Zinc

H250: Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air [Danger Pyrophoric liquids]

H260: In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]

H400: Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410: Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P210, P222, P223, P231, P231+P232, P233, P273, P280, P302+P335+P334, P370+P378, P391, P402+P404, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

P273, P391, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 14.7% (387 of 2624) of reports.

H250 (26.7%): Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air [Danger Pyrophoric liquids]

H260 (26.7%): In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]

H400 (84.9%): Very toxic to aquatic life [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

H410 (79%): Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Warning Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

Aggregated GHS information provided per 2624 reports by companies from 46 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 387 of 2624 reports by companies.

There are 42 notifications provided by 2237 of 2624 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

H320: Causes eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

P264+P265, P305+P351+P338, and P337+P317 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Fresh air, rest. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell.

First rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, then remove contaminated clothes and rinse again.

Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible).

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: In case of contact with substance, wipe from skin immediately; flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. (ERG, 2024)

General First Aid:

· Call 911 or emergency medical service.

· Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination.

· Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely.

· Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult.

· If victim is not breathing:

-- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance.

-- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).

-- If no pulse detected or no respiratory medical device available, provide continuous compressions. Conduct a pulse check every two minutes or monitor for any signs of spontaneous respirations.

· Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes.

· For minor skin contact, avoid spreading material on unaffected skin.

· In case of contact with substance, remove immediately by flushing skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

· For severe burns, immediate medical attention is required.

· Effects of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact) to substance may be delayed.

· Keep victim calm and warm.

· Keep victim under observation.

· For further assistance, contact your local Poison Control Center.

· Note: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) should be done by trained professionals.

Specific First Aid:

· In case of contact with substance, wipe from skin immediately; flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes.

In Canada, an Emergency Response Assistance Plan (ERAP) may be required for this product. Please consult the shipping paper and/or the "ERAP" section.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING METALS OR POWDERS (ALUMINUM, LITHIUM, MAGNESIUM, ETC.): Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see ERG Guide 170.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

Use special powder, dry sand. NO water. NO foam, carbon dioxide. NO other agents. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water. NO direct contact of the substance with water.

To fight fire, use special mixtures of dry chemical.

Burning zinc reacts chemically with halon and CO2 gas extinguishers.

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Keep unauthorized personnel away.

· Stay upwind, uphill and/or upstream.

· Ventilate closed spaces before entering, but only if properly trained and equipped.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

· Stop leak if you can do it without risk.

· Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material.

· DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.

Small Spill

· Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain.

· Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.

Powder Spill

· Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry.

· DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Immediate precautionary measure

· Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

Large Spill

· Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

· If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Remove all ignition sources. Consult an expert! Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into covered dry containers. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Extinguish or remove all ignition sources. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Sweep spilled substance into containers, then remove to safe place. Personal protection: self-contained breathing apparatus. /Zinc powder/

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Chemical Treatability of Zinc; Concentration Process: Activated carbon; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Full scale continuous flow; Type of Wastewater Used: (not stated); Results of Study: 81% reduction; 124 ppb effluent concentration; Carbon used as advanced treatment of biologically and chemically treated wastewater. Plant capacity 0.66 cu m/sec. Data presented for two time periods.

Chemical Treatability of Zinc; Concentration Process: Miscellaneous sorbents; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Literature review; Type of Wastewater Used: Unknown; Results of Study: Final concentration reduced to 0.1 ppb; SiO2 + CaO slags used.

The proprietary sulfex process (Permutit Co) has been applied to zinc wastes. The process involves addition of ferrous sulfide, which gradually releases sulfide to precipitate the zinc ... .

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for ZINC, ELEMENTAL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

Prevention ... /of metal fume fever/ is a matter of keeping exposure of workers below level of concn currently accepted as satisfactory for working with the metal in industry, preferably by employment of proper local exhaust ventilation to collect fumes at their source. Acceptable respirators are avail commercially but should be used only under suitable conditions. /Zinc/

In all cases where zinc is heated to the point where fume is produced, it is most important to ensure that adequate ventilation is provided. Individual protection is best ensured by education of the worker concerning metal-fume fever & the provision of local exhaust ventilation, or, in some situations by wearing of supplied-air hood or mask.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.

