ZINC COMPOUNDS
ZINC COMPOUNDSThis record contains general information for zinc ions and compounds,
including statements in the literature referenced to zinc compounds, zinc salts,
etc. For compound-specific information, refer to the appropriate individual
records as listed in the RELATED HSDB RECORDS field; for information on the
metal itself, refer to the ZINC, ELEMENTAL record.Human Health Effects:
Toxicity Summary:
Zinc is an essential metal and its deficiency results in severe nutritionally
related health problems. ... In both humans and animals, zinc deficiency causes
rapid and severe depression of immune functions. Large numbers of enzymes
associated with DNA and RNA synthesis are dependent on zinc for function.
Furthermore, zinc is essential for adequate membrane function, protein
synthesis, and association of nuclear proteins with DNA. Thus, zinc may affect
the proliferation of lymphocytes and the production of cytokines. /Zinc/
Evidence for Carcinogenicity:
CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR
CLASSIFICATION: Based on inadequate evidence in humans and animals. HUMAN
CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. /Zinc
and compounds/
Human Toxicity Excerpts:
TOXICITY OF ZINC CMPD BY MOUTH IS LOW. ... /IT WAS CONCLUDED FROM REVIEW OF
LITERATURE ON METAL FUME FEVER & INJURY FROM POWDERS & DUSTS OF ZINC/
THAT SEVERE EXPOSURE TO ZINC MIGHT GIVE RISE TO GASTRITIS, WITH VOMITING, DUE TO
SWALLOWING OF DUSTS OF ZINC CMPD.
HEMOLYTIC REACTIONS, ADSORPTION TESTS, & MICROSCOPIC EVIDENCE PROVIDED
INFORMATION ABOUT THE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN EITHER ZINC, ZINC OXIDE, OR ZINC
SULFIDE DUST PARTICLES & HUMAN RED BLOOD CELLS. IN VITRO, ZINC DUST
EXTENSIVELY HEMOLYZED RED BLOOD CELLS & ABSORBED THE LIBERATED HEMOGLOBIN.
METALLIC ZINC HAD THE GREATEST HEMOLYTIC EFFECT & THE LARGEST HEMOGLOBIN
BINDING CAPACITY; IT WAS FOLLOWED BY ZINC OXIDE & ZINC SULFIDE.
ACID FOOD PREPD OR STORED IN GALVANIZED ZINC CANS OR UTENSILS MAY DISSOLVE
SUFFICIENT ZINC METAL, WHICH IS CONVERTED TO ZINC SALTS & SUBSEQUENTLY
INGESTED WITH FOOD & LIQUIDS IN SUFFICIENT AMT ... TO CAUSE SEVERE VOMITING
WITH OR WITHOUT NAUSEA. /ZINC/
CHRONIC ZINC POISONING FROM DUST OR FUME IS QUESTIONABLE. ... /DATA/ INDICATE
THAT RELATIVELY LARGE AMT OF ZINC MAY PASS FOR YEARS THROUGH KIDNEYS &
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT WITHOUT CAUSING ANY DETECTABLE CLINICAL DAMAGE.
... TAKEN BY MOUTH ARE RELATIVELY NON-TOXIC, THOUGH THE SOLUBLE SALTS IN
LARGE DOSES MAY CAUSE VOMITING & DIARRHEA. /ZINC & ZINC CMPD/
ZINC SALTS OF STRONG MINERAL ACIDS ARE ASTRINGENT, CORROSIVE TO SKIN, &
IRRITATION TO GI TRACT; WHEN INGESTED THEY ACT AS EMETICS. ... THE EMITIC CONCN
RANGE IN WATER IS FROM 675 TO 2280 PPM ... /ZINC SALTS/
... /IT WAS/ CONCLUDED THAT ... ABNORMAL AMT OF ZINC MAY ENTER & LEAVE
THE BODY FOR YEARS WITHOUT CAUSING SYMPTOMS OR EVIDENCE WHICH CAN BE DETECTED
CLINICALLY OR BY LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS OF GASTROINTESTINAL, KIDNEY, OR OTHER
DAMAGE. ... /ZINC/
ZINC SALTS ARE RELATIVELY NONTOXIC OWING TO EFFICIENT ZINC HOMEOSTATIC
MECHANISM ... /ZINC SALTS/
... There is no chronic form of ... /metal fume fever/, but in rare instances
the acute incident may be followed by complications such as bronchitis or
pneumonia. /Zinc/
Although rare, incidence of acute zinc toxicity in humans resulting from high
intakes of zinc have been reported. Isolated outbreaks of zinc toxicity have
occurred as a result of the consumption of foods and beverages contaminated with
zinc released from galvanized containers. Typical signs of acute zinc toxicosis
include epigastric pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Signs of toxicity
typically disappear within 24 hours after the removal of the insult. The
long-term consumption of zinc supplements in excess of 150 mg/d has been
reported to result in low plasma and erythrocyte copper concentrations, low
serum HDL concentrations, gastric erosion, and depressed immune function. /Zinc/
When normal stimulated cultured human lymphocytes were pretreated with
various soluble zinc salts, there was an increase in the numbers of cells with
chromosomal fragmentation, diploidy, dicentrism, and chromatid gaps and breaks.
A later study using a similar treatment regimen indicated that zinc induced a
dose-dependent decrease in lymphocytic mitotic indices. /Soluble zinc salts/
... /IT WAS/ CONCLUDED THAT ... ABNORMAL AMT OF ZINC MAY ENTER & LEAVE
THE BODY FOR YEARS WITHOUT CAUSING SYMPTOMS OR EVIDENCE WHICH CAN BE DETECTED
CLINICALLY OR BY LABORATORY EXAMINATIONS OF GASTROINTESTINAL, KIDNEY, OR OTHER
DAMAGE ... /ZINC/
THERE HAVE BEEN ... ZINC POISONING ASSOCIATED WITH PROLONGED CONSUMPTION OF
WATER FROM GALVANIZED PIPES. ... IRRITABILITY, MUSCULAR STIFFNESS & PAIN,
LOSS OF APPETITE & NAUSEA WERE REPORTED WHEN WATER CONTAINED ... 40 MG/L,
WHICH ... /WAS/ ABOVE ... SECONDARY DRINKING-WATER STD OF 5 MG/L. /ZINC/
... INDIVIDUALS ... WERE MADE ACUTELY ILL WITH DIZZINESS, NAUSEA, TIGHTNESS
IN THROAT & IN SOME CASES DIARRHEA, FROM EATING APPLES, STEWED IN GALVANIZED
IRON VESSELS, WHICH CONTAINED 7 G OF ZINC TO 1 LB. /ZINC/
A 32 year old woman developed severe nausea, vomiting and fever on 6
occasions after home dialysis using water which had been stored in a galvanized
tank. The plasma zinc concn 36 hr after the sixth home dialysis was 7 mg/l and
fell slowly after six week hospital dialysis to 1.58 mg/l. The red cell zinc
concn were respectively 35 and 12.3 mg/l (normal 10-14 mg/l). No further
episodes occurred when the home water was deionized before use. /Zinc/
... Oral ingestion of 12 g of elemental zinc (800 times the RDA) resulted
only in pronounced lethargy. Doses required to treat zinc deficiency (ie,
elemental zinc 1 mg/kg/day) cause essentially no adverse reactions. However,
ingestion of excessive doses for prolonged periods is not recommended. High
concn alter the immune reponse. ... Excessive intake also may induce copper and
iron deficiency ... and may cause nausea, vomiting, headache, chills, fever,
malaise, and abdominal pain. /Zinc/
Industrial hazards arise from exposure to zinc fume ... but assoc hazards in
metallurgy of zinc, of more serious consequence, arise from presence of arsenic,
cadmium, manganese, lead & possibly copper & silver. The frequent
presence of arsenic in zinc is source of exposure to arsine (AsH3) whenever zinc
is dissolved in acids or alkalies; many cases of intoxication by arsine have
occurred in pickling of galvanized iron or from use of powdered impure zinc as
reducing agent in dyeing. It is possible ... that effects attributed to exposure
to zinc fume may in part be attributable to those of cadmium. /Zinc/
In a cross-sectional study of 20 gun-metal foundry workers (mean age 47 yr)
the subclinical neurophysiological effects of exposure to lead, zinc, copper,
and tin were evaluated by "short-latency" somatosensory evoked
potential. Controls were age and height-matched males without occupational
exposure to lead. Range of employment was 1-16 yr (mean 10 yr). In exposed
workers mean blood lead was 42 ug/dl, mean zinc plasma 95 ug/dl, mean copper
plasma 105 ug/dl, and mean urinary tin 28 ug/l. In workers, the interpeak
latency in the cervico-spino-bulbar region was significantly prolonged
(p<0.05), and the motor conduction velocity and sensory conduction velocity
in the forearm were significantly slowed (0.01<p<0.05) when compared with
controls. The yield of urinary lead following challenge with Ca-EDTA was
positively related to latency in the cervico-spino-bulbar region and inversely
related to hematocrit (p<0.05). The interpeak latency in the upper central
nervous system was inversely related to zinc concentration in erythrocytes.
Latency up to the Erbs point was inversely related to urinary zinc. Motor
conduction velocity in the in the palm was positively related to erythrocyte
zinc concentration. /Zinc/
... metal fume fever results from inhalation of fumes of zinc oxide produced
when zinc is heated to high temperatures, such as during welding, metal cutting,
or smelting zinc alloys. Victims complain of nausea and vomiting, chills and
fever, muscular aches and pains, and weakness. /Zinc/
Hypotension, diarrhea, vomiting, pulmonary edema, jaundice, hyperamylasemia,
oliguria, anemia, and thrombocytopenia occurred after a suicidal zinc injection.
/Zinc/
Drug Warnings:
The major consequence associated with the long-term ingestion of moderately
high amounts of zinc is the induction of secondary copper deficiency. It is well
documented that for humans the chronic intake of zinc supplements as low as 50
mg/d can result in a marginal copper deficiency as assessed by reductions in
plasma copper concentrations and reductions in the activity of erythrocyte
copper-zinc superoxide dismutase. /Zinc/
A potential role for zinc in retarding the progression of age-related macular
degeneration has not been proven. Zinc salts have not been found to be
beneficial in the treatment of acute intermittent porphyria. /Zinc supplements/
Zinc injection that contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative should not be
used in newborn and immature infants. The use of benzyl alcohol in neonates has
been associated with a fatal toxic syndrome consisting of metabolic acidosis and
CNS, respiratory, circulatory, and renal function impairment. /Zinc supplements/
Medical Surveillance:
The assessment of zinc exposure can be accomplished through measurement of
zinc. The presence of excess zinc ... can indicate high exposure to zinc;
however, no information was found in the literature regarding the accuracy of
these levels in predicting possible health effects. Blood Reference Ranges:
Normal - average level 1200 ug/dl; Exposed - not established; Toxic - not
established. Serum or Plasma Reference Ranges: Normal - average levels 100 ug/dl;
Exposed - not established; Toxic - not established. Urine Reference Ranges:
Normal - average levels 0.5 mg/g creatinine or 150 to 1200 ug/24 hours; Exposed
- urinary concentrations of 600 to 700 ug/l were found in workers exposed to
zinc oxide at levels of 3 to 5 mg/cu m; Toxic - greater than 1200 ug/24 hours
has been indicated as a toxic urinary level of zinc; however no information was
located relating to the severity of symptoms seen with high urinary zinc levels.
/Zinc/
Respiratory Symptom Questionnaires:Questionnaires have been published by the
American Thoracic Society and the British Medical Research Council. These
questionnaires have been found to be useful in identification of people with
chronic bronchitis, however certain pulmonary function tests such as FEV1 have
been found to be better predictors of chronic airflow obstruction. /Zinc/
Chest Radiography: This test is widely used for assessing pulmonary disease.
Chest radiographs have been found to be useful for detection of early lung
cancer in asymptomatic people, especially for detection of peripheral tumors
such as adenocarcinomas. However, even though OSHA mandates this test for
exposure to some toxicants such as asbestos, there are conflicting views on its
efficacy in detection of pulmonary disease. /Zinc/
Pulmonary Function Tests: The tests that have been found to be practical for
population monitoring include: Spirometry and expiratory flow-volume curves;
Determination of lung volumes; Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide;
Single-breath nitrogen washout; Inhalation challenge tests; Serial measurements
of peak expiratory flow; Exercise testing. /Zinc/
Sputum Cytology: Sputum cytology along with chest radiographs have been the
standard procedures for detecting early lung cancer in asymptomatic patients.
Sputum cytology has been found to be useful for detection of central tumors,
especially squamous carcinomas. /Zinc/
Evaluation of Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve conduction study;
Electromyography; Quantitative sensory testing; Thermography. /Zinc/
Evaluation of Central Nervous System Effects: Evaluation of CNS effects can
be performed through neuropsychological assessment, which consists of a clinical
interview and administration of standardized personality and neuropsychological
tests. The areas that the neuropsychology test batteries focus on include the
domains of memory and attention; visuoperceptual, visual scanning, visuospatial,
and visual memory; and motor speed and reaction time. There is limited data on
which components of the test batteries are best indicators of early CNS effects.
