Zinc Oxide laser cleaning visualization showing process effects
Alessandro Moretti
Alessandro MorettiPh.D.Italy
Laser-Based Additive Manufacturing
Published
Jan 6, 2026

Zinc Oxide Compound

Zinc Oxide Compound safety information for laser cleaning. Health hazards, exposure limits, and protective equipment requirements.

Chemical Properties

Chemical Identity

CAS Number
1314-13-2
Formula
ZnO
Molecular Weight
81.38 g/mol

Exposure Limits Comparison

Health Effects

Metal Fume Fever
Yes
Respiratory Irritation
Yes
Flu Like Symptoms
Yes
Temporary Effects
Yes
Detection Monitoring
SensorTypes
  • Particulate monitors (PM10/PM2.5)
  • Personal air sampling pumps
  • Area monitors
DetectionRange
0.01-100 mg/m³
AlarmSetpoints
Low
2 mg/m³ (ACGIH TLV respirable)
High
5 mg/m³ (NIOSH REL fume)
Evacuate
500 mg/m³ (NIOSH IDLH)
ColorimetricTubes
Not available - laboratory analysis required
AnalyticalMethods
MethodTechniqueDetectionLimit
NIOSH 7030AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy)0.5 µg/sample
NIOSH 7300ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma)0.1 µg/sample
OSHA ID-121AAS0.3 µg/sample
OdorThreshold
Not applicable - odorless
Environmental Impact
AquaticToxicity
Very toxic to aquatic life. LC50 (fish, 96h): 0.5-5 mg/L depending on pH and hardness. More toxic in soft acidic water.
Biodegradability
Not biodegradable (inorganic).
Bioaccumulation
Moderate bioaccumulation. BCF: 10-100. Essential element but toxic at high levels.
SoilMobility
Low mobility. Adsorbs to soil particles. Persistence: indefinite.
AtmosphericFate
Settles as particulate. Does not react in atmosphere.
OzoneDepletion
false
ReportableReleases
Water
1000 lbs zinc compounds to navigable waters
Air
1000 lbs/day zinc compounds (CERCLA RQ)
Ppe Requirements
Respiratory
NIOSH-approved air-purifying respirator with P100 particulate filters for ≤50 mg/m³. PAPR for higher concentrations. SCBA for unknown or emergency response.
Eye Protection
Safety glasses with side shields. Welding goggles/helmet for welding operations.
Skin Protection
Leather or cotton gloves adequate for dust. Welding gloves for metal work.
Reactivity
Stability
Stable under normal conditions.
Polymerization
Will not polymerize
IncompatibleMaterials
  • Chlorinated rubber (fire risk)
  • Linseed oil (spontaneous ignition)
  • Magnesium (explosive)
  • Strong acids (generates hydrogen)
HazardousDecomposition
  • Zinc oxide fume
  • Zinc vapors at very high temperatures
ConditionsToAvoid
  • High heat (>1000°C)
  • Incompatible materials
  • Chlorinated rubber mixtures
ReactivityHazard
Generally stable. Reacts with strong acids producing hydrogen gas. May ignite spontaneously with linseed oil.
Regulatory Classification
UnNumber
None (not regulated as hazardous for transport)
DotHazardClass
Not classified
DotLabel
None
NfpaCodes
Health
1
Flammability
0
Reactivity
0
Instability
0
EpaHazardCategories
  • Specific target organ toxicity (respiratory)
SaraTitleIii
false
CerclaRq
1000 pounds (454 kg) for zinc compounds

Contaminants That Produce Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide fumes form when laser energy ablates zinc-coated or galvanized steel, brass, and zinc die-cast components. Zinc oxide inhalation causes metal fume fever at high concentrations. Laser cleaning of galvanized material requires local exhaust ventilation and respirators rated for metal oxide fumes.
No metadata available

