Zinc peroxide

Synonyms

Zinc superoxide; ZPO; Zinc dioxide; Zinc peroxide, medicinal; [ChemIDplus] UN1516

Category

Peroxides, Metal

Description

White to yellowish-white odorless solid; [Merck Index] Light-yellow odorless powder; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used in pharmaceuticals, as a rubber accelerator, as a curing agent for synthetic elastomers, for high-temperature oxidation, as an antiseptic in cosmetic powders, as a deodorant for wounds and skin diseases, and as a topical antiseptic and astringent; [HSDB]

Comments

Commercial product is 50-60% zinc peroxide; the remainder is zinc oxide; [Merck Index] A strong oxidizing agent; Decomposed slowly by water; [CAMEO] May cause fire on contact with combustible materials; An eye irritant; [MSDSonline]

Biomedical References

0.1 mg/m3 (respirable fraction), 2 mg/m3 (inhalable fraction) for Zn inorg. cmpnds

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Using Disinfectants or Biocides