/Zinc/
Evaluation of Cranial Neuropathies: Evaluation of cranial nerve damage, as
evidenced by symptoms such as loss of balance, visual function, smell, taste, or
sensation on the face, can be accomplished through a physical examination
focusing on tests such as: Smell Assessment ... Visual Assessment ... Facial and
Trigeminal Nerve Assessment ... Vestibular Assessment ... Hearing Assessment.
/Zinc/
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 269 workers
(22 of these are female) are potentially exposed to pure zinc and 133,608
workers (17,586 of these are female) are potentially exposed to other forms of
zinc in the US(1). All the workers exposed to pure zinc were employed in the
metal fabrication industry as millwrights or assemblers(1). The largest numbers
of workers exposed to other forms of zinc worked in primary metal industries,
with fabricated metal products, with transportation equipment, with stone clay
and glass products and in special trade contractor industries(1).
Occupational exposure to zinc may be through inhalation of airborne dust and
dermal contact at smelter facilities, mines or workplaces where zinc
compounds are produced and used(1,SRC). The general population
is exposed to zinc primarily through the ingestion of food(SRC).
Body Burden:
Zinc is found in all human tissues and all body fluids and is essential for
growth, development and reproduction(1). The total zinc content of the human
body (70 kg) is about 2,300 mg(1). Zinc was detected in the hair of adult
Pakistanian males at avg concns of 164.1 ug/g(rural population) and 170.3 ug/g
(urban population)(2). Zinc was detected in the hair of Russian adults at concns
of 140.5-220 ppm (males) and 157.5-294.6 ppm (females)(3). Zinc was detected in
hair samples of the population of Ghana at concns of 176.8-274.1 ug/g (females)
and 164.2-291 ug/g(males)(4). Zinc was detected in human milk from Croatia at
concns of 1.7-11.6 mg/l(5). Human milk typically contains about 3 mg/l of
zinc(1). The mean concn of zinc in the fingernails and toenails of populations
from the US, Canada and Japan were 105, 109 and 94 mg/kg, respectively(6).
Average Daily Intake:
The AVDI of zinc for adult humans in the Western world is 7-15 mg(1). The
AVDI of zinc for adults in Japan was reported as 8,000 ug(2). An FDA survey
(1982-1984) yielded the following daily zinc intakes in mg/day: 6-11 month old
infants, 5.24; 2-year old children, 7.37; 14-16 year-old girls, 9.9; 14-16
year-old boys, 15.61; 25-30 year-old women, 9.56; 25-30 year-old men, 16.15;
60-65 year-old women, 8.51; 60-85 year-old men, 12.64(3).
Antidote and Emergency Treatment:
Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for
signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary.
Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary
edema and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary
... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination,
flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal
saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and
administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can
swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool. Administer activated
charcoal ... . /Zinc and related compounds/
Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for
airway control in the patient who is unconscious or has severe pulmonary edema.
Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be
beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... .
Start an IV with D5W TKO /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use
lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid
overload. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . For hypotension with
signs of hypovolemia, administer fluids cautiously. Consider vasopressors for
hypotension with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... .
Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium) ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to
assist eye irrigation ... . /Zinc and related compounds/
Animal Toxicity Studies:
Toxicity Summary:
Zinc is an essential metal and its deficiency results in severe nutritionally
related health problems. ... In both humans and animals, zinc deficiency causes
rapid and severe depression of immune functions. Large numbers of enzymes
associated with DNA and RNA synthesis are dependent on zinc for function.
Furthermore, zinc is essential for adequate membrane function, protein
synthesis, and association of nuclear proteins with DNA. Thus, zinc may affect
the proliferation of lymphocytes and the production of cytokines. /Zinc/
Evidence for Carcinogenicity:
CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR
CLASSIFICATION: Based on inadequate evidence in humans and animals. HUMAN
CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate. /Zinc
and compounds/
Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts:
EXCESSIVE ZINC ADDN TO FOOD OF WEANLING PIGS (AROUND 1000 MG/KG FOR PERIODS
EXCEEDING 1 MO) PRODUCED DEPRESSED RATE OF GROWTH & FOOD INTAKE. ...
ARTHRITIS, LAMENESS & INFLAMMATION OF GI TRACT WERE RECORDED ... /ZINC
SALTS/
LARGE DOSES OF ZINC SALTS PRODUCE GENERAL SIGNS OF ACUTE METAL POISONING, IE
VIOLENT VOMITING, PURGATION, EVIDENCE OF ABDOMINAL PAIN & COLLAPSE. CATTLE
... SHOW DRAMATIC DROP IN MILK YIELD. SOME ANIMALS BECOME SOMNOLENT &
DEVELOP PARESIS. ... POST MORTEM LESIONS INCLUDE PULMONARY EMPHYSEMA, PALE,
FLABBY MYOCARDIUM, PETECHIAE IN KIDNEYS, AND DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN LIVER.
ATTEMPTS TO PRODUCE ZINC (ZN) TOXICITY ... /WITH/ 0.25% IN DIET OF RATS HAVE
NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. AT LEVELS ABOVE THIS HOMEOSTATIC MECHANISM BREAKS DOWN;
GROWTH RETARDATION, HYPOCHROMIC ANEMIA & DEFECTIVE MINERALIZATIONS OF BONE
OCCUR. DISPLACEMENT OF COPPER & ALTERED PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY ARE PERHAPS
MECHANISMS OF ACTION.
SYMPTOMS OF ZINC (ZN) TOXICITY ARE LASSITUDE, SLOWER TENDON REFLEXES, BLOODY
ENTERITIS, DIARRHEA, LOWERED LEUKOCYTE COUNT AND DEPRESSION OF CNS ... AND
PARALYSIS OF EXTREMITIES.
IN GROUPS OF 22-34 RATS THAT RECEIVED INTRAMUSCULAR IMPLANTATIONS OF VARIOUS
CHROMIUM COMPOUNDS THE FOLLOWING INCIDENCES OF IMPLANTATION-SITE TUMORS (TYPE
UNSPECIFIED) WERE OBSERVED AFTER 27 MONTHS: ZINC YELLOW(VI), 16/34 (22 ALIVE AT
1 YEAR) ... NONE OF 32 CONTROL RATS GIVEN IMPLANTS OF SHEEP FAT ALONE DEVELOPED
LOCAL TUMORS (30 ALIVE AT 1 YEAR). IT WAS NOT SPECIFIED WHETHER THIS COMPOUND
WAS ZINC CHROMATE, ZINC POTASSIUM CHROMATE, OR ZINC YELLOW.
In experimental animals, acute zinc toxicity has not been associated with any
reproducible pattern of developmental abnormalities. When pregnant rats are fed
high concentrations of dietary zinc (> 1000 ug Zn/g diet compared to average
control diet of 50 ug/g) throughout pregnancy, the primary effect is the
induction of secondary maternal and fetal copper deficiencies, which can result
in the occurrence of fetal abnormalities consistent with those associated with
primary copper deficiency. /Zinc/
Concentrations of zinc in excess of 50 um are toxic to preimplantation mouse
embryos grown in vitro; the mechanisms underlying this toxicity have not been
identified. Concentrations of zinc in excess of 40 um have also been reported to
be teratogenic to frog embryos as assessed by /frog embryo teratogenesis assay:
Xenopus/ defects of the eye, gut notochord, and heart being observed. /Zinc/
Immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to infection are important
features of zinc deficiency. Lambs fed marginal (basal diet + 5 mg zinc/kg) diet
for 58 days showed a decreased number of lymphocytes and increased
susceptibility to Pasteurella hemolytica. Zinc-deficient CD-1 mice were not
protected against encephalomyocarditis virus. /Zinc/
Zinc-deficient animals showed thymic atrophy and lymphophenia, but no
alteration in T lymphocytes functions. When A/J mice were provided
zinc-deficient or zinc-adequate diets for 30 days, splenocytes from deficient
animals showed a higher degree of proliferation compared to mice provided a
zinc-adequate diet. However, lymphocyte number was diminished in zinc-deficient
animals. In another study, zinc-deficient C57B1/Ks female mouse spleen cells
showed reduced cytotoxic lymphocytes, NK cell and ADCC activity, and a decrease
in the proportion of T lymphocytes. /Zinc/
Testicular teratomas and seminomas as well as lung reticulosarcomas have
occurred in birds and rodents when insoluble zinc salts in high concentrations
are injected into these tissues. /Zinc salts/
POISONING ... /HAS BEEN OBSERVED/ IN FERRETS & MINK FROM CHEWING CORRODED
CAGES OR ... IN CATTLE & HORSES ... FROM FOOD STUFFS CONTAINING PARTICLES OF
METAL, & IN PIGS & HENS FROM USE OF ZINC PLATED FUNNELS. ZINC OXIDE
FUMES FROM WELDING OF GALVANIZED MATERIALS ARE ... /THOUGHT/ TO BE RESPONSIBLE
FOR POISONING OF CATTLE IN VICINITY OF WELDING OPERATIONS. ... IT IS EVIDENT
THAT YOUNG ANIMALS ARE MUCH MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO POISONING BY ZINC THAN MATURE
ANIMALS. /ZINC/
Incorporation studies with radioactive amino acids and metals have suggested
that Cd and Zn administration to experimental animals increases both metal
accumulation and labeled cysteine incorporation into hepatic metallothionein.
/Zinc/
Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:
Metabolism/Metabolites:
Following oral administration of Zn (65), measurable levels were found in the
blood within 15-20 minutes, with peak levels in 2-4 hr. Plasma and serum levels
were higher than whole blood. Zinc is stored primarily in skeletal muscle.
Significant concentrations occur in the pancreas, prostate, liver, and retina.
/Zinc/
Absorption, Distribution & Excretion:
AVERAGE NORMAL LEVELS OF ZINC IN CATTLE ARE: LIVER, 135 PPM; KIDNEYS, 80 PPM;
FECES, 200 PPM, (ALL DRY MATTER) AND SERUM 0.14 PPM. IN ANIMALS SUFFERING FROM
ZINC POISONING CORRESPONDING VALUES ARE: LIVER, 2000 PPM; KIDNEYS, 670 PPM;
FECES, 3740 PPM; AND SERUM, 0.515 PPM. /ZINC ION/
ABSORPTION BY GI TRACT IS VARIABLE IN ANIMALS ... & POOR IN HUMAN ...
EXCRETION IS CHIEFLY BY FECES, IN AMT ROUGHLY EQUAL TO THAT ADMIN ... URINARY
EXCRETION IS SMALL ... DOES NOT VARY WITH INTAKE & IS INDEPENDENT OF URINE
VOLUME ... /ZINC/
ONLY VERY SMALL AMT OF ZINC ARE ABSORBED & STORED IN TISSUES OF
LABORATORY ANIMALS, DOGS, CATS & RATS FED ZINC CMPD FOR LONG PERIODS; CHIEF
SITES OF STORAGE WERE LIVER & PANCREAS.
... SOME REGULATION OF INTAKE & OUTPUT OF ZINC PROBABLY TAKES PLACE IN
INTESTINE. STUDIES ON RATS AND MICE SUGGEST THAT METALLOTHIONEIN, A LOW
MOLECULAR WT CYTOPLASMIC METALLOPROTEIN, HAS A ROLE IN THIS HOMEOSTASIS.
ZINC IS ELIMINATED PRINCIPALLY BY THE GI TRACT. PANCREATIC FLUID CONTAINS
SIGNIFICANT AMT, WHILE ADDITIONAL QUANTITIES ARE FOUND IN BILE. URINE CONTAINS
SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN FECES (ABOUT 20% OF FECAL AMT). MILK ALSO CONTAINS
SIGNIFICANT CONCN OF ZINC.
ZINC CAN BIND READILY TO SULFHYDRYL GROUPS, AMINO GROUPS & IMIDAZOLE
GROUPS OF PROTEINS, AMINO ACIDS & OTHER ORGANIC MOLECULES. ... ABSORBED
PRIMARILY FROM DUODENUM. IT BINDS TO ALL PROTEINS OF PLASMA ... MOST LOOSELY
BOUND TO ALBUMIN & THIS MAY BE IMPORTANT FOR TRANSPORT TO & FROM
TISSUES. /ZINC ION/
The highest concn /of zinc/ appears in the choroid of the eye, spermatozoa,
hair, nails. ... In plasma, most zinc is protein bound, predominately to
albumin, alpha 2-macroglobulin, and transferrin. /Zinc ion/
Upon intravenous injection zinc is distributed to erythrocytes, plasma, and
leukocytes; about 80% of the zinc present in the blood is found in the
erythrocytes, 12-20% in the plasma, and about 3% in the leukocytes. ... There is
a dynamic exchange of zinc between plasma and erythrocytes. Inhalation of dusts
of zinc salts results in a transient accumulation in the lung before its
absorption into the blood. There is little absorption of zinc or its salts
through the skin. ... About 80% of parenterally administered zinc is excreted in
the feces, suggesting an enterohepatic circulation for zinc. In humans, about
10% of the absorbed zinc is excreted in the urine, and in tropical climates
about 2-3 mg zinc/day may be lost in sweat. /Soluble zinc
compounds/
The gastrointestinal absorption of soluble zinc salts in mammals is highly
variable; it averages about 50% of the dietary intake and is dependent upon the
zinc level in the diet. ... When small amounts of zinc are fed to experimental
animals and ruminants, the absorption of zinc may increase to 80%. ...
