The Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that zinc chloride is a corrosive chemical used for metal etching, soldering, welding, moss removal, galvanizing iron and rubber manufacturing. The military also uses zinc chloride for smoke bombs. OSHA reports that two minutes of breathing zinc chloride can irritate your nasal passages, throat and chest. Handling zinc chloride can cause skin irritation and burns. Exposure to the chemical for longer periods results in more severe symptoms to your skin or respiratory tract.
Respiratory
Zinc chloride destroys the mucous membranes in your sinus passages and lungs if you inhale the chemical. Other symptoms that could occur are wheezing, coughing, throat irritation, gasping, headaches and vomiting. If you breathe zinc chloride for extended periods, you can develop asthma.
Digestive
If you swallow zinc chloride, expect stomach pain and nausea. The chemical can also corrode your intestinal tract, close your esophagus and eventually cause death. Some people who ingest zinc chloride go into shock and collapse.
Skin
Skin exposed to zinc chloride becomes irritated, red and painful. Your skin can also develop ulcers and burns, depending upon how long your skin was in contact with the zinc chloride. Extended exposure may cause dermatitis.
Eyes
Zinc chloride is hazardous if it splashes in your eyes. You can develop eye redness and blurred vision. Eye damage and deep burns are possible if a strong solution of zinc chloride gets in your eyes or you are exposed for too long.
Treatment
OSHA recommends washing your eyes with water for at least 15 minutes if they're exposed to zinc chloride. After cleansing your eyes, see your doctor and have your eyes examined for any damage.
If you spill zinc chloride on your skin, wash the area with soap and water immediately. Go to your doctor if redness or a rash develops on your skin. If you spill any chemical on your clothing, change your clothes immediately to prevent further exposure.
Move outside in the fresh air if you inhale zinc chloride. Go to the doctor immediately, even if you do not have any symptoms, because damage to your lungs and esophagus can appear later.
Safety
When working with zinc chloride, wear safety goggles or a face sheild to protect your eyes. Make sure you are near a water supply for washing off the chemical if you are exposed. If you work in an enclosed area, wear a respirator approved by the Department of Health and Human Services.
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