Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET

CHEMICAL NAME

CRC PRESS/LEWIS PUBLISHERS DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

PRESENTED HEREIN ARE BASED ON SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE . CRC MAKES NO REPRESENTATION ON
ITS COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER TO DETERMINE THE CHEMICAL'S
SUITABILITY FOR ITS INTENDED USE, THE CHEMICAL'S SAFE USE, AND THE CHEMICAL'S PROPER DISPOSAL. NO
REPRESENTATIONS AND/OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF THE MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE, ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION
PROVIDED IN THIS MSDS OR TO THE CHEMICAL TO WHICH INFORMATION MAY REFER. CRC NEITHER ASSUMES NOR
AUTHORIZES ANY OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT, ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR
THE USE OF, OR RELIANCE UPON, THIS INFORMATION.

ZINC

HAZARD WARNING INFORMATION

HEALTH

FIRE

REACTIVE

OTHER

DEGREE OF HAZARD
0 = Minimum Hazard
1 = Slight Hazard
2 = Moderate Hazard
3 = Serious Hazard
4 = Severe Hazard

COLOR CODING
HEALTH = BLUE
FIRE = RED
REACTIVITY = YELLOW
OTHER = WHITE

OTHER CODES
OX = Oxidizer
ACID = Acid
ALK = Alkali
COR = Corrosive
W = Use No Water

SECTION I - GENERAL INFORMATION

Characterization

RCRA Number

EPA Class

Metal

None

DOT Proper Shipping Name

Not Applicable

Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number

Zinc, powder or dust, nonpyrophoric

7440-66-6

DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements

DOT Emergency Guide Code

Flammable Solid; Dangerous When Wet

DOT Identification Number

76
Atomic Formula

UN 1436

Zn

Synonyms

Blue powder; spelter; granular zinc; jasad; merrillite; pasco; pigment black 16; zinc dust; zinc powder.

SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATION

Hazardous Components (specific identity)

Zinc: (derivation: Ores are roasted to

form zinc oxide which is then leached
from the roasted material with sulfuric
acid to form a zinc sulfate solution
which is electrolyzed in cells to deposit
zinc on cathodes; or, the zinc oxide is
reduced with carbon in retorts to yield
distilled and condensed to zinc).

OSHA Exposure Criteria

NIOSH Exposure Criteria

PEL:
Not
Established

REL:
Not
Established

STEL:
Not
Established

STEL:
Not
Established

Immediately Dangerous to Life

and Health (IDLH)

ACGIH Exposure Criteria

TLV:
Not
Established

Not
Determined

STEL:
Not
Established

SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point

1665F (907C)
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)

Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)

7.14
Molecular Weight (atomic weight)

1 at 909F (487C)
Vapor Density (Air = 1)

65.37
Melting Point

786F (419C)

Not Reported
Solubility

Insoluble in water (reacts). Soluble in acids and alkalis.

Appearance and Odor

Shining white metal with a bluish-white or gray luster (called spelter).

SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point (method used)

Explosive Limits in Air % by Volume

LEL: 0.5 oz/ft3 (dust cloud)

Not Reported
NFPA Classification

UEL: Not Reported

Autoignition Temperature

Non-Combustible Solid (powder may ignite)

Cloud: 1256F (680C)

Dust Layer: 860F (460C)

Extinguishing Media

Zinc may burn, but does not easily ignite. Use dry sand, graphite, dolomite, sodium chloride. Never use
water, halogenated agents, or class A, B, or C extinguishing agents.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures

Poisonous gases are produced in fire. Wear full protective clothing, self-contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA) operated in pressure-demand mode. Move container from fire area if it can be done without risk.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

In powdered form, zinc is a moderate fire and explosion hazard. Will also burn vigorously on contact with
flame or by chemical reaction. Moist powders can ignite explosively in air. Flammable hydrogen gas is
liberated by reaction with alkali hydroxide, acids, or water.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

Conditions to Avoid

Dry zinc metal is stable in closed containers at room temperature under routine conditions of storage and
handling, but moist zinc powder reacts exothermically and can ignite spontaneously in air.

