Synonyms
Actox 14; Actox 16; Actox 216; Akro-zinc bar 85; Akro-zinc bar 90; Amalox; Azo 22; Azo-33; Azo-55; Azo-55TT; Azo-66; Azo-66TT; Azo-77; Azo-77TT; Azodox; Azodox-55; Azodox-55TT; Blanc de Zinc; C-Weiss 8 [German]; C.I. 77947; C.I. Pigment White 4; CI 77947; CI Pigment white 4; Cadox XX 78; Chinese White; Cynku tlenek [Polish]; EMAR; Electox 2500; Electrox 2500; Emanay zinc oxide; Felling zinc oxide; Flores de zinci; Flowers of zinc; GIAP 10; Green seal-8; Hubbuck's White; K-Zinc; Kadox 15; Kadox 72; Kadox-25; Outmine; Ozide; Ozlo; Permanent White; Philosopher's wool; Powder base 900; Protox 166; Protox 168; Protox 169; Protox type 166; Protox type 167; Protox type 168; Protox type 169; Protox type 267; Protox type 268; Red Seal 9; Snow White; Unichem ZO; Vandem VAC; Vandem VOC; Vandem VPC; White seal-7; XX 203; XX 601; XX 78; ZN-0401 E 3/16''; Zinc White; Zinc gelatin; Zinc monoxide; Zinc oxide; Zinc oxide (ZnO); Zinca 20; Zinci Oxicum; Zinci Oxydum; Zincite; Zincoid; Zincum Oxydatum; Zn 0701T; [ChemIDplus] UN3077
Category
Metals, Inorganic Compounds
Description
White, odorless solid; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used in pigments, rubber, and electronic devices; Zinc oxide is produced when zinc is heated to its boiling point (907 degrees C); [ACGIH] Nanoparticle applications include sunscreen and fungicide for personal care products, UV nanolasers, biocide in food packaging, additive to rubber and ceramics for abrasion resistance, and additive to automobiles, furniture, and fabrics to protect from sun damage; [HSDB]
Comments
Causes metal fume fever; [Rom, p. 404-6] See "Zinc."
Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
2 mg/m3 (respirable fraction)
STEL (ACGIH)
10 mg/m3, respirable fraction
PEL (OSHA)
5 mg/m3(fume and respirable fraction), 15 mg/m3(total dust)
MAK
0.1 mg/m3 (respirable fraction), 2 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction) [fume and solids]
Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs
Human data: Workers exposed to zinc concentrations between 320 to 580 mg/m3 for 13 hours have experienced nausea on the job, and chills, shortness of breath, and severe chest pains 2 to 12 hours later [Hammond 1944]. Two men exposed to about 600 mg/m3 for 10.5 to 12 minutes experienced headaches, chills, and fever with cough and a decrease in vital capacity which persisted for 15 hours after exposure [Sturgis and Thompson 1927].
Lethal Concentration
LC50 (mouse) = 2,500 mg/m3
Explanatory Notes
Zinc melting point = 786 degrees F;
Half Life
For zinc, whole body: 162-500 days; [TDR, p. 1245]
Diseases
Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:
Processes
Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:
Activities
Activities with risk of exposure: