A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether talc used for pleurodesis in young patients with a spontaneous pneumothorax has any long-term adverse effects. One hundred and eighty-one papers were identified using the search below. Eight papers presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of the papers are tabulated. We conclude that talc pleurodesis in young patients with a spontaneous pneumothorax appears to have minimal long-term adverse consequences.