ZINC CONCN IN GASTRIC CONTENT, BLOOD, LIVER, KIDNEY, & MUSCLES OF
SUICIDAL VICTIM WERE 22.8, 2.4, 5.3, 5.3, & 5.7 MG/100 G, RESPECTIVELY,
VERSUS CORRESPONDING NORMAL LEVELS OF 1.9, 1.5, 8.0, 4.0, & 5.0 MG/100 G.
/ZINC ION/
In the tissues, the highest concn of zinc are found in the male reproductive
system where the prostate has the highest content. High concn of zinc also occur
in the muscle, bone, liver, kidney, pancreas, and some endocrine glands,
especially the thyroid. The largest amounts of zinc are found in the muscles and
the bone. Within tissues there may be variation; in the human prostate gland the
highest zinc concn are found in the lateral prostate and the lowest in the
interior and inner prostate. Also significant is the finding that semen has a
high zinc content. In most organs there are relatively small variations in zinc
levels during a lifetime except that in the newborn, zinc concn generally are
higher than later in life. /Zinc ion/
Zinc is mainly excreted via the gastrointestinal tract but part of that zinc
is reabsorbed. Urinary excretion of zinc is relatively small but with certain
conditions, ie, extreme heat or exercise, much larger quantities may be excreted
in sweat. Zinc is also excreted via hair and milk, and in the female there is a
placental transfer to the fetus. /Zinc ion/
Absorption of zinc occurs throughout the intestine but mainly in the second
portion of the duodenum. The mechanism of passage through the gut mucosa is not
completely understood but involves metallothionein binding or other zinc-protein
complexes in lumenal cells. Absorption ranged from 25-90% following Zn(65) oral
administration in humans and is influenced by dietary factors. Zinc absorption
is decreased when consumed with some vegetable proteins, calcium, and phosphorus
but increased when consumed with animal proteins. /Zinc/
Baseline data on Zn accumulation in organs and tissues, and their variations
with age, sex, and habitat in Japanese serows (Capricornus crispus) were
determined. The animals were killed during the winter 1981-82 in the Gifu and
Nagano Prefectures, Japan. The Zn concentrations were measured by flame
absorption spectrometry. On a wet wt basis, the mean Zn concentration in muscle,
liver, kidney, and whole body of fetuses (gestation age 0.3-0.7 yr, n= 13) were
11.5, 169, 25.0, and 44.2 ug/g, respectively; in fawns (age 0.0-0.5 yr, n= 12),
34.4, 38.0, 30.0, and 38.1 ug/g, respectively; in yearlings (age 0.5-2.5 yr, n=
6), 35.9, 37.1, 30.6, and 42.5 ug/g, respectively; in adults (age 2.5 to 10 yr,
n= 42), 39.4, 36.7, 31.5, and 41.3 ug/g, respectively; and in adults (age 10 to
17.5 yr, n= 17), 41.2, 37.2, 29.0, and 42.3 ug/g, respectively. The mean Zn
concentration in fleece of fawns, yearlings, and adults (age 2.5 to 10 yr) was
115, 119, and 98.8 ug/g. the Zn content of bone samples of two adult serows
ranged from 68.4 to 88.9 ug/g wet wt. The data indicate that higher accumulation
of Zn occurred in hard tissues such as fleece and bone than in soft tissues. The
body burden of fetuses was low (<1%) compared with those of their mothers.
There was no significant difference in Zn concentration between collection
locations. The Zn uptake agreed well with the concentration on Zn in food
plants.
Biological Half-Life:
In normal humans, for example, those without excessive intake of zinc, the
body burden half-time of absorbed radio zinc has been observed to range from
162-500 days. After parenteral administration of zinc, half-times ranging from
about 100-500 days have been reported. /Zinc/
Mechanism of Action:
... Freshly formed fumes are ... composed of ... particles in range of 0.05
to 0.5 um, & ... /have/ increased activity when they come into contact with
the alveolar walls of lung. As fumes age they become less reactive because they
tend to agglomerate or form aggregates & settle out of atmosphere ...
thereby reducing concn of reactive particulates in lung. ... The size of
particles is important factor in producing the illness. ... Finely divided
particles of metals /are/ so small that they behave much like a gas & act on
the alveolar surfaces, affecting the lung tissue & not upper respiratory
tract. /Zinc/
... ZINC CMPD PROBABLY OWE THEIR /ASTRINGENT/ ACTION TO ABILITY OF ZINC ION
TO PRECIPITATE PROTEIN, BUT OTHER MECHANISMS MAY BE INVOLVED IN EFFECT ON
BACTERIA.
... PRECIPITATING ACTION /OF ZINC SALTS/ ON PROTEINS FORMS BASIS OF THEIR
ASTRINGENT & ANTISEPTIC EFFECTS ... /ZINC SALTS/
The mechanism is thought to be homeostatically controlled and is probably a
carrier-mediated process. It is influenced by prostaglandins E2 and F2 and is
chelated by picolinic acid, a tryptophan derivative.
Interactions:
IT APPEARS THAT ZINC (ZN) PROTECTS LIVER AGAINST NOXIOUS EFFECTS OF CARBON
TETRACHLORIDE PRIMARILY BY INTERFERING WITH LIPID PEROXIDATION RELATED TISSUE
DAMAGE. /ZINC/
THE SUPPRESSIVE EFFECT OF ZINC ON THE TOXICITY LETHALITY OF MERCURY WAS
STUDIED. INDUCED BIOSYNTHESIS OF METALLOTHIONEIN BY ZINC IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
SUPPRESSIVE EFFECT. /ZINC/
SIMULTANEOUS ADMIN OF CADMIUM ENHANCES SOME ... EFFECTS OF ZINC DEFICIENCY.
... DECR GROWTH RATE & CORNEAL KERATINIZATION /WERE OBSERVED/ AMONG RATS FED
WITH MARGINAL LEVEL OF ZINC, WHEN 3.4 MG/KG OF CADMIUM WAS ADDED TO DRINKING
WATER. ... ZINC CONTENT OF TESTES ... /ALSO/ DECR.
... ZINC HAS BEEN SHOWN TO PREVENT INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF LEAD ON RED CELL
ENZYME DELTA-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID (ALA) DEHYDRATASE, PRESUMABLY BY INDUCING MORE
SYNTHESIS OF ENZYME FOR WHICH ZINC IS ESSENTIAL COMPONENT. CLOSELY RELATED TO
THIS ... INTERACTION IS RISE IN RED CELL ZINC PROTOPORPHYRIN LEVELS IN LEAD
WORKERS AT LOW BLOOD LEAD LEVELS. /ZINC ION/
OCCURRENCE OF HYPOCHROMIC, MICROCYTIC ANEMIA IN RATS FOLLOWING INGESTION OF
EXCESSIVE ZINC & REVERSAL OF THIS ANEMIA BY IRON SUPPLEMENTATION DEMONSTRATE
INTERACTION BETWEEN THESE TWO METALS. ... /IT/ AFFECTS IRON METAB BY INCR IRON
TURNOVER, DECR LIFE SPAN OF ERYTHROCYTES & DECR HEPATIC ACCUM OF IRON AS
FERRITIN.
SEVERE ANEMIA IN RATS PRODUCED BY ZINC TOXICITY IS OVERCOME OR PREVENTED BY
ADDN OF COPPER OR LIVER EXTRACT TO THEIR DIET. MOST SYMPTOMS OF ZINC
INTOXICATION CAN BE REVERSED BY SUPPLEMENTS OF SOL COPPER SALTS TO DIET; /IT IS/
POSTULATED THAT EXCESS DIETARY ZINC REDUCE INTESTINAL ABSORPTION OF COPPER.
USING CHICKEN EMBRYOS IT WAS POSSIBLE TO SHOW THAT ZINC ION (ZN2+) AT DOSE OF
67.3 UG COULD TOTALLY INHIBIT DAMAGE CAUSED BY 0.0256 UG CADMIUM ION (CD2+).
CADMIUM IS CLOSELY RELATED TO ZINC IN ITS ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATION, & THE
TWO IONS INTERACT PHYSIOLOGICALLY. CADMIUM TENDS TO INCREASE REQUIREMENT FOR
ZINC OR ... ZINC DECREASES BIOAVAILABILITY OF CADMIUM. /ZINC ION/
It has been shown in human beings that oral administration of histidine will
cause decreases in serum zinc and an increase in urinary zinc excretion.
Large doses of zinc may inhibit copper absorption in the intestine; zinc
supplements should be taken at least 2 hours after the administration of copper
supplements. /Zinc supplements/
Thiazide diuretics have been found to increase urinary zinc excretion. /Zinc
supplements/
Concurrent use of large amounts of fiber, phosphorus, or phytates with zinc
supplements may reduce zinc absorption by formation of nonabsorbable complexes;
food containing fiber, phosphorus, or phytates should be taken at least 2 hours
after zinc supplements. /Zinc supplements/
Some studies have found that folate can decrease the absorption of zinc, but
not in the presence of excessive zinc; other studies have found no inhibition.
/Zinc supplements/
Large doses of iron supplements can inhibit the intestinal absorption of
zinc; this, at one time was a problem in individuals taking commercial
multivitamin-mineral preparations or infant formulas that had a high iron to
zinc ratio; however, most firms in the US have reformulated their products; zinc
supplements should be taken at least 2 hours after iron supplements. /Zinc
supplements/
Concurrent use /of zinc supplements with penicillamine, and possibly other
heavy metal chelators/ may decrease the absorption of zinc; a period of 2 hours
should elapse between administration of penicillamine and zinc. /Zinc
supplements/
Concurrent use of phosphorus-containing preparations with zinc supplements
may reduce zinc absorption by formation of nonabsorbable complexes;
phosphorus-containing preparations should be taken 2 hours after zinc
supplements. /Zinc supplements/
Zinc salts may decrease the absorption of tetracycline by forming insoluble
chelates; zinc supplements should be given 2 hours after the administration of
tetracyclines. /Zinc supplements/
... /In attempts/ to reproduce in animals zinc metal fume fever ...
preliminary exposure to acetic acid vapors tended to prepare the host for
development of zinc metal fume fever by permitting contact between leukocytes
& zinc oxide particles, resulting in release of endogenous pyrogens to metal
fume fever. /Zinc/
Pharmacology:
Therapeutic Uses:
... In some pt dark adaptation improved when zinc was admin; in these pt
treatment with vitamin A had failed. ... In a pt who had abnormal dark
adaptation associated with Crohn's disease and low serum zinc, there was
improvement of the dark adaptation when zinc was admin.
Zinc supplements have been used along with a reduced copper diet in the
treatment of Wilson's disease in patients who are unable to tolerate
penicillamine. /NOT included in US product labeling; Zinc supplements/
Some unusual diets (e.g., reducing diets that drastically restrict food
selection) may not supply minimum daily requirements of zinc. Supplementation
may be necessary in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or
undergoing rapid weight loss or in those with malnutrition, because of
inadequate dietary intake. /Included in US product labeling; Zinc supplements/
Zinc supplements are indicated in the prevention and treatment of zinc
deficiency, which may result from inadequate nutrition or intestinal
malabsorption and other conditions that interfere with zinc utilization or
increase zinc losses from the body, but does not occur in healthy individuals
receiving an adequate balanced diet. For prophylaxis of zinc deficiency, dietary
improvement, rather than supplementation, is advisable. For treatment of zinc
deficiency, supplementation is preferred. /Included in US product labeling; Zinc
supplements/
Drug Warnings:
The major consequence associated with the long-term ingestion of moderately
high amounts of zinc is the induction of secondary copper deficiency. It is well
documented that for humans the chronic intake of zinc supplements as low as 50
mg/d can result in a marginal copper deficiency as assessed by reductions in
plasma copper concentrations and reductions in the activity of erythrocyte
copper-zinc superoxide dismutase. /Zinc/
A potential role for zinc in retarding the progression of age-related macular
degeneration has not been proven. Zinc salts have not been found to be
beneficial in the treatment of acute intermittent porphyria. /Zinc supplements/
Zinc injection that contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative should not be
used in newborn and immature infants. The use of benzyl alcohol in neonates has
been associated with a fatal toxic syndrome consisting of metabolic acidosis and
CNS, respiratory, circulatory, and renal function impairment. /Zinc supplements/
Interactions:
IT APPEARS THAT ZINC (ZN) PROTECTS LIVER AGAINST NOXIOUS EFFECTS OF CARBON
TETRACHLORIDE PRIMARILY BY INTERFERING WITH LIPID PEROXIDATION RELATED TISSUE
DAMAGE. /ZINC/
THE SUPPRESSIVE EFFECT OF ZINC ON THE TOXICITY LETHALITY OF MERCURY WAS
STUDIED. INDUCED BIOSYNTHESIS OF METALLOTHIONEIN BY ZINC IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE
SUPPRESSIVE EFFECT. /ZINC/
SIMULTANEOUS ADMIN OF CADMIUM ENHANCES SOME ... EFFECTS OF ZINC DEFICIENCY.
