Zinc Compounds
- CAS No.
- Chemical Name:
- Zinc Compounds
- Synonyms
- Zinc Compounds
- CBNumber:
- CB11371890
- Molecular Formula:
- Molecular Weight:
- 0
- MDL Number:
- MOL File:
- Mol file
| ATC code | S01AX03 |
|---|
Zinc Compounds Chemical Properties,Uses,Production
Definition
Includes any unique chemical substance that contains zinc as part of the infrastructure of that chemical.
Safety Profile
Variable toxicity, but generally of low toxicity. However, zinc salts, such as chromates and arsenates, are experimental carcinogens. Zinc is not inherently a toxic element. However, when heated, it evolves a fume of zinc oxide, whch, when inhaled fresh, can cause a disease known as “brass founders,” “ague,” or “brass chdls,” resulting in a sweet taste, throat dryness, cough, weakness, generalized aching, fever, nausea, and vomiting. It is possible for people to become immune to it, but this immunity can be broken by cessation of exposure of only a few days. Zinc oxide dust that is not freshly formed is virtually innocuous. There is no cumulative effect from the inhalation of zinc fumes. Exposure to zinc chloride fumes can cause damage to the mucous membranes of the nasopharnp and respiratory tract, and gve rise to a pale gray cyanosis; fatalities have resulted. Soluble salts of zinc have a harsh metahc taste; small doses can cause nausea and vomiting, whereas larger doses cause violent vomiting and purging. Some cases of intoxication have been reported due to drinking liquids stored in galvanized containers, and in dialysis patients, using a dlalyzate prepared with water that had been stored in a galvanized tank. In general, the continued administration of zinc salts in small doses has no effect in humans except those of disordered digestion and constipation. Workers in zinc refining have been reported to suffer from a variety of non-specific intestinal, respiratory, and nervous symptoms. Ulceration of the nasal septum and eczematous dermatosis are also reported. It has been stated that zinc oxide or zinc stearate dust can block the ducts of the sebaceous glands and give rise to a papular, pustular eczema in workers engaged in packing these compounds into barrels. Sensitivity to zinc oxide in humans is extremely rare. Zinc chloride and zinc sulfate, because of caustic action, can cause ulceration of the fingers, hands, and forearms of those who use these com- pounds as a flux in soldering or other industrial use. Ths condtion has even been observed in men who handle radway ties that have been impregnated with ths material. Common air contaminants. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of ZnO.