White Rust on Galvanized Steel

No metadata available

Zinc Electroplating

No metadata available

Brass Coating Removal

No metadata available

Paint Residue / Coating Failure Laser Cleaning

No metadata available

Battery Leakage Corrosion

Chemical Properties

Molecular formula, CAS number, molecular weight, and chemical structure
Type
chemical_properties
Id
zinc-oxide-physical-data

Physical Properties

Chemical and physical characteristics
BoilingPoint
1974°C (3585°F) - sublimes
MeltingPoint
1975°C (3587°F)
VaporPressure
Negligible at room temperature
VaporDensity
Not applicable (solid)
SpecificGravity
5.6
FlashPoint
Not applicable
AutoignitionTemp
Not applicable
ExplosiveLimits
Not applicable
Appearance
White to yellowish-white powder
Odor
Odorless

Alternative Names

Synonyms and chemical identifiers
Synonyms
  • Zinc white
  • Chinese white
  • Flowers of zinc
  • Philosopher's wool
  • ZnO
CommonTradeNames
  • Zincite
  • Zinc oxide fume
OtherIdentifiers
RtecsNumber
ZH4810000
EcNumber
215-222-5
PubchemCid
14806

Health Effects

Adverse health impacts from exposure to this compound
Route
inhalation
Effect
Metal fume fever (flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches)
Severity
moderate
Onset
short-term
Route
skin_contact
Effect
Mild irritation or contact dermatitis
Severity
low
Onset
short-term
Route
eye_contact
Effect
Irritation, redness, and possible conjunctivitis
Severity
moderate
Onset
immediate
Route
ingestion
Effect
Gastrointestinal upset including nausea and vomiting
Severity
low
Onset
immediate

Personal Protective Equipment

Required safety equipment for handling this compound
Respiratory
NIOSH-approved air-purifying respirator with P100 particulate filters for ≤50 mg/m³. PAPR for higher concentrations. SCBA for unknown or emergency response.
Skin
Leather or cotton gloves adequate for dust. Welding gloves for metal work.
Eye
Safety glasses with side shields. Welding goggles/helmet for welding operations.
MinimumLevel
Level D for dust <10 mg/m³, Level C for >10 mg/m³ or welding fume
SpecialNotes
Metal fume fever primary concern. Prevent inhalation during welding/cutting galvanized metal. Symptoms develop 4-12 hours post-exposure. Well-ventilated work areas essential.

Exposure Limits

OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH exposure thresholds
OshaPelMgM3
5
NioshRelMgM3
5
AcgihTlvMgM3
2
WorkplaceExposure
OshaPel
twa8Hr: null
stel15Min: null
ceiling: 5 mg/m³
NioshRel
twa8Hr: 5 mg/m³
stel15Min: 10 mg/m³
ceiling: null
idlh: 500 mg/m³ (fume)
AcgihTlv
twa8Hr: 2 mg/m³
stel15Min: null
ceiling: null
BiologicalExposureIndices
0: [object Object]
1: [object Object]

Storage Requirements

Safe storage conditions and compatibility
TemperatureRange
Store at room temperature
Ventilation
General ventilation adequate. Keep containers closed.
Incompatibilities
  • Chlorinated rubber
  • Linseed oil
  • Magnesium
  • Strong acids
ContainerMaterial
Plastic or metal containers with tight lids.
Segregation
None required for pure zinc oxide. Separate from incompatibles.
QuantityLimits
None specified. Follow facility storage protocols.
SpecialRequirements
Keep containers closed when not in use. Store in dry area. Prevent dust accumulation.