POWDER SPILL: Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2024)

Fireproof. Well closed. Separated from incompatible materials and : see Chemical Dangers. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.

Fireproof. Separated from acids, bases oxidants. Dry. /Zinc powder/

Finely divided ... zinc compounds, can be fire and explosion hazard if stored in damp places, sources of spontaneous combustion. /Zinc cmpd/

Store the metal dry, and keep residues thoroughly wet until disposal. Hydrogen is evolved, especially under acid and alkaline conditions.

· Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

· Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE.

· Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection.

0.1 [mg/m3] (respirable fraction), 2 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction) for Zn inorg. cmpnds[German Research Foundation (DFG)]

0.3 [mg/m3]

40 [mg/m3]

240 [mg/m3]

(as Zn, respirable fraction): 0.1 mg/m

Intermediate Oral: 0.3 mg/kg/day (L134)

Chronic Oral: 0.3 mg/kg/day (L134)

· DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM.

Small Fire

· Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

Large Fire

· DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn.

· If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

Fire Involving Metals or Powders (Aluminum, Lithium, Magnesium, etc.)

· Use dry chemical, DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or class D extinguishers; in addition, for Lithium you may use Lith-X® powder or copper powder. Also, see GUIDE 170.

Fire Involving Tanks, Rail Tank Cars or Highway Tanks

· Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles.

· Do not get water inside containers.

· Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out.

· Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank.

· ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.

A harmful concentration of airborne particles can be reached quickly when dispersed, especially if powdered or as fumes.

May cause mechanical irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract. Inhalation of the respirable fraction may cause metal fume fever. This may result in influenza-like symptoms. The effects may be delayed up to 48 hours.

Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause effects on the lungs. This may result in reduced lung function .

Excerpt from ERG Guide 138 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable Gases)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. NO contact with oxidizing agents, acids, bases, water or incompatible substances. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent build-up of electrostatic charges (e.g., by grounding). Prevent deposition of dust.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST!

Use local exhaust.

Protective gloves.

Wear safety spectacles.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.

Zinc ashes appears as a grayish colored powder. May produce toxic zinc oxide fumes when heated to very high temperatures or when burned. Insoluble in water. Used in paints, bleaches and to make other chemicals.

Zinc dust appears as a grayish powder. Insoluble in water. May produce toxic zinc oxide fumes when heated to very high temperatures or when burned. Used in paints, bleaches and to make other chemicals.

CBI; Large Crystals; Other Solid; Dry Powder; Wet Solid; Dry Powder; Wet Solid; Other Solid; Large Crystals; Wet Solid; Other Solid; Dry Powder; Dry Powder; Large Crystals; Liquid; Wet Solid; Liquid

Gray powder; [CAMEO]

GREY-TO-BLUE POWDER.

Bluish-white, lustrous metal; distorted hexagonal close-packed structure; when heated to 100-150 °C becomes malleable, at 210 °C becomes brittle and pulverizable

Brittle at ordinary temperatures

907 °C @760 [mm Hg]

419.53 °C

Soluble in acids and alkalies; insoluble in water

Solubility in water: reaction

7.133 g/cu cm at 25 °C; 6.830 g/cu cm at 419.5 °C (solid); 6.620 g/cu cm at 419.5 °C (liquid); 6.250 g/cu cm at 800 °C

7.1 g/cm³

7.134 @25 °C

1.47X10-6 Pa (1.10X10-8 mm Hg) at 400 K (127 °C); 0.653 Pa (4.9X10-3 mm Hg) at 600 K (327 °C)

Stable in dry air; becomes covered with white coating of basic carbonate on exposure to moist air.

Zinc is attacked by carbon dioxide & sulfur dioxide resulting chiefly in a coating of hydrated basic carbonate of variable composition; hydrogen peroxide may be formed in the process

When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of /zinc oxide/.

