Talk:Pulmonary talcosis

heroin use?
So the inhalation of minerals or the use of an opiate may cause "talcosis"? Something is not adding up with that statement in my perception. Does 'tied to heroin use' mean the actual molecular pharmacological profile of the exact opiate diacetylmorphine (heroin)? Does "tied to" mean a causation? If so has heroin a property by which its ingestion causes this particular disorder of breathing, or rather is it that the risks that come along with the stereotypically viewed use of heroin (hypodermic syringe needles and the intravenous method of administration of a street drug, etc) can cause similar ill effects classed the same in their effect profile as talcosis? The latter seems more likely to me. Embolism, potentially via particulate mineral matter (talc), or by air (causing internal breathing problems) from IV administration by lay persons? This is another matter entirely but may be encyclopedic if a line of similarity is referenced, and so referenced in proper manner and terminology... Otherwise, the actual literal "talcosis" if caused by a variety of adulterant or a process peculiar to a type of heroin (black tar heroin maybe containing talc?) should be clarified in that manner. As is, it leaves many more questions than answers. 4.242.174.101 (talk) 14:56, 6 October 2009 (UTC)
 * As an adulterant 'china white' (not black tar) makes sense! OK, rather sad addition however. Most of the article is now not on the effects of this disease but on it likely being related to heroin. :-/ 4.242.174.101 (talk) 15:15, 6 October 2009 (UTC)