... DECR GROWTH RATE & CORNEAL KERATINIZATION /WERE OBSERVED/ AMONG RATS FED
WITH MARGINAL LEVEL OF ZINC, WHEN 3.4 MG/KG OF CADMIUM WAS ADDED TO DRINKING
WATER. ... ZINC CONTENT OF TESTES ... /ALSO/ DECR.
... ZINC HAS BEEN SHOWN TO PREVENT INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF LEAD ON RED CELL
ENZYME DELTA-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID (ALA) DEHYDRATASE, PRESUMABLY BY INDUCING MORE
SYNTHESIS OF ENZYME FOR WHICH ZINC IS ESSENTIAL COMPONENT. CLOSELY RELATED TO
THIS ... INTERACTION IS RISE IN RED CELL ZINC PROTOPORPHYRIN LEVELS IN LEAD
WORKERS AT LOW BLOOD LEAD LEVELS. /ZINC ION/
OCCURRENCE OF HYPOCHROMIC, MICROCYTIC ANEMIA IN RATS FOLLOWING INGESTION OF
EXCESSIVE ZINC & REVERSAL OF THIS ANEMIA BY IRON SUPPLEMENTATION DEMONSTRATE
INTERACTION BETWEEN THESE TWO METALS. ... /IT/ AFFECTS IRON METAB BY INCR IRON
TURNOVER, DECR LIFE SPAN OF ERYTHROCYTES & DECR HEPATIC ACCUM OF IRON AS
FERRITIN.
SEVERE ANEMIA IN RATS PRODUCED BY ZINC TOXICITY IS OVERCOME OR PREVENTED BY
ADDN OF COPPER OR LIVER EXTRACT TO THEIR DIET. MOST SYMPTOMS OF ZINC
INTOXICATION CAN BE REVERSED BY SUPPLEMENTS OF SOL COPPER SALTS TO DIET; /IT IS/
POSTULATED THAT EXCESS DIETARY ZINC REDUCE INTESTINAL ABSORPTION OF COPPER.
USING CHICKEN EMBRYOS IT WAS POSSIBLE TO SHOW THAT ZINC ION (ZN2+) AT DOSE OF
67.3 UG COULD TOTALLY INHIBIT DAMAGE CAUSED BY 0.0256 UG CADMIUM ION (CD2+).
CADMIUM IS CLOSELY RELATED TO ZINC IN ITS ELECTRONIC CONFIGURATION, & THE
TWO IONS INTERACT PHYSIOLOGICALLY. CADMIUM TENDS TO INCREASE REQUIREMENT FOR
ZINC OR ... ZINC DECREASES BIOAVAILABILITY OF CADMIUM. /ZINC ION/
It has been shown in human beings that oral administration of histidine will
cause decreases in serum zinc and an increase in urinary zinc excretion.
Large doses of zinc may inhibit copper absorption in the intestine; zinc
supplements should be taken at least 2 hours after the administration of copper
supplements. /Zinc supplements/
Thiazide diuretics have been found to increase urinary zinc excretion. /Zinc
supplements/
Concurrent use of large amounts of fiber, phosphorus, or phytates with zinc
supplements may reduce zinc absorption by formation of nonabsorbable complexes;
food containing fiber, phosphorus, or phytates should be taken at least 2 hours
after zinc supplements. /Zinc supplements/
Some studies have found that folate can decrease the absorption of zinc, but
not in the presence of excessive zinc; other studies have found no inhibition.
/Zinc supplements/
Large doses of iron supplements can inhibit the intestinal absorption of
zinc; this, at one time was a problem in individuals taking commercial
multivitamin-mineral preparations or infant formulas that had a high iron to
zinc ratio; however, most firms in the US have reformulated their products; zinc
supplements should be taken at least 2 hours after iron supplements. /Zinc
supplements/
Concurrent use /of zinc supplements with penicillamine, and possibly other
heavy metal chelators/ may decrease the absorption of zinc; a period of 2 hours
should elapse between administration of penicillamine and zinc. /Zinc
supplements/
Concurrent use of phosphorus-containing preparations with zinc supplements
may reduce zinc absorption by formation of nonabsorbable complexes;
phosphorus-containing preparations should be taken 2 hours after zinc
supplements. /Zinc supplements/
Zinc salts may decrease the absorption of tetracycline by forming insoluble
chelates; zinc supplements should be given 2 hours after the administration of
tetracyclines. /Zinc supplements/
... /In attempts/ to reproduce in animals zinc metal fume fever ...
preliminary exposure to acetic acid vapors tended to prepare the host for
development of zinc metal fume fever by permitting contact between leukocytes
& zinc oxide particles, resulting in release of endogenous pyrogens to metal
fume fever. /Zinc/
Bionecessity:
ZINC DEFICIENCY DECREASES PRODUCTION OF DNA & RNA, WHICH LEADS TO REDUCED
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS. ... ZINC DEFICIENT DIETS ... SHOWED THAT GROWTH ARREST
OCCURRED AMONG RATS FED WITH FOOD CONTAINING SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 12 MG/KG OF
ZINC. TYPICAL SIGNS OF SEVERE DEFICIENCY INCL DERMATITIS, EMACIATION, TESTICULAR
ATROPHY, RETARDED GROWTH & ANOREXIA. ... ENDEMIC ZINC DEFICIENCY SYNDROME
AMONG YOUNG MEN & WOMEN HAS BEEN REPORTED FROM IRAN & EGYPT. PROMINENT
FEATURES WERE RETARDED GROWTH, INFANTILE TESTIS, DELAYED SEXUAL MATURATION,
ANEMIA, HEPATOSPLENOMEGALY & HYPERPIGMENTATION. /ZINC ION/
ZINC IS OMNIPRESENT IN LIVING ORGANISMS & RANKS WITH MOST ABUNDANT OF
TRACE METALS IN MAN. AS FAR AS IS KNOWN, ALL LIVING THINGS REQUIRE ZINC, &
IT IS CONSTITUENT OF ALL CELLS SERVING AS COFACTOR IN MANY ESSENTIAL ENZYME
SYSTEMS. /ZINC ION/
ZINC IS UBIQUITOUS & IS CONSIDERED AN ESSENTIAL TRACE ELEMENT. ITS
NECESSARY ROLES INVOLVE ENZYMES & ENZYMATIC FUNCTIONS, PROTEIN SYNTHESIS,
& CARBOHYDRATE METABOLISM. IT IS NECESSARY FOR NORMAL GROWTH &
DEVELOPMENT IN MAMMALS & BIRDS. HUMAN DWARFISM & LACK OF SEXUAL
DEVELOPMENT HAVE BEEN RELATED TO ZINC DEFICIENCY. ZINC IS PRESENT IN ...
METALLOENZYMES INCL CARBONIC ANHYDRASE, CARBOXYPEPTIDASE, ALCOHOL DEHYDROGENASE,
GLUTAMIC DEHYDROGENASE, LACTIC DEHYDROGENASE & ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE. /ZINC
ION/
Zinc deficiency in the new born may be manifested by dermatitis, loss of
hair, impaired healing, susceptibility to infections, and neuropsychologic
abnormalities. ... Less common zinc deficiency may occur with myocardial
infarction, arthritis, and even hypertension. /Zinc ion/
... Zinc is a membrane stabilizer and a participant in electron transfer
processes. Zinc hormone interactions incl hormonal influence on absorption,
distribution, transport, and excretion of zinc and zinc influence on synthesis,
secretion, receptor binding, and function of numerous hormones. ... Zinc is
required for maintenance of normal plasma concn of vitamin A and for normal
mobilization of vitamin A from the liver. /Zinc ion/
... Maternal serum zinc levels are significantly lower in those giving birth
to anencephalics than in controls. ... Zinc deficiency in pt with acrodermatitis
enteropathica might account for two major defects occurring among seven pregnant
pt with the disease. The two defects were anencephaly and fatal achondrogenesis.
/Zinc ion/
/The investigators/ ... reared rats on a marginally deficient zinc diet and
at the onset of gestation placed them on a zinc deficient diet. Nearly all of
the surviving fetuses exhibited one or more congenital malformations. Cleft
palate, skeletal defects, hydrocephalus (65%), eye, heart, lung and urogenital
(49%) abnormalities were found. A reduction of zinc content in the fetuses was
found. ... after exposing rats to only a few days of zinc deficiency were able
to produce fetal defects. A reduction in the otoliths of rats fetuses whose
mothers were maintained on deficient diets, was produced. Evidence that a 3 day
period of zinc deficiency can produce abnormal rat blastocysts and morulae has
been published ... . /Zinc ion/
The daily zinc requirement has been recommended as 15 mg for adults and 25 mg
for nursing mothers. /Zinc ion/
... Has many important natural functions in the eye ... . /Zinc ion/
Recommended intakes may be increased and/or supplementation may be necessary
in the following conditions (based on documented zinc deficiency): alcoholism;
burns; cirrhosis of the liver; diabetes mellitus; eating disorders - anorexia
nervosa, bulimia; gastrectomy; genetic disorders - celiac, Crohn's, diarrhea,
sprue, ulcerative colitis; intentinal parasitism; malabsorption syndromes
associated with pancreatic insufficiency - pancreatic disease, cystic fibrosis;
renal diseases - nephrotic syndrome, renal failure, uremia; short bowel
syndrome; skin disorders - exfoliative dermatoses, psoriasis; prolonged stress;
prolonged trauma. /Zinc supplements/
Environmental Fate & Exposure:
Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary:
Zinc occurs naturally in the earth's crust with an avg concn of about 70
mg/kg. It is an essential element for life that is found in virtually all living
organisms. Zinc compounds are not
found free in nature, but rather occur in the +2 oxidation state often as zinc
sulfide (sphalerite), zinc carbonate (smithsonite) and zinc oxide (zincite).
Zinc is released to the environment from both natural and anthropogenic sources;
however, releases from anthropogenic sources are greater than those from natural
sources. The primary anthropogenic sources of zinc in the environment are from
metal smelters and mining activities. The production and use of zinc in brass,
bronze, die castings metal, alloys, rubbers and paints may also lead to its
release to the environment through various waste streams. Zinc
compounds are expected to exist in the particulate phase in the
ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase zinc may be physically removed from the
air by wet and dry deposition. Zinc compounds are
expected to have low mobility in soils and are absorbed by plants and
vegetables. Volatilization from soil or water surfaces is not expected to be an
important environmental fate process. Based on monitoring data, zinc is expected
to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water and has been detected in the
majority of aquatic organisms studied. The zinc content of most sea fish has
been reported between 3 and 8 ppm, with certain kinds of fish and mollusks
containing up to 25 ppm. Occupational exposure to zinc may be through inhalation
of airborne dust and dermal contact at smelter facilities, mines or workplaces
where zinc compounds are produced and
used. The general population is exposed to zinc primarily through the ingestion
of food and to a lesser extent through the ingestion of drinking water and
inhalation of ambient air. (SRC)
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 269 workers
(22 of these are female) are potentially exposed to pure zinc and 133,608
workers (17,586 of these are female) are potentially exposed to other forms of
zinc in the US(1). All the workers exposed to pure zinc were employed in the
metal fabrication industry as millwrights or assemblers(1). The largest numbers
of workers exposed to other forms of zinc worked in primary metal industries,
with fabricated metal products, with transportation equipment, with stone clay
and glass products and in special trade contractor industries(1).
Occupational exposure to zinc may be through inhalation of airborne dust and
dermal contact at smelter facilities, mines or workplaces where zinc
compounds are produced and used(1,SRC). The general population
is exposed to zinc primarily through the ingestion of food(SRC).
Body Burden:
Zinc is found in all human tissues and all body fluids and is essential for
growth, development and reproduction(1). The total zinc content of the human
body (70 kg) is about 2,300 mg(1). Zinc was detected in the hair of adult
Pakistanian males at avg concns of 164.1 ug/g(rural population) and 170.3 ug/g
(urban population)(2). Zinc was detected in the hair of Russian adults at concns
of 140.5-220 ppm (males) and 157.5-294.6 ppm (females)(3). Zinc was detected in
hair samples of the population of Ghana at concns of 176.8-274.1 ug/g (females)
and 164.2-291 ug/g(males)(4). Zinc was detected in human milk from Croatia at
concns of 1.7-11.6 mg/l(5). Human milk typically contains about 3 mg/l of
zinc(1). The mean concn of zinc in the fingernails and toenails of populations
from the US, Canada and Japan were 105, 109 and 94 mg/kg, respectively(6).
