New service helps pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers test talc safety and support regulatory compliance.
DOWNERS GROVE, IL — [September 23, 2026] — Particle Technology Labs (PTL) announces a new testing service in accordance with USP-NF General Chapter <901>, Detection of Asbestos in Pharmaceutical Talc. The service helps pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturers confirm that their talc is below the USP defined limit for asbestos, a known carcinogen that can occur naturally in talc.
Using polarized light microscopy (PLM), PTL’s team examines talc samples to confirm or rule out the presence of asbestos fibers below the provided guidelines, distinguishing true amphibole and chrysotile asbestos from look-alike particles that can otherwise be mistaken for contamination. The method complements X-ray diffraction (XRD) testing, helping reduce false positives and giving manufacturers greater confidence in their results.
“With evolving FDA regulations and concerns about safety, it has never been more important to test talc for the detectable levels of asbestos properly, and PTL is excited to partner with pharma and cosmetics companies to ensure product quality and safety,” said William Kopesky, EVP and Director of Analytical Services.
PTL requires a minimum 250-gram sample and reports a clear “detected” or “not detected” assessment based on USP <901> criteria, along with particle counts, measurements, and digital imagery. PTL performs the PLM portion of USP <901> testing and refers clients to our trusted partner, H&M Analytical Services, for the required XRD analysis.
PTL is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited, FDA registered, and cGMP compliant.
For more information or to request a quote, visit https://particletechlabs.com/contact/ or contact 630-969-2703 / sales@particletechlabs.com.
About Particle Technology Labs
Particle Technology Labs (PTL) is an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited, FDA-registered analytical testing laboratory specializing in particle characterization for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, medical device, and chemical industries, among many others.
