E553 (b) - Talc
Author: Karen Lennox
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Characteristic: Talc is a fine white or greenish powder that has no smell or taste, it can also be in the form of lamellar crystals. The specific thing is that the substance feels greasy to the touch. Упо
Characteristic
Talc is a fine white or greenish powder that has no odor or taste, it can also be in the form of lamellar crystals. The specific thing is that the substance feels greasy to the touch.
Use
In the food industry, talc is mainly used in the preparation of confectionery and for glazing. The food additive E 553b gives shine to the caramel mixtures, it is part of the dragees and caramel. Its use is allowed in the manufacture of cheese and cheese products, spices, powdered milk and cream, sugar, salt and their substitutes. In these cases, the additive prevents sticking and lump formation.
In talc-based pharmaceuticals, baby powder is produced, in everyday life the substance is used to reduce friction on surfaces (for example, shoes and rubber gloves). It does not allow the rubber products to stick together during long-term storage. As a filler it is used in cosmetics, perfumery, in the production of medical supplies, also paper, rubber products, in painting.
Impact on humans
The food supplement E 553b is recognized as safe worldwide. However, numerous experiments and studies have shown that inhalation of talc carries a high risk of developing talcosis (a benign disease of the pneumoconiosis group). Also, regular use of the substance as an intimate powder in women may be the reason for the development of uterine cancer. According to scientists, this is due to the smallest particles of the substance that penetrate the female body and remain in the genitals for years, causing genital inflammation. This in turn creates a favorable environment for the development of endometrial cancer.