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 OXIDE

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

OTHER CODES

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

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

No Citation

1314-13-2

DOT Hazard Class and Label Requirements

DOT Emergency Guide Code

No Citation

No Citation

DOT Identification Number

Atomic Formula

No Citation

ZnO

Synonyms

Amalox; Chinese White; flowers of zinc; philosopher's wool, zinc monoxide; zinc white.

SECTION II - HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS AND IDENTITY INFORMATION

Hazardous Components (specific identity)

Zinc oxide: (derivation: By oxidation

of vaporized pure zinc; by roasting of
zinc oxide ore with coal and subsequent
oxidation with air; similar treatment
starting with other ores; by oxidation of
vapor-fractionated die castings).

OSHA Exposure Criteria

NIOSH Exposure Criteria

Immediately Dangerous to Life

and Health (IDLH)

ACGIH Exposure Criteria

PEL (8-hour):
15 mg/m3

REL (10-hour):
5 mg/m3

TLV:
10 mg/m3

(total dust)

(fume/dust)

(total dust)

5 mg/m3

STEL:
10 mg/m3

(fume)

(fume)

5 mg/m3
500 mg/m

STEL:
10 mg/m3

CEILING:
15 mg/m3

5 mg/m3
(respirable fraction

(fume)

(fume)

(dust)

SECTION III - PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Boiling Point

Specific Gravity (H2O = 1)

Sublimes
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)

5.61
Molecular Weight

0 (approx.) at 68F (20C)

Vapor Density (Air = 1)

81.4
Melting Point

3587F (1975C)

Not Reported
Solubility

Insoluble in water and alcohol. Soluble in alkalis and acids.

Appearance and Odor

Coarse white, gray, or yellowish powder with no odor and a bitter taste.

SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA

Flash Point (method used)

Explosive Limits in Air % by Volume

Not Reported

LEL: Not Reported

NFPA Classification

UEL: Not Reported

Autoignition Temperature

Non-Combustible Solid (powder may ignite)

Not Applicable

Extinguishing Media

Zinc oxide powders may burn or explode in air. Use agents suitable to surrounding fire..
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.
Keep runoff from fire fighting procedures from entering sewers or waterways.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards

In powdered form, zinc oxide is a moderate fire and explosion hazard. Will also burn vigorously on contact with flame or by chemical reaction.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA

Conditions to Avoid

Zinc oxide is stable in closed containers at room temperature under routine conditions of storage and handling. It can absorb carbon dioxide from air to form zinc carbonate.

Stability
Stable

Unstable

Aluminum + hexachloroethane, chlorinated rubber at high temperature, linseed oil, magnesium (reduced
explosively on heating), hydrogen fluoride, and zinc chloride or phosphoric acid.

Conditions to Avoid

Hazardous
Polymerization
May Occur

Incompatibility (materials to avoid)

Under normal conditions of temperature and pressure, zinc oxide 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, including zinc oxide
fumes.

SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA

Inhalation?

Primary Route(s) of Entry:

Absorption (skin/eye)?

Ingestion?

Health Hazards

INHALATION:

Inhalation of zinc oxide dusts and fumes may cause symptoms of metal fume fever, a flulike illness lasting about 24 hours with fever, fatigue, muscle ache, chills, aches, and
cough. Other symptoms may include low back pain, blurred vision, vomiting, diarrhea,
paralysis, sweating, dypsnea, leukocytosis (high white blood cell count), rales, (noise and
rasping sound while breathing), and muscle twitching. Possible liver injury (long-term).

EYES & SKIN: Prolonged skin contact can block sweat glands and cause papules and rash to develop.
INGESTION:

Zinc oxide is poorly absorbed through the digestive tract. Ingestion may cause gastritis
due to the formation of zinc chloride in reaction to stomach acids.

Carcinogenicity

NTP Listed?

Unknown Human
Unknown Animal

IARC Cancer Review Group?

OSHA Regulated?

No

29 CFR 1910.1000
Table Z-1

No

Target Organs?

Respiratory system, CNS,

gastrointestinal tract.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

Respiratory disorders may be aggravated by exposure to zinc oxide.

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 for prolonged periods. 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. Damp mop residue. 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. Avoid contact in storage
with incompatible materials. Do not allow dusty conditions to exist in storage and handling areas.
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 OXIDE
ZnO

CAS: 1314-13-2

0
1

IDENTIFICATION AND TYPICAL USES

Zinc oxide is white to gray, or yellowish-white, odorless powder or hexagonal-shaped crystalline solid with
a bitter taste. It is used as an accelerator activator, as a
pigment and reinforcing agent in rubber, in ointments,
and as a pigment and mold-growth inhibitor in paints.
It is also used as an absorber for ultraviolet light in
plastic, ceramics, floor tile, glass, zinc salts, feed additives, as a dietary supplement, in the treatment of
seeds, in cosmetics, as a photoconductor in office
copying machines and color photography, in piezoelectric devices, and as an artist's colorant in paints.

