Zinc exposure

Jewelry Discussion
1 
 From the Material Safety Data Sheet for zinc and zinc oxide
dust at http://www.naoxide.com/msdsnolm.html :

Section VIII - Health Hazards

Acute
May irritate eyes or skin. When zinc fumes are inhaled, they may
cause flu-like symptoms or fever, chills and nausea. Ingestion
may cause fever, stomach cramps and diarrhea.

Chronic
None reported.

Special Remarks on Chronic Effect
Zinc is an essential element. Zinc oxide fume is generated when
it is heated near or above it’s boiling point thereby causing
metal fume fever, a benign transient flu-like condition.

Routes of Entry
Skin contact, eye contact, inhalation and ingestion.

First Aid Procedures
Skin - Wash thoroughly with soap and water.

Eyes - Flush eyes with luke warm, gently running water. If
irritation persists, consult physician.

Inhalation - Consult physician immediately.

Ingestion - Consult physician immediately.

Does not meet WHMIS criteria for carcinogenicity, reproductive
effects, teratogenicity, mutagenicity. "

I don’t think that one should take up huffing zinc fumes, but it
appears that light exposure is relatively harmless. What do you
think?

Bruce D. Holmgrain
Maryland’s first JA Certified Senior Bench Jeweler
@Bruce_Holmgrain
http://www.goldwerx.nu
703-593-4652

2 
   I don't think that one should take up huffing zinc fumes,
but it appears that light exposure is relatively harmless. What
do you think?

From what I’ve read about it, heavy exposure to zinc oxide fumes
can make you sick, but repeated light exposure can have a similar
effect. Occasional Exposure to Zinc oxide fumes won’t kill you,
but it isn’t good for you. Why take a chance when a few simple
precautions can avoid the whole problem…