Emergency Response

Procedures for spills, exposure, and incidents
FireHazard
Non-combustible. May release toxic zinc oxide fume when heated above 1000°C.
FireSuppression
Use agent appropriate for surrounding fire. Wear SCBA - toxic fumes possible.
SpillProcedures
Avoid generating dust. Sweep or vacuum with HEPA filter. Place in sealed containers. Dispose as non-hazardous or hazardous depending on concentration and source.
ExposureImmediateActions
Remove from exposure. If metal fume fever suspected: rest, fluids, symptomatic treatment. Symptoms self-limiting 24-48 hours. If severe: seek medical attention. Monitor respiratory function.
EnvironmentalHazards
Toxic to aquatic life. May contaminate soil/water. Generally low environmental risk.
SpecialHazards
METAL FUME FEVER: flu-like symptoms 4-12 hours post-exposure (fever, chills, nausea, muscle aches). Self-limiting but recurrent with repeated exposure. Welding galvanized metal major exposure source.

Regulatory Classification

DOT, UN, and NFPA hazard classifications
UnNumber
None (not regulated as hazardous for transport)
DotHazardClass
Not classified
DotLabel
None
NfpaCodes
Health
1
Flammability
0
Reactivity
0
Special
null
Instability
0
EpaHazardCategories
  • Specific target organ toxicity (respiratory)
SaraTitleIii
false
CerclaRq
1000 pounds (454 kg) for zinc compounds

Environmental Impact

Toxicity, biodegradability, and environmental fate
AquaticToxicity
Very toxic to aquatic life. LC50 (fish, 96h): 0.5-5 mg/L depending on pH and hardness. More toxic in soft acidic water.
Biodegradability
Not biodegradable (inorganic).
Bioaccumulation
Moderate bioaccumulation. BCF: 10-100. Essential element but toxic at high levels.
SoilMobility
Low mobility. Adsorbs to soil particles. Persistence: indefinite.
AtmosphericFate
Settles as particulate. Does not react in atmosphere.
OzoneDepletion
false
ReportableReleases
Water
1000 lbs zinc compounds to navigable waters
Air
1000 lbs/day zinc compounds (CERCLA RQ)

FAQ

Common Questions and Answers
As a laser cleaning operator working on galvanized steel, how do zinc oxide fumes differ from iron oxide dust in terms of health risks, and what protection should I use to stay safe?
Zinc oxide fumes irritate the lungs much faster than iron oxide dust, which accumulates more gradually and causes slower onset of respiratory issues like pneumoconiosis; acute exposure to ZnO can lead to metal fume fever within hours, while iron oxide typically requires chronic exposure. To protect yourself, always use a NIOSH-approved respirator with a P100 filter rated for metal fumes, ensure engineering controls like local exhaust ventilation capture at least 90% of fumes at the source, and monitor personal exposure to keep below the OSHA PEL of 5 mg/m³ (as ZnO) over an 8-hour shift. Perform regular air sampling and medical check-ups if working in high-fume environments to detect early signs of irritation.

Detection & Monitoring

Methods for detecting and measuring this compound
SensorTypes
  • Particulate monitors (PM10/PM2.5)
  • Personal air sampling pumps
  • Area monitors
DetectionRange
0.01-100 mg/m³
AlarmSetpoints
Low
2 mg/m³ (ACGIH TLV respirable)
High
5 mg/m³ (NIOSH REL fume)
Evacuate
500 mg/m³ (NIOSH IDLH)
ColorimetricTubes
Not available - laboratory analysis required
AnalyticalMethods
  • [object Object]
  • [object Object]
  • [object Object]
OdorThreshold
Not applicable - odorless

Reactivity

Chemical reactivity and incompatibilities
Stability
Stable under normal conditions.
Polymerization
Will not polymerize
IncompatibleMaterials
  • Chlorinated rubber (fire risk)
  • Linseed oil (spontaneous ignition)
  • Magnesium (explosive)
  • Strong acids (generates hydrogen)
HazardousDecomposition
  • Zinc oxide fume
  • Zinc vapors at very high temperatures
ConditionsToAvoid
  • High heat (>1000°C)
  • Incompatible materials
  • Chlorinated rubber mixtures
ReactivityHazard
Generally stable. Reacts with strong acids producing hydrogen gas. May ignite spontaneously with linseed oil.

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