Average Daily Intake:
The AVDI of zinc for adult humans in the Western world is 7-15 mg(1). The
AVDI of zinc for adults in Japan was reported as 8,000 ug(2). An FDA survey
(1982-1984) yielded the following daily zinc intakes in mg/day: 6-11 month old
infants, 5.24; 2-year old children, 7.37; 14-16 year-old girls, 9.9; 14-16
year-old boys, 15.61; 25-30 year-old women, 9.56; 25-30 year-old men, 16.15;
60-65 year-old women, 8.51; 60-85 year-old men, 12.64(3).
Natural Pollution Sources:
Zinc occurs naturally in the earth's crust with an avg concn of about 70
mg/kg(1). Zinc compounds are not found
free in nature, but rather occur in the +2 oxidation state often as zinc sulfide
(sphalerite), zinc carbonate (smithsonite) and zinc oxide (zincite)(2).
Artificial Pollution Sources:
The primary anthropogenic sources of zinc in the environment are from metal
smelters and mining activities(1). The production and use of zinc in brass,
bronze, die castings metal, alloys, rubbers and paints may also lead to its
release to the environment through various waste streams(1,2,SRC).
Environmental Fate:
TERRESTRIAL FATE: The zinc content of non-contaminated soils is in the range
of 10 to 300 mg/kg with a mean concn of about 50 mg/kg, but can be higher in the
vicinity of ore deposits and smelters(1). Zinc is strongly adsorbed to soils at
pH 5 or greater(2,3) and is expected to have low mobility in most soils(3,4).
Batch sorption experiments employing aquifer material collected from a landfill
in Denmark resulted in soil distribution coefficients (Kd) for zinc in the range
of 460-1,000(4). Soil samples from Sacramento, CA had Kd values for zinc of
70-1,359 at pH 4.5 and values of 425-2,896 at pH 6.5(5). Zinc is absorbed by
plants and vegetables and the normal zinc content is in the range of 15 to 100
mg/kg(6). Due to the ionic nature of zinc salts, volatilization from soil
surfaces is not expected to be important(SRC).
AQUATIC FATE: In natural waters, zinc can be found in several chemical forms,
such as, hydrated ions, metal-inorganic complexes or metal-organic complexes(1).
Hydrated zinc cations may be hydrolyzed to form Zn(OH)2 or ZnO(1). In anaerobic
environments ZnS may be formed(1). Based on monitoring data, zinc is expected to
adsorb to suspended solids and sediment in water(SRC). Due to the ionic nature
of zinc salts, volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an
important fate process(SRC). Monitoring data suggests that zinc is found in
virtually all aquatic organisms(SRC). BCF values for freshwater fish and marine
fish were reported as 1,000 and 2,000, respectively(1). After exposing rainbow
trout to zinc for a period of 30 days in river water, it was concluded that zinc
accumulates in the gills, liver, kidney and opercular bone, but not the
muscle(2).
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: Zinc compounds are
expected to exist in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere(SRC).
Particulate-phase zinc may be physically removed from the air by wet and dry
deposition(SRC). The dry deposition rate for the removal of zinc over the north
sea was reported as 2-93 kg/sq km year(1). Wet deposition flux rates over the
North Sea were reported as 8-170 kg/sq km year(1). The wet deposition flux rate
of zinc in Florida was 5,320-11,920 ug/sq m year and in Bermuda was 800-2,000 ug/sq
m year(2). The wet deposition flux rate of zinc in Germany was reported as 3-11
mg/sq m year(3). The atmospheric deposition rate for zinc into Massachusetts Bay
was reported as 4,800-5,400 ug/sq m year (dry deposition) and 2,100-3,200 ug/sq
m year (wet deposition)(4).
Environmental Bioconcentration:
After exposing rainbow trout to zinc for a period of 30 days in river water,
it was concluded that zinc accumulates in the gills, liver, kidney and opercular
bone, but not the muscle(1). BCF values of zinc were reported as: 4,000
(freshwater plants), 40,000 (freshwater invertebrates), 30,000 (chronomid
larvae), 1,000 (freshwater fish), 1,000 (marine algae), 100,000 (marine
invertebrates), 24,000 (oysters), 2,000 (marine fish), 700 (yellow fish tuna),
500 (skipjack tuna)(2).
Soil Adsorption/Mobility:
Zinc is strongly adsorbed to soils at pH 5 or greater(1,2) and is expected to
have low mobility in most soils(3,SRC). Batch sorption experiments employing
aquifer material collected from a landfill in Denmark gave soil distribution
coefficients (Kd) for zinc in the range of 460-1,000(3). Soil samples from
Sacramento, CA had Kd values for zinc of 70-1,359 at pH 4.5 and values of
425-2,896 at pH 6.5(4).
Volatilization from Water/Soil:
Due to the ionic nature of zinc salts, volatilization from water or soil
surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. (SRC)
Environmental Water Concentrations:
DRINKING WATER: Drinking water usually contains zinc levels below 0.2 mg/l
although drinking water in galvanized pipes can contain up to 2-5 mg/l(1). Zinc
concns of 0.003-2.0 mg/l were found in 380 drinking water samples in the US(2).
Drinking water samples from galvanized pipe plumbing systems in Seattle, WA
contained zinc at concns of 0.128-1.279 mg/l; which were roughly 10 times higher
than those in homes containing copper plumbing(2). Tap water samples of homes in
Dallas, TX had maximum, minimum, median and avg zinc concns of 0.049, 0.005,
0.011 and 0.0124 mg/l, respectively(2). Drinking water in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
contained zinc at concns of 0.014-0.571 mg/l(3).
GROUNDWATER: The avg concn of zinc in groundwater in Finland was reported as
130 ug/l(1) and the avg zinc concn in groundwater from locations in Finland and
Sweden was reported as 450 ug/l(1). Zinc was detected in groundwater in
Switzerland at concns of 2.5X10-8 mols/l to 1.0X10-7 mols/l(2).
SURFACE WATER: In general, zinc background concns in surface waters are
usually less than 50 ug/l(1). Zinc was detected in the Whitewood Creek, SD
upstream from a mining company at concns of less than 0.004 to 0.048 mg/l(1).
Zinc was detected at concns of 4.4 and 13.4 ug/l in the Adige River, Italy(2).
Zinc was detected at an avg concn of 14 ug/l in 24 rivers in Quebec, Canada(3).
Zinc was detected in the La Rioja River in Argentina at concns of 0.01-4,706 ug/l,
with the highest concns observed in the vicinity of a mining district(4). Zinc
was detected in the Mississippi River at concns of 1.9-6.1 ug/l and the
Tangiapaha River, LA at concns of 0.6-5.6 ug/l(5). Zinc was detected in Lake
Michigan tributaries at concns of 1-41 ug/l(6). Zinc was detected in the Humber
Estuary, England at concns of 15-40 ug/l and in the Rhine River at a concn of
330 ug/l(7). Zinc was detected at concns of less than 0.1 to 200 ng/ml in the
coastal waters of Africa(8) and at concns of 6.7-13.6 ppb in coastal waters of
Chile(9).
RAIN/SNOW: Zinc was detected in the rain of southern Norway at concns of 9.4
and 17.9 ug/l(1). Zinc was detected in the ice of Greenland at concns of 0.1-0.3
ng/g(2). Zinc was detected in rain over the southern Atlantic Ocean at concns of
0.36-3.9 ug/l(3). Zinc was detected in rainfall over the North Sea at concns of
8.3-61.3 ug/l(4).
Effluent Concentrations:
Leachate from mines in Galena, KS contained zinc at concns of 100-1,200 ug/l(1).
Filtered ash from a municipal waste incinerator in Austria contained 13,000
mg/kg of zinc while the slag contained 1,554 mg/kg(2). Zinc was discharged to
Newark Bay, NJ from the following sources: municipal waste treatment facility
(272 kg/day); industrial discharges (14 kg/day); sewage overflow (142 kg/day);
stormwater runoff (164 kg/day); tributary flows (307 kg/day)(3). Zinc was
detected in the flue gas of a pulp incineration facility in Finland at concns of
less than 4 to 6 ug/cu m and also detected in the incinerated ash at 270-510 ug/g(4).
Soil from an abandoned mine in Korea contained zinc at a median concn of 7.34 ug/g(5).
Wastewater from an incineration plant in Sweden contained zinc at concns of
5.75-17.7 ug/l(6) and leachate from a landfill in Brazil contained zinc at a
mean concn of 0.2 mg/l(7). Soil and ash samples obtained from a plastic
recycling factory contained 25-100 ppm of zinc(8). Wastewater from a pulp mill
in Vietnam contained zinc at an avg concn of 1,010 ug/l(9). Zinc was detected in
stormwater runoff at mean concns of 250 ug/l (roof runoff), 110 ug/l (parking
areas), 1,730 ug/l (storage areas), 58 ug/l (street runoff), 55 ug/l (loading
docks), 105 ug/l (vehicle service areas), 230 ug/l (landscaped areas) and 13 ug/l
(holding ponds) in Alabama(10). Median zinc concns of 0.68-1.7 mg/l were
detected in landfill leachates across the US(11). Zinc was detected at an avg
concn of 6.49 mg/l in the wastewater of a coal mine in the Czech Republic(12).
Zinc was detected at concns of 0.1-18.7 ug/g in the effluent of a lignite-fired
powerplant in Greece(13). Ash from a veterinary waste incinerator in Ithaca, NY
contained zinc at concns of 318-5,254 ppm(14). Zinc was detected at concns of
540-2,790 mg/kg in solid waste compost in St. Cloud, MN(15). Leachate from a
German landfill contained zinc at concns of 69-654 mg/l(16).
Sediment/Soil Concentrations:
SOIL: The zinc content of non-contaminated soils is in the range of 10 to 300
mg/kg with a mean concn of about 50 mg/kg(1). Higher concns may occur in the
vicinity of ore deposits and smelters(1). Zinc concns in the US were in the
range of less than 5 to 400 mg/kg in uncultivated soils and less than 10 to
2,000 mg/kg in cultivated soils(1). Avg zinc concns in soil from 2 mining waste
dumps in Idaho were 443-1,112 mg/kg(1). Zinc was detected in roadside dusts in
MI at concns of 36-228 mg/kg(2). Dust samples from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
contained zinc at an avg concn of 52.34 ug/g(3). Zinc was detected in soil
samples near Mt. Etna, Italy at concns of 14.7-98.1 ug/g(4). Zinc was detected
in soil samples near a heavily industrialized area of Madrid, Spain at concns of
1,770 and 2,050 ug/g(5). Surface soil samples from hazardous waste sites in the
US contained zinc at mean concns of 34-83.5 mg/kg(6). Zinc was detected in soil
samples from a heavily industrialized region of southwest Poland at concns of
27-10,000 mg/kg(7) and soil from Ontario, Canada at concns of 4-288 ug/g(8).
Zinc was detected in non-polluted soils obtained from Florida at concns of
1.3-50 mg/kg(9). Soil samples from an urban area of Austria contained zinc at a
median concn of 120 mg/kg(10).
SEDIMENTS: Zinc was detected in the sediment of the Westerschelde Estuary,
Netherlands at concns of 10-430 ug/g(1) and in lakes in Alaska at concns of
100-210 ug/g(2). Zinc was detected in the sediment of the Thames River(3),
England and Cork Harbor, Ireland(4) at concns of 115-401 ug/g and 65-196 mg/kg,
respectively. Sediment from the Rhine River, Netherlands contained zinc at
concns of 52-125 mg/kg(5). Sediment from Jamaica Bay, NY contained zinc at
concns of 285-704 ppm(6) and the Calumet River, IL contained zinc at concns of
1,270 and 1,319 ppm(7). Zinc was detected in the Danube and Traun rivers at
concns of 90-120 mg/kg and 70-180 mg/kg, respectively(8). Sediment from the St
Lawrence River contained zinc at a mean concn of 148 ug/g(9). Zinc was detected
in the sediment from the Straits of Malacca, Malaysia at concns of 27.5-89.1
ppm(10). Zinc was detected in the sediment of the South Platte River at concns
of 82-3,700 ug/g(11). Zinc was detected at concns of 81-900 mg/kg in sediment
off the coast of Taiwan(12). Zinc was detected in sediment at mean concns of 175
ug/g in the Gulf of Finland, 212 ug/g in Bothnian Bay and 190 ug/g in the
Bothnian Sea(13). Sediment from the Tijuana Estuary, CA contained zinc at concns
of 33.1-346.2 mg/kg(14). Zinc was detected in the sediment of Great Astrolabe
Lagoon, Fiji at concns of 10-164 mg/kg(15). Sediment from Lake Zurich,
Switzerland contained zinc at concns of 50-587 ug/g(16). Zinc was detected in
the sediment of the Thames River at mean concns of 54-109 ug/g(17). Mean zinc
concns of 453-702 mg/kg were detected in sediment from the Passaic River,
NJ(18).
