Occupational Exposure to Asbestos-Free Talc and Risk of Respiratory Cancers, Including Larynx, Lung, and Mesothelioma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction Evidence suggests a potential link between occupational talc exposure and increased risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma, particularly when talc is contaminated with asbestos, a known carcinogen. However, the findings remain inconclusive. To clarify this, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating the incidence and mortality of lung, mesothelioma, and laryngeal cancers among workers exposed to asbestos-free talc. Methods We searched MEDLINE (PubMed) and SCOPUS databases up to January 2026 for cohort and case-control studies. Study quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were conducted for lung using a random-effects model and crude model for laryngeal cancer, whereas mesothelioma findings were synthesized through a systematic review. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results We identified 13, eight, and seven publications reporting on lung cancer, mesothelioma, and laryngeal cancer, respectively. Five studies on lung cancer in talc miners and millers and three studies in other industries were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled relative risk of lung cancer was 1.13 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97–1.33) for miners and millers and 1.12 (95% CI: 0.79–1.57) for other workers. No publication bias was found (p = 0.45). No mesothelioma cases were reported among talc miners and millers, precluding meta-analysis. Studies on laryngeal cancer revealed no association with talc exposure (relative risk = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.58–1.57). Conclusions Current evidence does not support increased risks of lung, mesothelioma, or laryngeal cancers among workers exposed to asbestos-free talc. Future studies should better control for confounders, especially tobacco smoking.