Expert: Dr. Henry Boyter, Jr. - 6/12/2005

Question
My husband uses talc to reduce chaffing on his legs from his work pants.  I feel he uses too much( he poofs dust when he walks out the door in the am).  If I am in the room, I start to cough (high pitch) and feel strange, uncomfortable tickle in my throat.  I present this same reaction if my husband combines his favorite cleaning agents chlorox and Comet cleanser (which I know is dangerous).  Does this mean that Talc is causing a problem in my lungs?  At what level does any powder (such as corn starch) cause breathing problems?

Answer
For your personal health, only an allergist and MD can answer. Each person is different. If you were an average worker, OSHA says that you can be exposed to 10 mg/m3 over an 8-hour workshift.  Unless your husband is blowing it from his hand into your face for say 30 minutes, you are not near that level.  

Suggestion - buy him a powder puff and container.  He won't use as much powder.  Make it a manly container, something with a team logo.

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