Zinc is a metal as well as an essential mineral. Your body needs zinc to function properly. If you take a multivitamin, chances are it has zinc in it. In this form, zinc is both necessary and relatively safe. See: Zinc in diet

Zinc however, can be mixed with other materials to make industrial items such as paint, dyes, and more. These combination substances can be particularly toxic.

This article discusses poisoning from zinc.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Zinc

• Compounds used to make paint, rubber, dyes, wood preservatives, and ointments
• Rust prevention coatings
• Vitamin and mineral supplements
• Zinc chloride
• Zinc oxide (relatively nonharmful)
• Zinc acetate
• Zinc sulfate
• Heated or burned galvanized metal (releases zinc fumes)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

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Zinc poisoning Symptoms

Review Date: 02/02/2011
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)