Skip directly to local search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options
CDC Home

Enter search terms separated by spaces.

Talc (containing no asbestos and less than 1% quartz)

Synonyms & Trade Names
Hydrous magnesium silicate, Steatite talc
CAS No.
14807-96-6
RTECS No.
WW2710000
DOT ID & Guide
Formula
Mg3Si4O10(OH)2
Conversion
IDLH
1000 mg/m3
See: 14807966
Exposure Limits
NIOSH REL
: TWA 2 mg/m3 (resp)
OSHA PEL
†: TWA 20 mppcf See Appendix C (Mineral Dusts)
Measurement Methods

NIOSH P&CAM355 (III)
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Physical Description
Odorless, white powder.
MW:
varies
BP:
?		 MLT: 1652°F to 1832°F
Sol:
Insoluble
VP:
0 mmHg (approx)
IP:
NA
Sp.Gr:
2.70-2.80
Fl.P:
NA
UEL:
NA
LEL:
NA
Noncombustible Solid
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
None reported
Exposure Routes
inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Fibrotic pneumoconiosis, irritation eyes
Target Organs
Eyes, respiratory system, cardiovascular system
Personal Protection/Sanitation
(See protection codes)
Skin: No recommendation
Eyes: No recommendation
Wash skin: No recommendation
Remove: No recommendation
Change: No recommendation
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately

Breathing: Fresh air
Respirator Recommendations

NIOSH

Up to 10 mg/m3:
(APF = 5) Any quarter-mask respirator.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.

Up to 20 mg/m3:
(APF = 10) Any particulate respirator equipped with an N95, R95, or P95 filter (including N95, R95, and P95 filtering facepieces) except quarter-mask respirators. The following filters may also be used: N99, R99, P99, N100, R100, P100.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator

Up to 50 mg/m3:
(APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a high-efficiency particulate filter.
(APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode

Up to 100 mg/m3:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator that has a tight-fitting facepiece and is operated in a continuous-flow mode
(APF = 50) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with a tight-fitting facepiece and a high-efficiency particulate filter
(APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece
(APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece

Up to 1000 mg/m3:
(APF = 1000) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode

Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus

Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter.
Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus

Important additional information about respirator selection

See also: INTRODUCTION   See ICSC CARD: 0329   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0207
 

Order NIOSH Publications

Contact Us:
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDC–INFO