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Updated: Aug 29, 2025
An Air-liquid Interface Bronchial Epithelial Model for Realistic, Repeated Inhalation Exposure to Airborne Particles for Toxicity Testing
Published on: May 13, 2020
Talc Inhalation in Rats and Humans: A Review and Appraisal of Available Evidence
1From the Nanoconsult Holding BV, Meerssen (NL).
Background:
Current information on the health effects and toxicology of talc suggests that this may lead to a specific target organ toxicity arising from repeated exposure (STOT-RE) classification.
Objective:
To provide an assessment of the currently available inhalation toxicity data on talc and to put these data in the perspective of other poorly soluble low-toxicity particles.
Methods:
A database of 177 articles was gathered from different sources.
Results:
Relevant animal data sets were subjected to a quality review, and epidemiological studies on talc and lung effects published since 2016 were reviewed.
Conclusions:
Of nine original inhalation studies reviewed, only one study using rats and mice met the criteria that are needed to include for a reliable evaluation for STOT-RE. Together with the pulmonary effects observed in exposed talc miners, a STOT-RE 1 classification is warranted.
