Is zinc oxide toxic?

Is zinc oxide toxic?

Zinc oxide is an oxide of zinc, hardly soluble in water, but soluble in acids and strong bases. Zinc oxide is a widely used chemical additive, divided into medical zinc oxide and industrial zinc oxide. Medical zinc oxide can be used on the skin, has sun protection, antibacterial and bactericidal effects, while industrial zinc oxide is often used in industrial production such as rubber production and ceramic production.

As a chemical raw material, zinc oxide often appears in our daily lives and is closely related to our lives. Is it inevitable that people are worried that zinc oxide is toxic or harmful to the human body?

Does zinc oxide have a toxicity score? If medical zinc oxide is used on the skin surface, it is not toxic. It has antibacterial, astringent, moisturizing and protective effects on the skin, and has the function of absorbing dryness. It is mainly absorbed into the nucleus through hair follicles and is The zinc ingested by cells can promote the formation of nucleic acids and nuclear proteins, participate in cell energy metabolism, and promote the repair of human tissues. It is often used for dermatitis and eczema.

But if eaten, it will be toxic, because zinc oxide reacts with the hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice to produce soluble zinc chloride, which is absorbed by the body. Zinc ions are trace elements required by the human body. If excessive intake, it will cause symptoms of poisoning. , So it needs attention.

In the industrial production process of zinc oxide, a large amount of inhalation will also cause certain harm to human health. Inhalation of zinc oxide fumes may cause metal fume heat. Its symptoms can cause thirst, dry throat, loss of appetite, tight chest, dry cough, headache, dizziness, sore limbs, high fever and cold. Therefore, workers are advised to wear dust masks, safety masks or protective clothing, and pay attention to personal hygiene and take personal protection.

In general, as long as it is not ingested or inhaled, it will not cause harm to the human body. Zinc oxide has a wide range of applications. In the rubber industry, it can be used as a vulcanization activator, reinforcing agent and coloring agent for natural rubber, synthetic rubber and latex. It can also be used as a coating and paint industry, ceramic industry, etc. In medical use, medical zinc oxide can be used for skin problems such as dermatitis, and can be used as a sunscreen with sun protection.