I can actually answer this:
Talc is a mineral closely associated with serpentine, also called *asbestos*. The manufacturers of the baby powder claim that it's asbestos free, but you can imagine the less-than-adequate processing prior to the modern era.
Asbestos has been known to cause stomach cancer as well as lung cancer, so I would guess it can affect other 'exposed' organs as well.
(am asbestos certified.)