Atmospheric Concentrations:
SOURCE DOMINATED: The annual mean atmospheric concn of zinc was 5 ug/cu m
near a metal smelter in Kellogg, ID and the 24-hour values ranged from 0.27 to
15.7 ug/cu m(1).
URBAN/SUBURBAN: The concn of zinc in atmospheric samples collected from 7 US
cities between 1968-1971 was 0.17-0.67 ug/cu m(1). The avg atmospheric zinc
concn of New York City from 1972-1975 was in the range of 0.293- 0.380 ug/cu m
while the avg zinc concn in San Francisco was 0.127 ug/cu m(1). The mean concn
of zinc from 3 urban areas of NJ ranged from 0.07-0.59 ug/cu m in 1981-1982(1).
According to data from the US, avg zinc levels in cities were 0.1-1.7 ug/cu m in
1973, with a mean concn of less than 1 ug/cu m(2). Zinc concns in large German
towns were 0.2-2.0 ug/cu m and 0.5-4.0 ug/cu m in industrialized areas(2). Zinc
was detected in urban areas of New Zealand at concns of 25.9 and 74 ng/cu m(3).
Zinc was detected in Birmingham, England at concns of 641 ng/cu m (winter) and
64.4 ng/cu m (summer)(4). Zinc was detected in southern Norway at concns of
13-20.1 ng/cu m(5). Zinc was detected in urban areas of Spain at mean concns of
7.4-7.9 ng/cu m(6).
RURAL/REMOTE: Zinc was detected at concns of 9.3-38.4 ng/cu m in Terra Nova
Bay, Antarctic(1). Zinc was detected in Greenland at concns of 47 ng/cu m
(winter), 69 ng/cu m (spring), 19 ng/cu m (summer) and 54 ng/cu m (fall)(2).
Zinc was detected at concns of 0.1-6.7 ug/cu m in Lamto, Ivory Coast(3). Zinc
was detected at various locations in the North Sea at concns of 2-415 ng/cu
m(4). Zinc concns in German rural areas were reported as 0.05 ug/cu m and
0.2-1.0 ug/cu m in small towns(5).
Food Survey Values:
The results of an FDA survey reported the avg concn in ppm of zinc in the
following food groups: dairy products, 4.57; meat, fish and poultry, 29.2; grain
and cereal 8.68; potatoes 4.82; leafy vegetables, 2.26; legume vegetables,
8.27(1). Wheat products in the US contained zinc at concns of 19.8-24.3 ppm(2).
Zinc was detected in beets (50 ug/g), lettuce (49 ug/g), celery (48 ug/g),
onions (18 ug/g), sage (14 ug/g), garlic (35 ug/g), radishes (34 ug/g), parsley
(21 ug/g), beans (60 ug/g) and spinach (74 ug/g) grown near a power plant in
Italy(3). Zinc was detected in canned pork(13.05 and 18.05 ppm), canned
ham(14.04 ppm), and pork liver (21.72 ppm) from Spain(4). Zinc was detected at
mean concns of 1.1-39.1 mg/kg in oranges and avocados grown in Ghana(5). Zinc
was detected in wine at concns of 0.3-5.4 ppm(6) and 0.12-5.08 ppm(7). Zinc was
detected in lettuce(1.0 and 1.5 ug/g), endive (1.6 and 2.9 ug/g), cabbage (2.4
and 2.9 ug/g), cauliflower (2.4 and 2.8 ug/g), raddish (3.7 and 4.1 ug/g),
potato (2.8 and 3.5 ug/g), celery (3.3 and 4.3 ug/g) and spinach (4.1 and 3.7 ug/g)
grown in Spain(8). Zinc was detected in rice at concns of 13.5-21.6 ug/g from
Spain(9). Zinc was detected in beans (0.3-28 ug/g), beets (0.8 ug/g), cabbage
(0.6-2.3 ug/g), lettuce (0.1-11.7 ug/g), onion (2.2 ug/g), potato (0.3 ug/g),
sweet corn (25 ug/g), tomatoes (2.6 ug/g), and apples (0.03-0.09 ug/g)(10).
Plant Concentrations:
The typical zinc content of plants range from 15 to 100 mg/kg(1). Lichen from
a public park in Pisa, Italy contained zinc at concns of 30-78 ug/g(2). Zinc was
detected in peat moss at concns of 25-75 ug/g in the Antarctic(3). Zinc was
detected in grass in Montana at an avg concn of 882.1 mg/kg(4). Zinc was
detected in seaweed from Greenland at concns of 9-25 ug/g(5,6) and in sea grass
from the Mediterranean Sea at concns of 95-179 ug/g(7).
Fish/Seafood Concentrations:
The mean concn of zinc in oysters collected from the US coastline of the Gulf
of Mexico during 1986-1988 was 2,150 mg/kg(1). Zinc was detected in oysters
caught of the coast of Kuwait at an avg concn of 823 ug/g(2). Mussels from Chile
contained zinc at concns of 11-243 ug/g(3). Blue crabs from Connecticut
contained zinc at concns of 31 and 33 mg/kg(4) and oysters from Hawaii contained
zinc at concns of 43-1,211 ug/g(5). Oysters from coastal waters of Mexico
contained zinc at concns of 211-2,400 ug/g(6). Shellfish from Australia
contained zinc at concns of 1.3-18.5 ug/g (shells) and 3-23 ug/g (tissue)(7).
In the National Contaminant Biomonitoring Program, the geometric mean concn
of zinc in various whole fish from the US was 21.7 mg/kg(1). The avg zinc
content of most sea fish has been reported between 3 and 8 ppm, with certain
kinds of fish and mollusks containing up to 25 ppm(2). Fish caught off the coast
of Saudi Arabia contained zinc at concns of 0.8-1.4 ug/g(3) and fish obtained
from the United Arab Emirates contained zinc at avg concns of 4 ug/g (muscle)
and 59 ug/g (liver)(4). Fish caught in freshwater lakes in Alaska contained zinc
at concns of 89-170 ug/g (liver) and 17-35 ug/g (muscle)(5). Fish from Lake
Tanganyika, Burundi contained zinc at concns of 4-30 ug/g(6). Zinc was detected
in fish obtained from coastal waters of Africa at concns of 2-20 ug/g(7). Zinc
was detected in rabbit fish from Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong at mean concns of 67
ppm (muscle) and 166 ppm (gills)(8). Zinc was detected in fish from the Benue
River, Nigeria at concns of 34-40 mg/kg, Lake Geriyo, Nigeria 25-42 mg/kg and
Lake Njuwa, Nigeria 37-49 mg/kg(9). Carp from Australia contained zinc at avg
concns of 16 mg/kg(10). Zinc was detected in brown trout (72-130 ug/g), white
sucker (61-139 ug/g) and carp (320-1,321 ug/g) caught in the South Platte River,
CO with the highest concns observed in the vicinity of mining sites(11). Bottom
feeding fish sampled at many locations in the US had an avg zinc concn of 36
ppm(12). Carp from Lake Balaton, Hungary contained zinc at concns of 64 mg/kg
(gills), 23 and 50 mg/kg (liver), 14 and 27 mg/kg (muscle) and 45 and 52 mg/kg
(gut)(13).
Animal Concentrations:
Zinc was detected at mean concns of 38 ug/g (pilot whales), 28 ug/g
(porpoise), 26 ug/g (beluga whales), 51 ug/g (seals) and 28 ug/g (bowhead
whales)(1). Whales near the coast of England contained zinc at concns of 41 and
48 ug/g(2). Zinc was identified, not quantified, in walrus teeth(3). Zinc was
detected in cow and rabbits in Norway at mean concns of 133 and 92-130 ug/g,
respectively(4). Cows, pigs and rabbits from Finland contained zinc at concns of
142-151 mg/kg, 123 mg/kg and 21-46 mg/kg, respectively(5). Geese eggs from
Montana contained zinc at concns of 32-93 mg/kg(6). Birds in national parks in
Poland contained zinc at concns of 81-109 ug/g(7).
Milk Concentrations:
Zinc was detected in human milk from Croatia at concns of 1.7-11.6 mg/l(1).
Zinc was detected in cow milk (2 and 19 ug/l) and goat milk (12.5 and 11.8 ug/l)
from Burundi(2). Human milk typically contains about 3 mg/l of zinc(3).
Environmental Standards & Regulations:
Clean Water Act Requirements:
Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water
Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Zinc and
compounds/
The secondary contaminant level of zinc for public water systems is 5 mg/l.
These regulations control contaminants in drinking water that primarily affect
the aesthetic qualities relating to the public acceptance of drinking water. The
States may establish higher or lower levels which may be appropriate dependent
upon local conditions such as unavailability of alternate source waters or other
compelling factors, provided that public health and welfare are not adversely
affected. /Soluble Zinc Salts/
For total recoverable zinc the criterion-to protect freshwater aquatic life
... is 47 ng/l as a 24 hr average ... at hardnesses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/l as
CaCO3 the concentration of total recoverable zinc should not exceed 180, 320,
570 ug/l at any time. /Soluble zinc salts/
For total recoverable zinc the criterion to protect saltwater aquatic life
... is 58 ug/l as a 24 hr average and the concentration should not exceed 170 ug/l
at any time. /Soluble zinc salts/
Federal Drinking Water Guidelines:
EPA 5000 ug/l /Zinc, Secondary MCL/
EPA 2000 ug/l /Zinc, Lifetime health advisory/
State Drinking Water Standards:
(AZ) ARIZONA 5000 ug/l /Zinc/
(IL) ILLINOIS 5000 ug/l /Zinc/
State Drinking Water Guidelines:
(AZ) ARIZONA 5000 ug/l /Zinc/
(MN) MINNESOTA 2000 ug/l /Zinc/
Chemical/Physical Properties:
Other Chemical/Physical Properties:
THRESHHOLD CONCN OF TASTE ... /IN WATER/ APPROX 15 PPM ... 40 PPM ...
/IMPARTS/ A METALLIC TASTE. /ZINC SALTS/
Chemical Safety & Handling:
DOT Emergency Guidelines:
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 powder; Zinc dust; Zinc ashes/
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 may cause pollution. /Zinc powder; Zinc dust; Zinc ashes/
Public safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number. ... Isolate spill or
leak area immediately for at least 50 to 100 meters (160 to 330 feet) in all
directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Keep out of low
areas. Ventilate the area before entry. /Zinc powder; Zinc dust; Zinc ashes/
Protective clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing
apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide
limited protection. /Zinc powder; Zinc dust; Zinc ashes/
Evacuation: Large spill: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least
250 meters (800 feet). If tank, rail car or tank truck 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. /Zinc powder; Zinc dust;
Zinc ashes/
Fire: DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM. Small fires: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or
sand. Large fires: Dry sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from
area and let fire burn. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without
risk. Magnesium fires: DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite powder or
Met-L-X powder. Lithium fires: DRY sand, sodium chloride powder, graphite
powder, copper powder or Lith-X powder. Fire involving tanks or car/trailer
loads: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned hose holders 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 the ends of tanks. /Zinc powder; Zinc dust; Zinc ashes/
Spill or leak: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or
flames in 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. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers.
Small spills: 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 spills:
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. /Zinc powder; Zinc dust; Zinc ashes/
First aid: Move victim to fresh air. Call emergency medical care. Apply
artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if
breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In
case of contact with substance, wipe from skin immediately; flush skin or eyes
with running water for at least 20 minutes. Keep victim warm and quiet. Ensure
that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, and take
precautions to protect themselves. /Zinc powder; Zinc dust; Zinc ashes/
Fire Fighting Procedures:
Smother with suitable dry powder. /Zinc powder or dust/
Preventive Measures:
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.
Storage Conditions:
Finely divided ... zinc compounds which
present a fire & explosion hazard should be stored in a cool, dry, well
ventilated place away from acute fire risks, open flames & powerful
oxidizing agents.
Disposal Methods:
Chemical Treatability of Zinc; Concentration Process: Ultrafiltration;
Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Continuous flow, pilot scale;
Type of Wastewater Used: Industrial wastewater; Results of Study: 0.38 ppm
effluent concentration.
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 ... . /Zinc/
In the case where zinc removal is the only consideration and recovery is not
warranted, removal by precipitation can be accomplished by standard pH
adjustment through lime addition, precipitation and flocculation, and
sedimentation, employing standard waste treatment equipment, operating data for
existing chemical precipitation units indicate that levels of 1 mg/l or less of
zinc are readily obtainable with lime precipitation, although assurance of
consistent removal of precipitated zinc to lower levels from the effluent stream
may require filtration. /Zinc/
Chemical Treatability of Zinc; Concentration Process: Chemical precipitation;
Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Literature review; Type of
Wastewater Used: Unknown; Results of Study: 10.6% reduction by sedimentation.