114.8 kJ/mol at 907 °C

Natural zinc is composed of five stable isotopes: zinc-64 (48.6%); zinc-66 (27.9%); zinc-67 (4.1%); zine-68 (18.8%); zinc-70 (0.6%); 18 artificial radioactive isotopes are known, most with very short (millisecond, seconds) or short (minutes) half-lives; zinc-65: half-life = 243.8 days

Valence: 2; stable in dry air; becomes covered with a white coating of basic carbonate on exposure to moist air; Mohs' hardness: 2.5; burns in air with a bluish-green flame; loses electrons in aqueous systems to form Zn2+; Reduction potential (aq) Zn/Zn2+: 0.763 V

Slowly attacked by H2SO4 or HCl; oxidizing agents or metal ions (e.g., Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+) accelerate the process; reacts slowly with ammonia water and acetic acid; rapidly with HNO3; reacts with alkali hydroxides to form "zincates", (ZnO2)2-, which are actually hydroxo complexes, such as (Zn(OH)3)-, (Zn(OH)4)2-, ((Zn(OH)4(H2O)2))2-

Naturally occurring zinc contains 5 stable isotopes; 25 other unstable isotopes and isomers are recognized; fair conductor of electricity; burns in air at high red heat with evolution of white clouds of the oxide

For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for ZINC, ELEMENTAL (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

thermal expansion coefficient

electron density of states

dielectric constant

electromagnetic induction

optical coefficient

crystal structure

Debye frequency

isoelectronic shift

deformation parameter

dielectricity

diffusion

enthalpy

radiation

electrode potential

isothermal section

Gibbs energy

If it becomes damp it may spontaneously heat and ignite. Insoluble in water.

Can evolve gaseous hydrogen in contact with water or damp air. The heat of the reaction may be sufficient to ignite the hydrogen produced [Haz. Chem. Data 1966. p. 171]. Flammable. May form an explosive mixture with air [Hawley].

Metals, Elemental and Powder, Active

Strong Reducing Agent

Water-Reactive

Pyrophoric

Known Catalytic Activity

In the presence of moisture, it may ignite spontaneously on contact with air; reacts violently with oxidants and powdered sulfur, causing fire and explosion hazards. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 966].

ZINC DUST is a reducing agent. Reacts violently with oxidants causing fire and explosion hazards [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 966]. In the presence of carbon, the combination of chlorine trifluoride with zinc results in a violent reaction [Mellor 2, Supp. 1: 1956]. Sodium peroxide oxidizes zinc with incandescence [Mellor 2:490-93 1946-47]. Zinc powder or dust in contact with acids forms hydrogen. The heat generated by the reaction is sufficient to ignite the hydrogen evolved [Lab. Govt. Chemist 1965]. A mixture of powdered zinc and an oxidizing agent such as potassium chlorate or powdered sulfur can be exploded by percussion. Zinc burns in moist chlorine. A mixture of zinc and carbon disulfide reacts with incandescence. Zinc powder reacts explosively when heated with manganese chloride. The reaction between zinc and selenium or tellurium is accompanied by incandescence [Mellor 4:476-480 1946-47]. When zinc and ammonium nitrate are mixed and wetted with a minimum of water, a violent reaction occurs with evolution of steam and zinc oxide. When hydrazine mononitrate is heated in contact with zinc a flaming decomposition occurs at temperatures a little above its melting point. Hydroxylamine is reduced when heated with zinc dust, unpredictably it may either ignite and burn or explode [Mellor 8 1946-47].

Incompatible with NH4NO3, barium oxide, Ba(NO3)2, Cadmium, CS2, chlorates, Cl2, CrO3, (ethyl acetoacetate + tribromoneopentyl alcohol), F2, hydrazine mononitrate, hydroxylamine, Pb(N3)2, (Mg + Ba(NO3)2 + BaO2), MnCl2, HNO3, performic acid, KClO3, KNO3, K2O2, Selenium, NaClO3, Na2O2, Sulfur, Te, water, (NH4)2S, As2O3, CS2, CaCl2, NaOH, chlorinated rubber, catalytic metals, halocarbons, o-nitroanisole, nitrobenzene, nonmetals, oxidants, paint primer base, pentacarbonyliron, transition metal halides, seleninyl bromide.

