[Talcosis as an occupational disease. Case histories]

The case are examined of 49 people (45 males, 4 females), mean age 60 exposed to the risk of talc inhalation in a talc processing and packing factory who were granted disability pensions by the Turin I.N.A.I.L. on the grounds of silicosis in 1975-86. Radiologically the cases presented small round patches in 28 subjects small irregular ones in 15 and large patches in 6. In functional terms, examination revealed ventilatory insufficiency that was primarily restrictive in 17 cases, obstructive in 11 and mixed in 21.