Stability
Stable

Unstable

Powders are explosive in reaction with acids, chlorates, oxidizing agents, halogenated hydrocarbons, hydrazine mononitrate, hydroxylamine, ammonium nitrate, barium dioxide, and many other metallic salts.

Conditions to Avoid

Hazardous
Polymerization
May Occur

Incompatibility (materials to avoid)

Under normal conditions of temperature and pressure, zinc cannot undergo hazardous polymerization.

Will Not Occur

Hazardous Decomposition or By-products

When heated to decomposition in air it emits highly toxic, acrid, and irritating smoke and fumes. Vaporized
zinc burns in air with a blue-green flame to produce zinc oxide fumes.

SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Inhalation?

Primary Route(s) of Entry:

Absorption (skin/eye)?

Ingestion?

Health Hazards

INHALATION:

Inhalation of zinc dusts and zinc fumes may cause symptoms of metal fume fever, a flulike illness lasting about 24 hours with fever, fatigue, muscle ache, chills, aches, and
cough. In animal studies, it has also caused vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis, and muscle
twitching. When zinc is refined, cadmium is released which is carcinogenic.

EYES & SKIN: Eye and skin contact may result in mild to moderate irritation. Metal fragments in the eyes
can cause scratching.
INGESTION:

Zinc is poorly absorbed through the digestive tract. Ingestion of zinc salts may cause
nausea, vomiting, sluggishness, and lightheadedness.

Carcinogenicity

Unknown Human
Unknown Animal

NTP Listed?

IARC Cancer Review Group?

OSHA Regulated?

Target Organs?

No

No

No

Eyes, respiratory system.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

None reported.
Emergency and First-aid Procedures

Eye contact: Do not allow victim to keep eyes tightly shut. Flush immediately with water for 15 minutes
(minimum). Skin contact: Avoid skin contact in areas with cuts or scratches. If such contact occurs,
wash with large amounts of soap and water, scrubbing to remove metal particles. For inhalation: Remove
the person from exposure. Provide respiratory assistance and CPR. Transfer to medical facility. If swallowed: Seek medical attention immediately. Do not attempt to give an unconscious or convulsing person
anything by mouth. If conscious, give copious amounts of water to drink and induce vomiting. Repeat
until vomitus is clear.

SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE

Steps to be Taken in Case Material is Released or Spilled

Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Restrict those not involved in cleanup from entering
area. Ventilate area of spill. Do not use water. Collect powder materials and deposit in sealed drum. Do
NOT dry sweep, use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum instead.
Preferred Waste Disposal Method

No citation.
Precautions to be Taken in Handling and Storage

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat and moisture. Avoid contact in storage with incompatible materials.
Other Precautions and Warnings

Protect containers from physical damage.

SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Respiratory Protection (specify type)

Use an air-purifying respirator equipped with a HEPA filter or, use a NIOSH/MSHA-approved self-contained
breathing apparatus (SCBA) with full facepiece operated in positive pressure mode.
Ventilation

Local exhaust (preferred) at site of chemical work or general ventilation.

Protective Gloves

Impervious Gloves

Eye Protection

Chemical/Dust Goggles and Face Mask

Other Protective Clothing

Protective Uniform or Apron

Work/Hygiene Practices

Always wash hands thoroughly after using chemical; never bring food, drink, or smoking materials into
vicinity of chemicals. Barrier creams may be useful to limit the effects of skin exposure.
1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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ZINC
Zn

CAS: 7440-66-6

1
0

IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES

1 Acute Health Effects

Zinc is a metallic element of atomic number 30, Group

IIB of the periodic table. It has valances of 2 and five
stable isotopes. It appears as a shining white metal
with a bluish-white or gray luster (called spelter). It is
used in alloys (brass, bronze, and die-casting alloys),
for galvanizing iron and other metals, in electroplating, in metal spraying, auto parts, electrical fuses, in
storage and dry cell batteries, in fungicides, and as a
nutritional agent (essential growth agent). It is also
used in roofing, gutters, engraver's plates, cable wrapping, and organ pipes.

The following acute (short-term) health effects may

occur immediately or shortly after exposure to zinc:
Skin:

Mild to moderate irritation.

Eye:

Mild to severe mechanical irritation with

itching, tearing, and scarring.

