Zinc (Zn)

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

OSHA Classification In the form in which it is sold this product is not regulated as a Hazardous Product in the U.S. or Canada Health Physical Environmental Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation) – Does not meet criteria Does not meet criteria for Aquatic Toxicity – Skin Corrosion/Irritation – Does not meet criteria any Physical Hazard Short Term/Long Term) Eye Damage/Eye Irritation – Does not meet criteria Does not meet any Respiratory or Skin Sensitization – Does not meet criteria criteria Mutagenicity – Does not meet criteria Carcinogenicity – Does not meet criteria Reproductive Toxicity – Does not meet criteria Specific Target Organ Toxicity Acute Exposure – Does not meet criteria Chronic Exposure – Does not meet criteria Label Symbols None required

Signal word

None required

Precautionary statements

None required Emergency Overview: A lustrous bluish-silver metal that does not burn in bulk but may form explosive mixtures if dispersed in air as a fine powder. Zinc oxide fume is formed when zinc metal is heated to or near the boiling point, or is burned. Contact with acids or alkalis generates flammable hydrogen gas which can accumulate in poorly ventilated areas. Do NOT use water or foam on burning zinc metal. Apply dry chemical, sand or special powder extinguishing media. Zinc is relatively non-toxic and poses little immediate hazard to the health of emergency response personnel or to the environment in an emergency situation.

Potential health effects

Zinc is essentially non-toxic to humans. However, zinc oxide fumes may cause mild local irritation to eyes, nose, throat and upper airways. Acute over-exposure to zinc oxide fume may cause metal fume fever, characterized by flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting which may be delayed 3 – 10 hours in onset. In most cases, dermal exposure to zinc or zinc compounds does not result in any noticeable toxic effects. Zinc is not listed as a carcinogen by

Environmental effects

Zinc metal has relatively low bioavailability and poses no immediate ecological risks. Depending on physico-chemical characteristics (e.g., pH, water hardness), compounds of zinc metal can be toxic, particularly in the aquatic environment. Zinc also has the potential to bioaccumulate in plants and animals in both aquatic and terrestrial environments (see Ecological Information, Section 12).

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

In the form in which it is sold this product is not regulated as a Hazardous Product in the U.S. or Canada. Health Physical Environmental Acute Toxicity (Oral, Inhalation) – Does not meet criteria Does not meet criteria for Aquatic Toxicity – Skin Corrosion/Irritation – Does not meet criteria any Physical Hazard (Short Term/Long Term) Eye Damage/Eye Irritation – Does not meet criteria Does not meet any Respiratory or Skin Sensitization – Does not meet criteria criteria Mutagenicity – Does not meet criteria Carcinogenicity – Does not meet criteria Reproductive Toxicity – Does not meet criteria Specific Target Organ Toxicity: Acute Exposure – Does not meet criteria Chronic Exposure – Does not meet criteria Label Symbols: None required Signal Word: None required