Chemical Treatability of Zinc; Concentration Process: Biological Treatment;
Chemical Classification: Metals; 1) Scale of Study: Literature review; Type of
Wastewater Used: Unknown; Results of Study: 89% reduction; Activated sludge
process. 2) Scale of Study: full scale; Type of Wastewater Used: domestic
wastewater; Results of Study: 20-91% reduction achieved; Survey of municipal
wastewater treatment plants. 3) Scale of Study: Continuous flow and pilot scale;
Type of Wastewater Used: domestic wastewater; Results of Study: 13-14% reduction
in primary treatment. 4) Scale of Study: Laboratory scale; Type of Wastewater
Used: Synthetic wastewater; Results of Study: Biological growth inhibited; Study
of nitrosomas bacteria. 5) Scale of Study: Continuous flow and full scale; Type
of Wastewater Used: Domestic wastewater; Results of Study: 60% reduction;
Activated sludge process. 6) Scale of Study: Laboratory scale; Type of
Wastewater Used: Synthetic wastewater; Results of Study: Oxygen uptake
inhibited. 7) Scale of Study: Literature review; Type of Wastewater Used:
Unknown; Results of Study: 57% reduction; Activated sludge process.
Chemical Treatability of Zinc; Concentration Process: Chemical precipitation;
Chemical Classification: Metals; 1) Scale of Study: Pilot scale; Type of
Wastewater Used: Synthetic wastewater; Results of Study: 1% reduction with alum;
3 coagulants used: 220 ppm of alum at pH= 6.4. 40 ppm of ferric chloride at pH=
6.2; 415 ppm of lime at pH= 11.5; chemical coagulation was followed by dual
media filtration. 2) Scale of Study: Laboratory scale, continuous flow; Type of
Wastewater Used: Synthetic wastewater; Results of Study: 100% reduction with
lime; Lime dose of 50 ppm added. 3) Scale of Study: Pilot scale; Type of
Wastewater Used: Domestic wastewater and pure compound (one solute in a solvent)
Results of Study: Iron system - 63% reduction, low lime system - 85% reduction;
High lime system - 76% reduction; 3 coagulant systems were used: Iron system
used 45 ppm as Fe of Fe2(SO4)3 at pH= 6.0. Low lime system used 20 ppm as Fe of
Fe2 (SO4)3 and 260 ppm of CaO at pH= 10.0. High lime system used 600 ppm of CaO
at pH= 11.5. Chemical coagulation was followed by multimedia filtration. 4)
Scale of Study: Full scale, continuous flow; Type of Wastewater Used: Domestic
wastewater; Results of Study: 90% reduction with lime (full scale); 37%
reduction with lime (continuous flow); Lime dose of 350-400 ppm as calcium oxide
at pH= 11.3. 5) Scale of Study: Literature review; Type of Wastewater Used:
Unknown; Results of Study: 10.6% reduction by sedimentation. 6) Scale of Study:
Literature review; Type of Wastewater Used: Unknown; Results of Study: 91.4%
reduction with lime; Lime dose of 400 ppm added.
Chemical Treatability of Zinc; Concentration Process: Reverse osmosis;
Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Batch flow; Type of Wastewater
Used: Pure compound (one solute in a solvent); Results of Study: 1) 96.6%
reduction with C/PEI membrane at pH= 8.0 100% reduction with C/PEI membrane at
pH= 11.0; CA membrane operated at 400 psig and 16-22 deg C. 2) Results of Study:
96.9%-99.5% reduction with CA membrane; CA membrane operated at 400 psig and
16-22% deg C.
Chemical Treatability of Zinc; Concentration Process: Activated carbon;
Chemical Classification: Metals; Scale of Study: Full scale continuous flow;
Type of Wastewater Used: (not stated); 1) 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. 2) Results of Study: 61% reduction; 162 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.
Occupational Exposure Standards:
Manufacturing/Use Information:
Major Uses:
Zinc, one of the most widely used micronutrients, is applied as sulfates
(both basic and normal hydrates), carbonate, sulfide, phosphate, oxide, chelates,
and other organic materials. Rates of application range from 0.2 to 2 kg zinc/hr
sq m.
U. S. Imports:
(1986) 5,796,225 lb /Zinc cmpd NSPF/
(1984) 7.35X10+9 g /ZINC COMPOUNDS, NSPF/
U. S. Exports:
(1987) 9,354,458 lb /Zinc cmpd NSPF/
(1987) 11,202,905 lb /Zinc cmpd NSPF/
(1984) 4.44X10+8 g /ZINC COMPOUNDS, NSPF/
Laboratory Methods:
Clinical Laboratory Methods:
Analyte: Zinc; Matrix: blood or tissue; Procedure: Inductively-coupled argon
plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy; Wavelength: 213.9; Range: 10 to 10,000 ug/100
g blood, 2 to 2000 ug/g tissue; Est LOD: 1 ug/100 g blood, 0.2 ug/g tissue;
Precision: 17 (% Sr); Interferences: spectral, minimized by wavelength selection
/Elements in blood or tissue/
Analyte: Zinc; Matrix: urine; Procedure: Inductively-coupled argon-plasma,
atomic emmission spectroscopy; Extraction media: polydithiocarbamate resin;
Wavelength: 213.9; Range: 0.25-200 ug/samp; Est LOD: 0.1 ug/samp; Precision:
0.089; Interferences: spectral, minimized by wavelength selection /Metals in
urine/
URINE, SERUM & WHOLE BLOOD; AA SPECTROPHOTOMETRY. HACKLEY BM ET AL, A
SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR PLASMA ZINC DETERMINATION BY ATOMIC-ABSORPTION
SPECTROPHOTOMETRY, CLIN CHEM, 14, 1, 1968. DAWSON JB ET AL, DIRECT DETERMINATION
OF ZN IN WHOLE BLOOD, PLASMA & URINE BY AA SPECTROSCOPY, CLIN CHIM ACTA, 26,
465, 1969. /TOTAL ZINC/
DAWSON JB & WALKER BG, DIRECT DETERMINATION OF ZINC IN WHOLE BLOOD,
PLASMA & URINE BY ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY, CLIN CHIM ACTA, 26, 465,
1969. CARTER P, SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC SUBMICROGRAM SERUM ZINC ASSAY APPLICATION FOR
ROUTINE SERVICE LAB, CLIN CHIM ACTA, 52, 277, 1974. /TOTAL ZINC/
ZINC MAY BE DETERMINED BY ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROPHOTOMETRY BY ASPIRATION
OF DILUTED SAMPLES OF BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS /URINE, BLOOD, & SERUM/: MALSTROM,
G, DETERMINATION OF ZINC IN BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS, IN METHODS OF BIOCHEM
ANALYSIS, VOL 3, GLICK, D, ED, INTERSCIENCE, NY, 1956, P 327. /TOTAL ZINC/
Analytic Laboratory Methods:
Analyte: Zinc; Matrix: air; Procedure: inductively coupled argon plasma,
atomic emission spectroscopy; Wavelength: 213.9 nm; Range: 2.5-1000 ug/sample;
Precision: 0.013 @ 2.5 or 1000 ug/ filter; Interferences: spectral, minimized by
wavelength selection, interelement and background correction /Zinc and cmpd, as
Zn/
Analyte: Zinc; Matrix: air; Procedure: Flame atomic absorption; Wave length:
213.9 nm; Range: 10-100 ug/sample; Est LOD: 3 ug/samp; Precision: 0.03;
Interferences: none known /Zinc and cmpd, as Zn/
WATER SAMPLES ANALYZED BY ATOMIC ABSORPTION: BROOKS RR, PRESLEY BJ & IR
KAPLAN; TALANTA 14: 809 (1967); TENNY AM; INSTRUMENT NEWS 18: 14 (1967); FISHMAN
MJ; ATOMIC ABSORPTION NEWSLETTER 5: 102 (1966). /TOTAL ZINC/
FERNANDEZ & MANNING (1971) & SURLES ET AL (1975) ... DEMONSTRATED USE
OF GRAPHITE FURNACE TO INCR SAMPLE ATOMIZATION FOR FRESH-WATER ANALYSIS, WITH
ZINC DETECTION LIMIT OF 0.001 UG/L. /TOTAL ZINC/
EMISSION SPECTROGRAPHIC METHOD: DIRECT CURRENT ARC EXCITATION, ALTERNATING
CURRENT SPARK EXCITATION. /TOTAL ZINC/
SURFACE & SALINE WATERS, & DOMESTIC & INDUSTRIAL WASTES: ATOMIC
ABSORPTION SPECTROPHOTOMETER METHODS. /TOTAL ZINC/
MINOR NUTRIENTS IN FERTILIZERS, 25.143. RESIDUES IN FOOD, & 33.089.
ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROPHOTOMETER METHODS. 49.001. PLANT ANALYSIS. METHOD MAY
BE ADAPTED TO OTHER AGRICULTURAL & BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS; EMISSION
SPECTROGRAPHIC METHODS. /TOTAL ZINC/
ZINC IN FERTILIZERS: ATOMIC ABSORPTION METHOD FOR ZINC AS MINOR NUTRIENT;
2.151. GRAVIMETRIC METHOD FOR SAMPLES CONTAINING EQUAL TO OR GREATER THAN 0.1%;
2.152. COLORIMETRIC METHOD USING DITHIZONE FOR SAMPLES CONTAINING LESS THAN 4%;
2.153-2.159. ZINCON ION EXCHANGE METHOD. /TOTAL ZINC/
Analyte: Zinc; Matrix: air; Procedure: atomic absorption spectrophotometry;
Range: 0.1 to 1.0 ug/ml, 4.2-42 ug/cu m with solution detection limit of 0.001
ug/ml. /Total zinc/
ZINC, ZINC OXIDE, LEAD, THE 4 KNOWN ZINC CHROMATES, & RHOMBIC &
MONOCLINIC LEAD CHROMATE WERE IDENTIFIED IN 0.3-0.5 MG PAINT SAMPLES BY X-RAY
DIFFRACTOMETRY. THE ZINC CHROMATES WERE IDENTIFIABLE AT 7.0-9.3 ANGSTROMS. THE
METHOD COULD BE USED TO IDENTIFY, BUT NOT TO QUANTITATE ZINC CHROMATES ON
FILTERS OF AIR SAMPLES FROM AREAS USED FOR SPRAY PAINTING.
The following method is applicable for the examination of ground and surface
waters, domestic and industrial waste effluents, and treatment process samples.
Method 289.1 for the determination of zinc employs Atomic Absorption, direct
aspiration technique. The optimum concentration range is 0.05-1 mg/l (Wavelength
213.9 nm), the detection limit is 0.005 mg/l, and the sensitivity is 0.02 mg/l.
/Total zinc/
The following method is applicable for the examination of ground and surface
waters, domestic and industrial waste effluents, and treatment process samples.
Method 289.2 for the determination of zinc employs Atomic Absorption, furnace
technique. The optimum concentration range is 0.2-4 ug/l, the detection limit is
0.05 ug/l. /Total zinc/
Analyze samples within 6 hr after collection. Addition of hydrogen chloride (HCL)
preserves the metallic ion content but requires that: (a) the acid be zinc free;
(b) the sample bottles be rinsed with acid before use; and (c) the samples be
evaporated to dryness in silica dishes to remove excess hydrogen chloride (HCL)
before analysis. ... The reaction of zinc with dithizone produces colored
coordination compounds that are extractable into organic solvents such as carbon
tetrachloride. Most interferences can be overcome by adjusting the pH to 4.0 to
5.5 and by adding sufficient sodium thiosulfate. Minimum detectable quantity is
1 ug Zn. /Total zinc/
Analyze samples within 6 hr after collection. Addition of hydrogen chloride (HCL)
preserves the metallic ion content but requires that: (a) the acid be zinc free;
(b) the sample bottles be rinsed with acid before use; and (c) the samples be
evaporated to dryness in silica dishes to remove excess hydrogen chloride (HCL)
before analysis. ... Zinc is separated from other metals by extraction with
dithizone and is determined by measuring the color of the zinc-dithizone complex
in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Specificity in the separation is achieved by
extracting from a nearly neutral solution containing
bis(2-hydroxyethyl)dithiocarbamyl ion and cyanide ion. This method is intended
for the examination of polluted water supplies. /Total zinc/
Analyze samples within 6 hr after collection. Addition of hydrogen chloride (HCL)
preserves the matallic ion content but requires that: (a) the acid be zinc free;
(b) the sample bottles be rinsed with acid before use; and (c) the sample
bottles be evaporated to dryness in silica dishes to remove excess hydrogen
chloride (HCL) before analysis. ... In this colorimetric method, zinc forms a
blue complex with 2-carboxy-2'-hydroxy-5'-sulfoformazyl benzene (zincon) in a
solution buffered to pH 9.0. Cyanide is added to complex zinc and heavy metals.