Lung: High concentrations of dust may cause mechanical irritation and the fume inhalation may
cause respiratory tract irritation and possible
symptoms of metal fume fever.

0 Chronic Health Effects

RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTH
General Assessment
Elemental zinc exhibits relatively low toxicity, but its
compounds and salts are highly toxic. It is primarily
toxic through inhalation of its dusts. Zinc is poorly
absorbed through the digestive tract and, therefore,
ingestion is not considered a toxic exposure route.
Ingestion of the soluble salts may cause nausea and
vomiting, sluggish fatigue, and lightheadedness. Skin
contact may cause localized irritation but dermal absorption is not reported. There are no data in the references regarding its carcinogenic, mutagenic, or
teratogenic properties.
Inhalation of zinc dusts can lead to coughing,
phlegm, sneezing, and other indications of mechanical
irritation. Inhalation of zinc fumes may result in the
development of a flu-like condition known as metal
fume fever with symptoms of chills, fever, fatigue,
coughing, and muscle aches. These symptoms usually
begin 3 to 10 hours after exposure and usually subside
within 48 hours of onset with no permanent aftereffects. Metal fume fever is an acute, self-limiting
condition, without recognized complications, aftereffects, or chronic effects. Skin contact may produce
irritation or rash. Eye contact can also result in mild to
severe mechanical irritation and possible scarring.

The following chronic (long-term) health effects may

occur at some time after exposure to zinc and can last
for months or even years:
Cancer Hazards: According to information presented
in the references, zinc has not been shown to cause
cancer in humans or test animals. Zinc is considered
essential to human life in limited amounts.
Reproductive Hazard: According to information presented in the references, zinc has not been shown to
adversely affect reproduction in test animals.
Other Chronic Effects: None reported. However, as a
nuisance dust, long-term exposure to zinc may be expected to cause respiratory dysfunction.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Personnel should avoid direct contact with zinc dusts
and powders. Even though its elemental form is considered relatively non-toxic, many zinc compounds
and salts can pose a significant threat to human health.
If the exact zinc compound is not known or, if a less
toxic material or compound cannot be substituted for a
specific zinc compound, then engineering controls are
the most effective method of reducing exposure risk.
The best protection is to enclose operations and/or
provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of zinc release. While not always operationally feasible, iso-

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

lating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respiratory protection is less effective than the controls
mentioned above, but is still required whenever
working with or around zinc. No exposure levels have
been established. This does not mean that exposure is
without health risk. For infrequent or transient exposures, an air-purifying respirator equipped with a highefficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and dust prefilter may suffice. However, for the best protection
use an MSHA/NIOSH-approved full facepiece selfcontained breathing apparatus (SCBA) operated in
pressure demand or other positive pressure mode, or a
powered air-supplied respirator in continuous flow
mode. If a full facepiece is not available, then chemical goggles should be worn to protect the eyes, especially when an airborne dust hazard exists. A face
shield should also be considered. To prevent hand and
skin exposures, rubber gloves should be used. Glove
manufacturers should be contacted and permeation
studies obtained before final glove selections are
made.
Administrative controls should also be in place to
minimize the potential for human exposures. These
may include written procedures or policies which
specify the methods and techniques that will be practiced whenever personnel are to work with zinc.
All personnel should receive training on the use,
hazards, protective measures, emergency actions, and
other precautions per 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard
Communication) prior to the first assignment in an
area where zinc is used or stored.
Before beginning employment and at regular times
thereafter, the following recommended medical tests
should be considered for those with frequent or potentially high exposures:
; Lung function tests.
; Consider chest X-ray after acute overexposure or
repeated, long-term exposure.
It should be noted that medical tests that simply look
for existing damage are not a substitute for controlling
exposures. Medical histories are extremely important
when assessing exposure risk. Also, since smoking
can cause heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, and
other respiratory diseases, smokers exposed to zinc
may experience symptoms more quickly and more
pronounced than non-smokers under the same conditions of exposure. Prudent risk management requires
proper consideration of all factors which may cause
exposure symptoms in the workplace.
Other methods to reduce exposure include:

Page: 4

Always ensure that proper protective clothing is

worn when using chemical substances and that
personnel are trained in its use, care, and maintenance.

Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to

zinc and at the end of the work shift or before
eating, drinking, smoking, or applying cosmetics.

