Common Name: Zinc CAS Number: 7440-66-6 DOT Number: UN 1436 Date: January 31, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Zinc can affect you when breathed in. * Zinc dust particles can irritate the eyes. * Exposure to solid Zinc is not known to cause acute or chronic health effects, but heated Zinc may give off Zinc Oxide Fume which can cause health effects. * Metal fragments can scratch the eyes. * When Zinc is refined, Cadmium is released. Cadmium is a cancer causing agent. IDENTIFICATION Zinc is a soft white metal with a bluish tinge. It is used as a coating on iron and steel, and in making brass metal alloys, also as a dust in making paint and dyestuffs. REASON FOR CITATION * Zinc is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, NFPA and EPA. * Definitions are attached. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS * No exposure limits have been established for Zinc. Metal, metal compounds and alloys are often used in "hot" operations in the workplace. These may include, but are not limited to, welding, brazing, soldering, plating, cutting, and metallizing. At the high temperatures reached in these operations, metals often form metal fumes which have different health effects and exposure standards than the original metal or metal compound and require specialized controls. Your workplace can be evaluated for the presence of particular fumes which may be generated. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly at the end of the workshift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Zinc to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Zinc: * Metal particles can irritate the eyes. * High exposure to Zinc dust, like any dust, can cause cough with phlegm. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Zinc and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Zinc has not been tested for its ability to cause cancer in animals. Reproductive Hazard * According to the information presently available to the New Jersey Department of Health, Zinc has not been tested for its ability to adversely affect reproduction. Other Long Term Effects * Zinc has not been tested for other chronic (long term) health effects. MEDICAL Medical Testing There is no special test for this chemical. However, if illness occurs or over exposure is suspected, medical attention is recommended. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Zinc dust should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Zinc dust. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Zinc dust at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during cleanup. DO NOT DRY SWEEP. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Zinc dust is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Zinc dust. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day, and put on before work. Eye Protection * Wear dust proof goggles when working with powders or dust, unless full face piece respiratory protection is worn. Respiratory Protection IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * Where the potential exists for exposures to Zinc dusts, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved respirator equipped with particulate (dust/fume/mist) filters. Particulate filters must be checked every day before work for physical damage, such as rips or tears, and replaced as needed. * For processes where Zinc is heated refer to respiratory protection recommendations on the NJ Hazardous Substance Fact Sheet on Zinc Oxide. * If while wearing a filter, cartridge or canister respirator, you can smell, taste, or otherwise detect Zinc, or in the case of a full facepiece respirator you experience eye irritation, leave the area immediately. Check to make sure the respirator to face seal is still good. If it is, replace the filter, cartridge, or canister. If the seal is no longer good, you may need a new respirator. * Be sure to consider all potential exposures in your workplace. You may need a combination of filters, prefilters, cartridges, or canisters to protect against different forms of a chemical (such as vapor and mist) or against a mixture of chemicals. * Where the potential for high exposures exists, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure demand or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Zinc DOT Number: UN 1436 DOT Emergency Guide code: 76 CAS Number: 7440-66-6 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY 1 REACTIVITY 1 ---------------------------------------- DUST FORMS EXPLOSIVE MIXTURE WITH AIR COMBUSTIBLE DUSTS IRRITATING & POISONOUS GASES/FUMES PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Zinc is a COMBUSTIBLE SOLID. * Use dry chemical, sand, or foam extinguishers. * POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Zinc is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until cleanup is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Zinc as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Pro gram for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Zinc you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Zinc must be stored to avoid contact with CHROMIC ANHYDRIDE, MANGANESE CHLORIDE, CHLORATES, CHLORINE and MAGNESIUM since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from WATER, ACIDS and ALKALI HYDROXIDES, because flammable Hydrogen gas is produced. * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Zinc is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with soap and water. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Insoluble Other Names and Formulations: Blue Powder; Granular Zinc; Emanay Zinc Dust. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625 0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Zinc is one of the most commonly used metals in the world. Its major uses are for galvanizing steel, producing alloys, and for serving as an ingredient in rubber and paints. Zinc is an essential element for life when present in trace amounts. Zinc exists as a variety of salts. Zinc may enter the environment in the discharge from galvanizing plants, as a leachate from galvanized structures and natural ores, and from municipal waste treatment plant discharges. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. 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 short-term effects of zinc and its compounds to plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Zinc and its salts have high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long- term effects of zinc and its salts to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Zinc exists as a variety of salts, many of which are highly soluble in water. DISTRIBUTION AND 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. 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 and 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. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.