Mineralogy aside, does Vanderbilt talc pose an asbestos-like health risk?
A. When it becomes clear that Vanderbilt talc does not contain asbestos, concern commonly (and appropriately) shifts to health. Because some of the mineral components in Vanderbilt talc are so easily confused with asbestos, it is reasonable to ask if they might act like asbestos, biologically. Early health studies did suggest that overexposure to Vanderbilt talc might pose a lung cancer risk similar to asbestos. However, after more discriminating studies were completed, it became clear that the lung cancers observed were not linked to the dust exposure. Routine medical examinations of Vanderbilt talc miners and millers also confirm the absence of an asbestos-like risk. Animal and cell studies that directly tested Vanderbilt talc against asbestos consistently show a marked difference in biological response between actual asbestos and Vanderbilt talc as well. Dr. Brian Boehlecke, a highly regarded pulmonary specialist from the University of North Carolina, has routinely reviewed the pulm