Hazard warning information should be posted in

the work area. In addition, as part of an on-going
education and training program, all information
on the health and safety hazards of zinc should be
communicated to all potentially exposed workers.

Eye wash stations should be provided in the immediate work area for emergency use. If there is
a possibility of skin exposure to zinc, emergency
shower facilities should also be provided.

Workers whose clothing has been contaminated

by zinc should change into clean clothes before
leaving work.
Contaminated work clothing
should be laundered only by individuals who
have been informed of the hazards of exposure to
zinc.

RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENT

General Assessment
Even though zinc is a commonly occurring metallic
element, the environment is still at risk of exposure
during transportation, storage, disposal, or destruction
of zinc. In almost every scenario, the threat of environmental exposure is contingent upon the proper handling of the chemical substance. Accidental spills,
large or small, can result in contamination of the surrounding environmental mediums (water, soil, and
air).
Zinc is a non-combustible solid in bulk form.
However, zinc metal dusts particles suspended in the
air can explode. Moist powders can ignite spontaneously in air. Caution is always required in handling,
storage, transportation, and disposal of zinc. It presents a serious explosion hazard in the form of powders
and dusts. It is incompatible with a number of materials, including acids, chlorates, oxidizing agents, halogenated hydrocarbons, hydrazine mononitrate, hydroxylamine, ammonium nitrate, barium dioxide, barium nitrate, cadmium, performic acid, manganese
chloride, nitric acid, ethyl acetoacetate and tribromoneopentyl alcohol, tellurium, carbon disulfide, lead
azide, selenium, sodium peroxide, potassium nitrate,
and water. It will react with water and moisture to
form flammable hydrogen gas. When heated to de-

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

composition in air it emits very toxic and acrid fumes

and vapors. Emergency responders should therefore
be made aware of the presence of zinc at any emergency response situation.
Zinc is one of the most commonly used metals in
the world. Zinc is an essential element for life when
present in trace amounts. It exists as a variety of salts.
Zinc may enter the environment through discharges
from galvanizing plants, as a leachate from galvanized
structures and natural ores, and from municipal waste
treatment plant discharges.

1 Acute Ecological Effects

Page: 5

O Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Organisms

Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals
as well as humans.
The concentration of zinc found in fish tissues is
expected to be considerably higher than the average
concentration of zinc in the water from which the fish
was taken.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Acute (short-term) toxic effects may include the death

of animals, birds, or fish and death or low growth rate
in plants. Acute effects are seen 2 to 4 days after animals or plants are exposed to zinc.
The toxicity of zinc to aquatic life is related to
water hardness, with increased toxicity occurring in
softer waters. Zinc and its salts have high acute toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to
evaluate or predict the acute (short-term) effects of
zinc to birds, plants, or land animals.

0 Chronic Ecological Effects

Chronic (long-term) toxic effects may include shortened life span, reproductive problems, lower fertility,
and changes in appearance or behavior in exposed
animals. These effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to toxic chemicals.
Zinc and its salts have high chronic toxicity to
aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate
the chronic (long-term) effects of zinc to plants, birds,
or land animals.

6 Water Solubility
Zinc exists as a variety of salts. Zinc and its compounds have water solubilities that can range from low
to high, depending on the salt that is formed. Most are
highly soluble in water.

Proper training of all transporters will reduce the likelihood of a mishap or accident resulting in a leak or
spill of zinc into the environment. Labels on all containers, trucks, and rail cars must meet DOT requirements and accurately reflect their contents to enable
emergency responders to react properly and quickly to
any disaster thereby reducing the potential risk to the
environment and to personnel.
Storage of zinc should be segregated from other
chemicals, metals, and materials to minimize the risk
of cross-contamination. Zinc must be stored to avoid
contact with incompatible materials since violent reactions can occur. Care must be taken to avoid the
generation of airborne dusts or powders in storage and
handling areas since zinc dusts can form explosive
mixtures in air. Containers should be protected from
physical damage and stored to avoid contact with heat.
If a spill or leak to the environment has occurred,
fire department, emergency response and/or hazardous
materials spill personnel should be notified immediately. Cleanup should be attempted only by those
trained in proper spill containment procedures using
non-sparking tools. Contaminated soils should be removed for incineration and replaced with clean soil. If
zinc should contact the water table, aquifer, or navigable waterway, time is of the essence. The solubility of
zinc and its compounds can range from insoluble to