Zinc powder or dust in contact with acids evolves hydrogen. The heat of reaction is sufficient that the hydrogen may ignite.

Alloys of zinc with iridium, platinum, or rhodium, after extraction with acid, leave residues which explode on warming in air, owing to the presence of occluded hydrogen (or oxygen) in the catalytic metal powders so produced.

Ball-milling aluminium-zinc (not stated if alloy or mixture) with inadequate inerting arrangements led to fires during operation or discharge of the mill.

For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for ZINC, ELEMENTAL (32 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

CDC-ATSDR Toxicological Profile

Although zinc is considered relatively nontoxic, an extremely high intake of zinc can manifest with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, lethargy, and fatigue.

There is no listed treatment for zinc overdose other than to cease using the supplement.

Excessive zinc intake alters copper and iron absorption, most likely through competitive binding in intestinal mucosal cells. Stomach acid dissolves metallic zinc, producing zinc chloride, which is a corrosive product damaging the stomach lining. Metal fume fever is thought to be an immune response to inhaled zinc. (L48, L49, A49)

Zinc and Compounds

Hematologic

3 x 10 ^-1 mg/kg-day

Trace element

Due to lack of human health toxicity and low exposure from pesticidal uses, risks associated from dietary uses of zinc are not of concern; registered uses of zinc salts are not expected to significantly increase the natural concentrations of zinc in surface water or finished water used for drinking water

Smith, C.D. and Nowell, L.H., 2024. Health-Based Screening Levels for evaluating water-quality data (3rd ed.). DOI:10.5066/F71C1TWP

In case series and small trials of zinc therapy in patients with Wilson disease, adverse events have included gastrointestinal upset, but serum enzyme elevations and clinically apparent liver injury were not reported. Patients with Wilson disease frequently have liver injury and, in most case series, zinc therapy has been associated with slow improvement in the hepatic manifestations. Occasional patients with Wilson disease who are switched from penicillamine to zinc therapy develop mild elevations in serum aminotransferase levels, but these are more likely due to worsening control of copper balance and the underlying Wilson disease rather than direct hepatotoxicity of zinc.

Zinc overdose can be associated with liver injury, jaundice and even hepatic failure, usually arising after several days and resembling injury from copper or iron overdose. The injury is clearly direct toxicity.

Likelihood score: E (unlikely cause of clinically apparent liver injury in normal therapeutic doses).

Drug Class: Trace Elements and Metals; Chelating Agents, Wilson Disease Agents

Other Drugs in the Subclass, Wilson Disease: Dimercaprol, Penicillamine, Trientine

Cancer Classification: Group D Not Classifiable as to Human Carcinogenicity

CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: No human data and no animal data. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None.

Dietary Zinc

TR-592: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Study of Dietary Zinc (CASRN 5263-02-5) in Sprague Dawley Rats (Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD) (Feed Studies) (2019 )

07/13/17

Equivocal Evidence

No Evidence

Under the conditions of this 2-year dietary study, there was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity (see a summary of the Peer Review Panel comments in Appendix I) of diets deficient in zinc in male Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD rats based on higher incidences of adenoma of the pancreas and increased incidences of animals with multiple pancreatic adenomas. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of diets deficient in zinc (3.5 or 7 ppm) in female Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD rats. There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of diets containing excess zinc (250 or 500 ppm) in male or female Hsd:Sprague Dawley SD rats.

No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).

Chronic exposure to zinc causes anemia, atazia, lethargy, and decreases the level of HDL (good) cholesterol in the body. It is also believed to cause pancreatic and reproductive damages. Unbalanced levels of copper and zinc binding to Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase have been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). (L49)

◉ Summary of Use during Lactation

Zinc is a normal component in human milk. Typical daily doses of 15 mg or less of oral zinc from prenatal vitamins or other multimineral supplements do not alter milk zinc levels in lactating women. Mothers may therefore take zinc supplementation during lactation to achieve the recommended daily intake of 12 to 13 mg.[1] Daily oral doses between 15 and 25 mg have negligible effects on milk zinc levels. Treatment of patients with Wilson’s disease with zinc acetate up to 100 mg daily may increase zinc levels in milk, but not above the normal range.

