementation:
EU
Remarks:

There are no indications that orally or inhalation administered talc is absorbed by rats, mice, hamsters or guinea pigs. 

Talc administered into the pleural space of rats is distributed systemically throughout the body.

Talc elimination of radioactivity was determined in the urine and faeces and thereforeTalc (Mg3H2(SiO3)4) has no bioaccumulation potential.

 

Exposure to talc does not lead to any relevant dermal absorption. Therefore designation with an “H” is not necessary.

There is no information that would justify a designation of talc with “Sa” or “Sh” (for substances which cause sensitization).

Nor can a classification of talc into a category for germ cell mutagens be justified on the basis of the available data.

There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity in male or female B6C3F1 mice.

A bioassay using rats was performed by the NTP to determine the carcinogenic potential of non-asbestiform, cosmetic-grade micro-talc following exposure by inhalation, and it was concluded there was some evidence of carcinogenic activity in male F344/rats, and clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in female F344/N rats. The rats were exposed to 6 mg/m3 (MMAD 2.7 ± 1.9 μm) or 18 mg/m3 (MMAD 3.2 ± 1.9 μm) talc for 6 h/day, 5 days/wk, for 113wks (males) or 122 wks (females).Concerns have been raised about this study, including concerns that micronized talc having a significantly smaller particle size distribution than cosmetic talc was used, aerosol concentrations were not properly controlled, proper procedures for dose selection were not followed resulting in the MTD being exceeded at both concentrations tested, and particle overload in the lungs was most likely the cause of the adverse effects reported.

The talc used in the this study was a commercially available microtalc whose dimensions of < 10 µm were distinctly finer than the cosmetic powder normally used.

Therefore, the study is not conclusive with regard to a possible carcinogenicity of large talc platelets or talc fibres.

There are conclusive but not suffcient data for the classification of substance Talc (Mg3H2(SiO3)4) with regard to carcinogenicity.

 Not classifiable as a human carcinogen. /Talc containing no asbestos fibers/
[American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists TLVs and BEIs. Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices.,, 2008, p. 54

It is concluded that talc not containing asbestos or asbestiform fibres is safe in the present practices of use.

Related composition

Related composition:
Talc (Mg3H2(SiO3)4)
Talc (Mg3H2(SiO3)4)

Classificationopen allclose all

Explosives
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Flammable gases and chemically unstable gases
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Aerosols
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Reason for no classification:
hazard class not assessed
Oxidising gases
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Gases under pressure
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Flammable liquids
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Flammable solids
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Self-reactive substances and mixtures
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Pyrophoric liquids
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Pyrophoric solids
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Self-heating substances and mixtures
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Substances and mixtures which in contact with water emit flammable gases
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Oxidising liquids
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Oxidising solids
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Organic peroxides
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Corrosive to metals
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Desensitized explosives
Reason for no classification:
data lacking
Acute toxicity - oral
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Acute toxicity - dermal
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Acute toxicity - inhalation
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Skin corrosion / irritation
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Serious eye damage / eye irritation
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Respiratory sensitisation
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Skin sensitisation
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Aspiration hazard
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Reproductive toxicity
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Effects on or via lactation
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Germ cell mutagenicity
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Carcinogenicity
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
1. Specific target organ toxicity - single (STOT-SE)
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
1. Specific target organ toxicity - repeated (STOT-RE)
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute / short-term)
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Hazardous to the aquatic environment (long-term)
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification
Hazardous to the ozone layer
Reason for no classification:
data conclusive but not sufficient for classification

Labelling

Signal word:
No signal word

Precautionary statements

P101: If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.
P102: Keep out of reach of children.
P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/...
P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Notes