Zinc is an essential mineral everyone needs for a healthy body. In addition to supplements, zinc is available as a powder and is an ingredient products like sunscreen, ceramic tiles, rubber tires and engine oil lubricants. Exposure to high levels of zinc powder through inhalation or ingestion can have several toxic effects that may require medical treatment.
Exposure
Exposure to zinc powders occurs in two principal ways. One type of exposure is through ingestion of an ointment or lotion to which zinc oxide has been added. Because these preparations of zinc are not edible and are not likely to be mistaken as edible, ingestion of these products is likely to occur accidentally. The second means of exposure is through breathing in zinc oxide powders, which can occur in people who work in industries that use zinc oxide powders in manufacturing.
Ingesting Zinc Oxide
Ingesting zinc oxide can cause some very uncomfortable or even painful symptoms. These include headache, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and/or diarrhea. Eating large amounts of products with zinc powder can cause a deficiency in copper and reduced high density-lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol. Ingested zinc can also cause diminished immune system function, which may leave you susceptible to infections.
Inhaling Zinc Oxide
Inhalation of zinc oxide powder can cause a condition called metal fume fever. The prognosis for this condition is potentially more severe than that for ingesting zinc. The symptoms of metal fume fever include headache, fever, chest pain, trouble breathing and a metallic taste in the mouth. These symptoms develop rapidly between four and 12 hours after exposure.
Treatment
If you know or suspect you have ingested zinc powder or products made with zinc powder, you can call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for advice on the best way to treat the toxic effects at home. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises seeking emergency medical attention. Emergency doctors and nurses will be able to monitor your breathing, blood pressure and other signs and symptoms and treat them as necessary.
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