Cyclohexanone is added to free zinc selectively from its cyanide complex so that
it can be complexed with zincon to form a blue color. Sodium ascorbate reduces
manganese interference. The developed color is stable except in the presence of
copper. Minimum detectable concentration is 0.02 mg Zn/l. This method can be
used for the examination of polluted or unpolluted water supplies. /Total zinc/
Method 7950. Direct Aspiration Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy for Zinc. This
method is ... applicable to ... drinking, surface, and saline waters and
domestic and industrial wastes. ... Ground water, other aqueous samples, EP
extracts, industrial wastes, soil, sludges, sediments, and other solid wastes
require digestion prior to analysis. ... The optimum concentration range is
0.05-1 mg/l with a wavelength of 213.9 nm, sensitivity is 0.02 mg/l, and a
detection limit of 0.005 mg/l. /Total zinc/
EPA Method 0060. Determination of metals in stack emissions.
EPA Method 3050A. Acid digestion of sediments, sludges, and soils.
EPA Method 3050B. Acid digestion of sediments, sludges, and soils for metals
analysis by FLAA/ICP or GFAA/ICPMS.
EPA Method 3051. Microwave assisted acid digestion of sediments, sludges,
soils, and oils.
EPA Method 3052. Microwave assisted acid digestion of silaceous and
organically based matrices including ash, biological tissue, oil, oil
contaminated soil, sediment, sludge, and soil for metals analysis by FLAAS,
GVAAS, GFAAS, ICP-AES, ICP-MS, and other techniques.
EPA Method 3010A. Acid digestion of aqueous samples and extracts for total
metals analysis by FLAA or ICP spectroscopy.
EPA Method 3015. Microwave assisted acid digestion of aqueous samples and
extracts.
EPA Method 6010A. Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy.
EPA Method 6010B. Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (IPP-AES).
EPA Method 6020. Inductively coupled plasma with mass spectroscopy.
EPA Method 7000A. Atomic absorption by FLAA.
EPA Method 3031. Acid digestion of oils for metals analysis by FLAA or
ICP-AES.
EPA Method 7950. Zinc by direct aspiration atomic absorption.
EPA Method 7951. Zinc by graphite furnace atomic absorption.
Sampling Procedures:
Analyte: Zinc; Matrix: air; Sampler: filter (0.8-um cellulose membrane); Flow
rate: 1-4 l/min; Vol: min: 5 l, max: 200 l; Stability: stable /Zinc and cmpd, as
Zn/
Analyte: zinc; Matrix: air; Sampler: filter (0.8-um cellulose ester
membrane); Flow rate: 1-3 l/min; Vol: min: 2 l at 5 mg/cu m, max: 400 l;
Stability: stable /Zinc & cmpd, as zinc/
Analyte: Zinc; Specimen: Blood or tissue; Vol: 10 ml blood, or 1 g tissue;
Preservative: Heparin for blood, none for tissue; Controls: collect 3 blood
specimens from unexposed workers; Stability: not established /Elements in blood
or tissue/
Analyte: Zinc; Matrix: urine; Vol: 50-200 ml in polyethylene bottle;
Preservative: 5 ml concn nitric acid added after collection; Controls: collect
at least 3 urine specimens from unexposed workers; Stability: not established
/Total metal in urine/
/For water and wastewater/, account must be taken of the variability of the
whole with respect to time, area, depth, and in some cases, rate of flow. ...
Before filling, rinse sample bottle out two or three times with water being
collected, unless the bottle contains a preservative or dechlorinating agent.
Depending on analyses to be performed, fill container fully or leave space for
aeration, mixing, etc. For samples that will be shipped, preferably leave an air
space of about 1% of the container capacity to allow for thermal expansion.
/Total zinc in Water and Wastewater/
Sample volumes required depend upon the number of different digestion
procedures necessary for analysis. Samples are collected in either polyethylene
or glass containers. Preservation of the sample is maintained by adjusting the
pH< 2 with nitric acid (HNO3). Maximum holding time is 6 months. ... Solid
samples must be at least 200g and usually require no preservation other that
storing at 4 deg C until analyzed. /Total metals (except hexavalent chromium and
mercury)/
Special References:
Special Reports:
USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Zinc (1980) EPA 400/5-80-079
USEPA; Ambient Water Quality Criteria Doc: Zinc (1987) EPA 400/5-87-003
Arvidson, B. A Review of Axonal Transport of Metals. Toxicology 88: 1-14
(1994) Recent findings regarding axonal transport of metals, including zinc.
Roychowdhury, M. A review of safety and health hazards of metalorganic
compounds. Amer Ind Hyg Assoc J 54 (10) : 607-14 (1993) Discusses highly
pyrophosphoric and reactive, but relatively non-toxic, metalorganic compounds of
... zinc.
Malle, K-G. Zinc in the Environment. Z Wasser- Abwasser- Forsch 25 (4):
196-204 (1992)
Domingo, JL. Metal Induced Developmental Toxicity in Mammals: A Review. J Tox
Env Health 42 (2) : 123-41 (1994). Includes essential trace metals such as zinc.
Zinc and Health. Current Bibliographies in Medicine 98-3. Public Services
Division/National Library of Medicine. Available from: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/cbm/zinc.html
as of November 2, 1998.
Synonyms and Identifiers:
Related HSDB Records:
1344
[ZINC, ELEMENTAL; 7440-66-6]
Synonyms:
Zinc
**PEER REVIEWED**
Associated Chemicals:
Zinc ion (2+);23713-49-7
Administrative Information:
Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 6912
Last Revision Date: 20020114
Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 9/18/1998
Update History:
Field Update on 01/14/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/09/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/26/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 04/20/2000, 2 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 03/28/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/16/1999, 74 fields added/edited/deleted.
Record Length: 141490
ATSDR
- ToxFAQs: Zinc
... These tests are not routinely performed at ... 5,000)
pounds of zinc or its compounds ... week
and 5 mg/m 3 for zinc ... References. Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease ...
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts60.html
More Results From: www.atsdr.cdc.gov
Eleventh
Annual Toxic Chemical Report
... have reported release reductions of nearly 88 percent for these
... calendar year 1997,
1,092 facilities submitted 3,410 individual toxic ... Zinc compounds
...
http://www.epa.state.il.us/chemical-safety/toxic-chemical-report/1997/
More Results From: www.epa.state.il.us
Rulemaking:
Zinc Compounds As A Federal Hazardous Air Pollutant ... (PDF) ATSDR
- ToxFAQs: Zinc Pesticide
Human Health Effects Eleventh
Annual Toxic Chemical Report MATERIAL SAFETY
DATA SHEET (PDF) Eco-USA:
Zinc ATSDR
- Public Health Statement: Zinc (1989) Toxics
Use Reduction Institute Rulemaking:
Zinc Compounds As A Federal Hazardous Air Pollutant ... (PDF) MapCruzin
- Potential Adverse Human Health Effects Rw:
Incinerator Toxic Emissions: Human Health Effects Science
Notes: Features toxics
release inventory (PDF) Material
Safety Data Sheet (MICROSOFT WORD) MDPH
- Pressure Treated Wood Use in Playground Equipment GF#1062U ADHESIVE
October 24, 2001 *** MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET ... (PDF) US
EPA HISTORY OFFICE: 1988 Toxic Release Inventory National ... Health
Effects Table of WS Chemicals Health
Effects of Pulp Mill Pollution SPI
Supplies - MSDS Safety - SPI-Chem Zinc Selenide Powder and ...
... regarding the pesticidal use of these compounds, Page
3. Toxic Air Contaminant
Identification List Summaries - ARB/SSD/SES September 1997 Zinc Compounds
987 ...
http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/tac/factshts/zinc.pdf
More Results From: www.arb.ca.gov
... not know the long-term effects ... pounds of zinc
or its compounds ... 5 mg/m 3 for zinc ... for
Occupational Safety and Health ... References. Agency for Toxic
Substances and ...
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts60.html
More Results From: www.atsdr.cdc.gov
PESTICIDE HEALTH EFFECTS ON ... insecticides, acaricides,
marine antifouling compounds ... CHEMICAL
FAMILY: ZINC PHOSPHIDE. Action on Human System: Highly toxic ...
http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/facts-slides-self/facts/gen-posaf-health.html
More Results From: pmep.cce.cornell.edu
... from 1988 through 1997 was zinc compounds, totalling
199.7 million pounds. Considering
only those toxic chemicals with significant human health effects,
ie ...
http://www.epa.state.il.us/chemical-safety/toxic-chemical-report/1997/
More Results From: www.epa.state.il.us
... V HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Effects of Exposure : Zinc
compounds have variable
toxicity, but generally are of low toxicity. Zinc is not inherently a toxic
...
http://www.espimetals.com/msds's/zincoxide.pdf
More Results From: www.espimetals.com
... by zinc from industrial sources or toxic ...
than the FDA) for several months caused many
health effects in ... Putting low levels of certain zinc
compounds ...
http://www.eco-usa.net/toxics/zinc.shtml
More Results From: www.eco-usa.net
... waste zinc from industrial sources or toxic ...
protect individuals from the potential
health effects ... some cases 5000 pounds) of zinc
or its compounds ...
http://www.cla.sc.edu/geog/hrl/sctrap/toxfaqs/zinc.htm
More Results From: www.cla.sc.edu
... known to cause significant human health ... known to
cause significant adverse effects ... on
the Toxics Use Reduction Toxic ... category of zinc and zinc
compounds. ...
http://www.turi.org/government/ZincOxide.htm
More Results From: www.turi.org
... HEALTH EFFECTS ... Page 5. Toxic Air
Contaminant Identification List Summaries - ARB/SSD/SES
September 1997 Zinc Compounds 989 sperm development. ...
http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/tac/factshts/zinc.pdf
More Results From: www.arb.ca.gov
... Potential Adverse Human Health Effects of ... Zinc
compounds, X, X, X, Methyl ethyl ... Carbonyl
sulfide, X, X. Lead compounds, ... Responses to Petitions, Agency
for Toxic ...
http://www.mapcruzin.com/scruztri/data/94bx104h.htm
More Results From: www.mapcruzin.com
... Hg both preferentially displace Zinc ... a variety of
radioactive compounds ... speculates
that in environmental health ... waste that is partly toxic
... That the effects are ...
http://www.rowatworks.com/Science/IncineratorToxic/
More Results From: www.rowatworks.com
... Possible Health Effects. ... Concentrations in
water are rarely high enough to cause human
health problems. ... Non-toxic to normal adults. ...
Zinc compounds are ...
http://scicom.ucsc.edu/SciNotes/9701/full/features/water/table.html
... Zinc compounds that dissolve in water ... to
cause signifi- cant health effects ... for Occupational
Safety and Health ... more informa- tion about zinc ...
The Agency for Toxic ...
http://www.aep.com/environmental/emissioncontrol/rtk/chemicalprofiles/Zinc.pdf
More Results From: www.aep.com
... POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS: INHALATION: Unlikely ...
CHRONIC Effects: None established. ... Reauthorization
Act): Section 313, Toxic Materials: Zinc compounds ...
http://hazard.com/msds/mf/vkmp/Vpumpoil.doc
More Results From: hazard.com
... Chromium (III) Oxide or different related compounds ...
The least acutely toxic are Copper
Napthenate, Zinc ... and PCP are the most acutely toxic ...
Health Effects ...
http://www.state.ma.us/dph/beha/wood/dphptw.htm
... Not applicable SPECIAL HEALTH EFFECTS ... This
product contains the following toxic chemicals
at or At ... Chemical Name: CAS Number Percent Zinc Compounds
...
http://www.gluefast.com/MSDS/GF%201062U.pdf
More Results From: www.gluefast.com
... disulfide; chlorine; zinc; and copper, manganese and zinc
compounds. ... It also addresses
the health effects ... Section 313 contains a list of 332 toxic
...
http://www.epa.gov/history/org/tri/02.htm
More Results From: www.epa.gov
... 11. Methane 1, VOCs (C2-C7) 1, Volatile Organic Compounds
cause serious ... 1, Nickle
1, Toxic 11, 12,15. Copper 1, Toxic 12. Zinc ... 15 Toxic
11, 12. Health Effects ...
http://www.webcom.com/~bi/tables/health-effects-table.html
More Results From: www.webcom.com
... treatment system; Health: - extraordinarily foul-smelling, toxic
... NA - 14 Zinc & its
compounds, ... operation, Taking Stock, Appendix C: Human Health
Effects ...
http://www.rfu.org/Health.htm
... Ingestion: Adverse health effects ... any
possible release of Se compounds ... Summary: Considered
to be highly toxic to ... Component: Zinc selenide (SeZn)
LC 50 ...
http://www.2spi.com/catalog/msds/msds01815.html
More Results From: www.2spi.com