Product Name: Zinc
Chemical Formula: Zn
Synonyms: Spelter, Blue Powder
CAS Number: 7440-66-6
Recommended Use: Galvanization, alloy production, batteries, rubber compounding, chemical processes
Manufacturer: Refer to manufacturer label for company name and address
Emergency Contact: Refer to supplier for emergency number; often includes CHEMTREC or local equivalent
Classification: Not flammable as a solid, but hazardous in fine powder or dust due to fire and explosion potential
Physical Hazards: Dust can form explosive mixtures with air, especially in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces
Health Hazards: Inhalation of dust or fume may cause metal fume fever; symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, respiratory discomfort
Environmental Hazards: Toxic to aquatic life in significant concentrations; zinc can accumulate in soil and water, affecting organisms
Signal Word: Warning
Precautionary Statements: Prevent dust dispersal, use only outdoors or in well-ventilated area, avoid breathing dust or fume, wash hands thoroughly after handling
Substance: Elemental Zinc
Chemical Formula: Zn
CAS Number: 7440-66-6
Concentration: 98–100% (Dependent on material grade and purity level)
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, seek medical advice if symptoms persist, keep at rest
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water, remove contaminated clothing, seek medical attention if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses after the first minute, consult medical professional if irritation continues
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water if conscious, seek immediate medical attention
Most Important Symptoms: Shortness of breath, coughing, headache, fever (especially after inhalation of fume)
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, sand, or special powder for metal fires; water or foam can react with molten zinc and are not recommended
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Water, carbon dioxide for fires involving molten material
Fire/Explosion Hazards: Metal dust may form explosive mixtures in air; high temperatures can produce toxic zinc oxide fumes
Protective Equipment: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to prevent inhalation of toxic gases
Personal Precautions: Avoid breathing dust or fume, wear PPE such as gloves and respiratory protection
Environmental Precautions: Prevent spillage into drains, watercourses, or soil; zinc can persist and cause harm to aquatic life
Cleanup Methods: Collect spillage mechanically, soak up residue with inert absorbent, store in closed containers for proper disposal, use anti-static tools if dealing with powder, ventilate area
Safe Handling: Avoid dust generation; handle in ventilated space; avoid contact with skin and eyes; prevent static build-up by grounding equipment
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area; keep containers tightly closed; protect from moisture, acids, and incompatible substances
Incompatibilities: Strong acids, alkalis, oxidizers, halogens, ammonium nitrate
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL for zinc oxide fume: 5 mg/m³ (TWA); NIOSH REL: 5 mg/m³ (TWA), 10 mg/m³ (STEL)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, dust suppression
Personal Protection: Respiratory protection for dust or fume, safety goggles, gloves, protective clothing
Hygiene Measures: Wash thoroughly after handling, avoid food or drink where zinc is processed, remove contaminated clothing and equipment before leaving work area
Appearance: Bluish-silver metal; sometimes in powder or granule form
Odor: Odorless
Melting Point: 419.5°C (787.1°F)
Boiling Point: 907°C (1665°F)
Density: 7.14 g/cm³, varies slightly by form
Solubility: Insoluble in water
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Other: Conducts electricity, conducts heat, brittle below 100°C, malleable above 100°C
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal temperature and pressure in dry conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Humid air, high temperatures, contact with acids, moisture
Incompatible Materials: Acids, alkalis, ammonium salts, strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Zinc oxide fumes (very hazardous if inhaled, especially during fire or high-heat processing)
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Reacts with acids to release flammable hydrogen gas, which may create explosion hazard with air
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation (primary), ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Effects: Inhalation can cause metal fume fever (symptoms start several hours after exposure); ingestion may result in digestive discomfort
Chronic Effects: Prolonged or repeated exposure can affect lungs, may cause respiratory irritation or bronchitis
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic by IARC, NTP, or OSHA
Additional Information: No evidence of reproductive toxicity in humans at occupational levels; always handle to minimize exposure risk
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life at elevated concentrations; can bioaccumulate in fish and aquatic organisms, disrupts local food chains
Persistence: Zinc does not degrade, remains stable and persistent in soils and sediments
Mobility: Limited mobility in soil; mobility increases in acid conditions, which can leach zinc into groundwater
Other Adverse Effects: High levels lead to phytotoxicity in plants, can disrupt microbial activity in soil
Waste Methods: Recycle if possible, or dispose of at authorized hazardous waste facility
Contaminated Packaging: Containers should be emptied and recycled or disposed under requirements of local legislation
Special Notes: Do not flush into drains or watercourses; always inform disposal contractor of the presence of zinc
UN Number: Usually not regulated for solid metallic forms; zinc dust may be classified as UN 3077 (Environmentally Hazardous Substance, Solid, N.O.S.)
Proper Shipping Name: Zinc metal or Zinc dust (as applicable)
Transport Hazard Class: Not classified for most ground and air transport; may be regulated for marine or air shipments as an environmental hazard
Packing Group: Not typically assigned, unless classified as hazardous
Environmental Hazards: Marine pollutant for dust or large quantities; avoid discharge during shipping
U.S. Regulations: TSCA listed, SARA Title III Section 313 (zinc compounds) reportable, subject to Clean Water Act rules regarding discharges
European Union: REACH registered, included in Annex VI of CLP for hazardous substances, subject to local directives on chemical storage and handling
Canada: Listed on DSL/NDSL, subject to Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) regulation
Other: Always check local and regional regulations, since restrictions, labelling, and reporting may vary by jurisdiction and use case