Sublingual zinc lozenges and nasal sprays used to prevent or treat adult viral upper respiratory tract infections have not been studied during lactation. Maternal use of these remedies several times daily for short time periods, as they are typically intended to be used, would not be expected to cause harm to the breastfed infant.

Zinc deficiency in exclusively breastfed infants, whether due to inadequate maternal zinc status or to infant premature birth or other causes, should be treated with direct zinc supplementation of the infant.

◉ Effects in Breastfed Infants

Zinc deficiency in exclusively breastfed infants can occur. Clinical features include facial and groin rash, diarrhea, hair loss, disinterest in feeding, and failure to thrive. One known cause is below-normal milk zinc levels due to maternal genetic mutations affecting mammary zinc transport proteins.[19] Zinc deficiency may also occur in infants born very preterm who are not supplemented with special human milk fortifiers designed for premature babies.[20] With both causes, direct administration of zinc drops to the infant quickly corrects the deficiency and alleviate the infant’s symptoms.

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a congenital zinc deficiency disorder caused by genetic mutations affecting the infant’s intestinal zinc transporter proteins. Breastmilk is protective against this disorder, and symptoms typically develop after weaning from breastmilk feeding.[19,21] Resuming breastmilk feeding, if possible, and direct infant supplementation with zinc drops are the recommended treatments.

◉ Effects on Lactation and Breastmilk

Certain variations in genes encoding mammary epithelial cell zinc transporter proteins are associated with reduced milk volume and altered milk content beyond zinc. This is not thought to be triggered by maternal zinc intake or zinc status and is not correctable with maternal zinc supplementation.[22]

◈ What is zinc?

Zinc is an essential nutrient. This means the body cannot make zinc, so people need to get zinc from other sources. Zinc is naturally found in some foods such as meats and seafood and is added to some cereals. Zinc is also available as a dietary supplement and found in certain homeopathic products marketed for colds. Some denture adhesives also contain zinc.Talk with your healthcare providers about all vitamins and supplements that you take. Have the bottles or photos of the labels with you so that all ingredients and their amounts can be reviewed. Products that contain herbals are typically not recommended during pregnancy. For more information on herbal products please see our fact sheet at: https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/herbal-products-pregnancy/.

◈ How much zinc do I need?

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the amount people should aim to get each day. It is not recommended to take more zinc than the RDA in a day. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) is the dose at which people can start to have side effects. RDAs and ULs are there to help guide us in getting enough of a good thing but also to keep us from getting too much of a good thing.Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)Upper Limit (UL)14 to 18 years old and pregnant12 mg per day34 mg per day19 years old or older and pregnant11 mg per day40 mg per dayWhen reviewing amount of zinc, it is important to include amounts from foods, drinks, and supplements. There are resources available online that list amounts of zinc typically found in foods. Labels on supplements will list the amount of zinc in the product.Most people get the RDA of zinc from a balanced diet. It is unlikely that a person would get too much zinc from foods and drinks. People who do not eat meat or seafood, have had bariatric surgery (such as gastric bypass), have medical conditions that might affect how their body absorbs nutrients (such as cancer, eating disorders, kidney disease, malabsorption, or substance misuse), or have exposure to cigarette smoke, should talk with their healthcare providers about their specific nutritional needs.

◈ I take zinc. Can it make it harder for me to get pregnant?

Some studies have suggested that having zinc blood levels that are too low might make it harder for a woman to get pregnant. Studes have not been done to see if taking extra zinc (above the UL) can make it harder to get pregnant. If a woman is getting the recommended amounts of zinc (between the RDA and UL) it is unlikely to make it harder to get pregnant.