The following acute (short-term) health effects may

occur immediately or shortly after exposure to zinc
oxide:
Skin:

Mild to moderate irritation with possible rash.

Eye:

No effects noted. There is a possibility for

mechanical irritation.

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

The following chronic (long-term) health effects may
occur at some time after exposure to zinc oxide and
can last for months or even years:

RISK ASSESSMENT: HEALTH

General Assessment
Zinc oxide exhibits relatively low toxicity by ingestion
because it is poorly absorbed through the digestive
tract. Large amounts of ingested zinc oxide can lead
to gastritis due to the formation of zinc chloride upon
reaction with the stomach's hydrochloric acid. It is
primarily toxic through inhalation of its dusts. There
are no data in the references regarding its carcinogenic
potential. However, mutation data have been reported
and it is also considered an experimental teratogen.
Inhalation of zinc oxide dusts can lead to coughing, phlegm, sneezing, and other indications of mechanical irritation. Inhalation of zinc oxide 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 after-effects. Metal fume fever is an acute,
self-limiting condition, without recognized complications, after-effects, or chronic effects. Prolonged skin
contact may cause clogging of the sweat gland producing irritation and possible papules with rash.

1 Acute Health Effects

Cancer Hazards: According to information presented

in the references, zinc oxide has not been adequately
tested for its ability to cause cancer in test animals.
Mutation data have been reported and many scientists
believe that exposure to such chemicals may pose a
cancer risk in the long-term.
Reproductive Hazard: According to information presented in the references, there is sufficient evidence to
show that zinc oxide may be a teratogen in test animals. There are no data regarding its effect on human
reproduction.
Other Chronic Effects: Repeated exposure to zinc
oxide may affect liver function and may cause ulcerlike symptoms.

Recommended Risk-Reduction Measures

Personnel should avoid direct contact with zinc oxide
dusts and powders. If a less toxic material or compound cannot be substituted for a specific zinc oxide
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 oxide release.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

While not always operationally feasible, isolating 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 oxide. For exposures over the permissible
exposure levels established by OSHA, an air-purifying
respirator equipped with a dust/mist pre-filter may
suffice. However, for the best protection in all work
environments, use an MSHA/NIOSH-approved full
facepiece self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
with operated in pressure demand, or a powered airsupplied 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,
protective 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 oxide.
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 oxide 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
oxide 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:
;

Always ensure that proper protective clothing is

worn when using chemical substances and that

Page: 4

personnel are trained in its use, care, and maintenance.

;

Wash thoroughly immediately after exposure to

zinc oxide 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 oxide
should be communicated to all exposed and 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 oxide,
emergency shower facilities should also be provided.

Workers whose clothing has been contaminated

by zinc oxide 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 oxide.

RISK ASSESSMENT: ENVIRONMENT

General Assessment
The environment is at risk of exposure during transportation, storage, disposal, or destruction of zinc oxide. 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 oxide is a non-combustible solid in bulk
form. However, zinc oxide dusts particles suspended
in the air can explode or ignite spontaneously. Caution is always required in handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of zinc oxide. It presents a serious
explosion hazard in the form of powders and dusts. It
is incompatible with a number of common materials,
including linseed oil, magnesium, hydrogen fluoride,
and chlorinated rubber. Caution is therefore warranted
when selecting response equipment and tools (avoid
rubberized materials). When heated to decomposition
in air it emits very toxic and acrid fumes and vapors.
Emergency responders should therefore be made
aware of the presence of zinc oxide at any emergency
response situation.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

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

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.

 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.

Page: 5

centrated 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

Proper training of all transporters will reduce the likelihood of a mishap or accident resulting in a leak or
spill of zinc oxide 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 oxide should be segregated from
other chemicals, metals, and materials to minimize the
risk of cross-contamination. Zinc oxide 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 oxide 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 oxide 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 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 oxide.
If zinc oxide 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 and area can be opened for normal work.

Collect powdered material in the most convenient

and safe manner possible and deposit in sealed
drum for disposal. Do NOT dry sweep. Use a

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 con-

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.

Risk Management for Hazardous Chemicals

vacuum equipped with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Damp mop residue and
collect for disposal.
;

Ventilate area of spill or leak.

Remove all ignition sources.

It may be necessary to dispose of zinc oxide 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
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.

RISK ASSESSMENT: BUSINESS

General Assessment
Accidents or mishaps involving zinc oxide 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.
Always remember that anytime the term
"reproductive hazard" is used, public emotion, anxiety,
hysteria, and ignorance can all run equally high. This
must be carefully considered whenever drafting or implementing public relations policies.

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.

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.
Lewis, R. J., Sr. 1993. Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 12th
Edition. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
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.

REFERENCES
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.

1996 by CRC Press, Inc.