 Persistence in the Environment

Zinc and its salts are highly persistent in water, with
half-lives greater than 200 days. The half-life of a
pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of
the chemical to be degraded. Other compounds of
zinc will vary in persistence, as water solubility varies
from compound to compound.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

highly solubility and total remediation may not be possible. The local and/or state emergency response
authorities must be notified. A comprehensive emergency response or disaster preparedness/recovery plan
should be in place prior to any operations involving
the use, transportation, storage, or disposal of zinc.
If zinc is spilled or leaked, the following specific
steps are recommended:
;

;
;

Restrict persons not wearing protective clothing

from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete.
Collect powdered material in the most convenient
and safe manner possible and deposit in sealed
drum for disposal. Do NOT dry sweep. Use a
vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Do NOT damp mop residue.
Ventilate area of spill or leak and remove all ignition sources.
It may be necessary to dispose of zinc as a hazardous waste. The responsible state agency or the
regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be contacted for
specific recommendations.

Page: 6
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. 1988.
Documentation of the Threshold Limit Values and Biological Exposure Indices, 5th Edition (with updates). Cincinnati: ACGIH
Bloom, A. D. and F. J. DeSerres. 1995. Ecotoxicity and Human Health.
New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Calabrese, E. J. 1994. Biological Effects of Low Level Exposures. New
York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Cockerman, L. G., B. S. Shane. 1994. Basic Environmental Toxicology.
New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Cothern, C. R. 1995. Handbook for Environmental Risk Decisionmaking.
New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Danse, I. R. 1991. Common Sense Toxics in the Workplace. New York:
Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Environmental Protection Agency. 1983. Chemical Hazard Information
Profiles. Washington, D.C.: U.S. EPA.
Forseberg, K., and L. H. Keith. 1993. Chemical; Protective Clothing
Permeation and Degradation Database. Chelsea, MI: Lewis Publishers.
Gardner, R. W. 1994. Chemical Intolerance.
Press/Lewis Publishers.

New York:

CRC

Hodgson, E., R. B. Mailman, and J. E. Chambers. 1988. Dictionary of

Toxicology. London: The MacMillian Company.
Keith, L. H. and M. M. Walker. 1995. Handbook of Air Toxics. New
York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Landis, W. G., M. H. Yu. 1995. Introduction to Environmental Toxicology. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.

RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESS

General Assessment

Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1993. Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 12th

Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Accidents or mishaps involving zinc can present a serious threat to business operations. The loss or damage of equipment or facilities can significantly affect
fiscal viability. Lawsuits that may result from personnel illness, injury/death, public exposures, and/or environmental contamination will require a serious expenditure of resources. Media attention surrounding an
injury, death, or environmental damage can also result
in a loss of profits and loss of current as well as future
business.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Company attorneys, safety and health professionals,
and environmental specialists should be involved in
the development of any procedures for responding to
chemical incidents. A company official should be predesignated as a public relations officer with specific
training in dealing with the press. Corporate plans and
policies should be developed, approved, and implemented long before any need for such arises.

REFERENCES

Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1992. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, Volumes 1, 2, and 3, 8th Edition. New York: Van Nostrand
Reinhold.
Patnaik, P. 1992. A Comprehensive Guide to the Hazardous Properties of
Chemical Substances. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Philp, R. B. 1995. Environmental Hazards and Human Health. New
York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Proctor, N. H., J. P. Hughes. 1991. Chemical Hazards of the Workplace.
New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Reeves, A. L. 1979. Handbook on the Toxicology of Metals. New York:
Elsevier North-Holland.
Richardson, M. 1995. Dictionary of Substance and Their Effects, Vol. IVI. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Sacarello, H. L. A. 1994. The Comprehensive Handbook of Hazardous
Materials. New York: CRC Press/Lewis Publishers.
Torkelson, T. R. V. K. Rowe. 1981. Pattys Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, Vol. 2B. New York: Wiley-Interscience.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health. 1994. NIOSH Pocket Guide to
Chemical Hazards. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing
Office.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.