Inhaling cosmetic talc powder can cause lung inflammation and nodules (rare but documented). This case study tracked a 64-year-old man whose lung damage improved after he stopped using talc products—without needing steroids. While fewer than 10 adult cases have been reported, the risk is real enough to matter if you use talc regularly or inhale it during application.

Doctors examined one patient with lung nodules, performed a lung biopsy to identify talc particles, and tracked what happened after he stopped using talc products.

Funding not disclosed in abstract