/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ /Researchers/ dosed mallard ducks (A. platyrhynchos) orally with eight No. 6 zinc shot and observed them for 30 days: three of the 15 birds died within the observation period. The average weight loss among surviving birds was 22%, significantly more than in control birds. Only three of the mallards dosed retained the zinc shot until the end of the study. Signs of intoxication in order of increasing severity were stumbling, an inability to run, complete loss of muscular control of the legs, loss of swimming ability and spasmodic wing movements.

/ACCIDENTAL POISONINGS/ /Researchers/ reported that 20 of 25 ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) being used in an experiment died of renal failure after eating raw meat that was accidentally contaminated with zinc from the wire cages. Zinc poisoning was diagnosed after autopsy and laboratory investigation.

/ACCIDENTAL POISONINGS/ Poisoning ... /has been observed/ in ferrets and mink from chewing corroded cages ... It is evident that young animals are much more susceptible to poisoning by zinc than mature animals.

/ACCIDENTAL POISONINGS/ ... Horses, sheep, and cattle have been intoxicated by grazing on forage in the vicinity of zinc smelters. Horses are the most zinc-sensitive farm animals and react with lameness, osteochondrosis (possibly caused by an abnormal collagen metabolism due to an inhibition of lysyl oxidase followed by a zinc provoked copper deficiency), and lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen and lymph nodes.

2.30e+04

3.50e+05

6.00e+03

1.00e+04

3.70e+02

3.00e-01

Volatile

7.00e+04

1.10e+06

1.80e+04

The substance is very toxic to aquatic organisms. The substance may cause long-term effects in the aquatic environment.

Zinc is not found free in nature, but rather occurs in the +2 oxidation state often as zinc sulfide or zinc oxide. (SRC)

SOURCE DOMINATED: Geometric mean zinc concns in air for various jobs, melting, die-casting, and fettling, at Swedish aluminum die-casting foundries were 0.0023, 0.0014, and 0.024 mg/cu m, respectively(1). A geometric zinc concn in air at Swedish aluminum remelting plants was 0.0043 mg/cu m(1). A geometric zinc concn in air at aluminum remelting plants for two job titles, melting and scrap sorting were 0.0067 and 0.00095 mg/cu m, respectively(1).

NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 412,702 workers (48,684 of these are female) are potentially exposed to zinc in the US(1).

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

Chemical Treatability of Zinc; Concentration Process: Activated carbon; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Full scale continuous flow; Type of Wastewater Used: (not stated); Results of Study: 81% reduction; 124 ppb effluent concentration; Carbon used as advanced treatment of biologically and chemically treated wastewater. Plant capacity 0.66 cu m/sec. Data presented for two time periods.

Chemical Treatability of Zinc; Concentration Process: Miscellaneous sorbents; Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Literature review; Type of Wastewater Used: Unknown; Results of Study: Final concentration reduced to 0.1 ppb; SiO2 + CaO slags used.

The proprietary sulfex process (Permutit Co) has been applied to zinc wastes. The process involves addition of ferrous sulfide, which gradually releases sulfide to precipitate the zinc ... .

For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for ZINC, ELEMENTAL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (EMITTING FLAMMABLE GASES)/ Fire or Explosion: Produce flammable gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. /Zinc dust; Zinc powder/

/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (EMITTING FLAMMABLE GASES)/ Health: Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance, or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution. /Zinc dust; Zinc powder/

/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (EMITTING FLAMMABLE GASES)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meter (75 feet) for solids. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low areas. Ventilate the area before entry. /Zinc dust; Zinc powder/

/GUIDE 138: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (EMITTING FLAMMABLE GASES)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection in fire situations ONLY; it is not effective in spill situations where direct contact with the substance is possible. /Zinc dust; Zinc powder/

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for ZINC, ELEMENTAL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1436; Zinc, powder or dust

IMO 4.3; Zinc, powder or dust; Zinc ashes

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Dangerous When Wet

Dangerous When Wet Spontaneously Combustible

Airtight. Marine pollutant.

H250; H260; H400 / H400; H410

UN Hazard Class: 4.3; UN Subsidiary Risks: 4.2