What respiratory risk is associated with the physical nature of fine limestone powder, regardless of its chemical purity for ingestion?

The physical nature of a fine powder can pose respiratory risks if inhaled frequently or in large quantities.

Safety concerns surrounding fine mineral powders extend beyond their chemical composition when considering routes of exposure other than ingestion. When limestone is processed into a very fine particulate matter, this physical characteristic itself creates a potential hazard when inhaled. Frequent or high-volume inhalation of any fine dust can physically impede respiratory function or cause irritation within the airways and lungs. This risk is independent of whether the material is food grade or industrial grade calcium carbonate, focusing instead on the physical interaction of the fine particles with the respiratory system.