Alessandro Moretti
Alessandro MorettiPh.D.Italy
Laser-Based Additive Manufacturing
Published
Dec 24, 2025

Zinc Oxide (ZnO)

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

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) safety information

Comprehensive safety and handling requirements

Detection Monitoring
Sensor Types
  • Particulate monitors (PM10/PM2.5)
  • Personal air sampling pumps
  • Area monitors
Detection Range0.01-100 mg/m³
Alarm Setpoints
Low2 mg/m³ (ACGIH TLV respirable)
High5 mg/m³ (NIOSH REL fume)
Evacuate500 mg/m³ (NIOSH IDLH)
Colorimetric TubesNot available - laboratory analysis required
Analytical Methods
MethodTechniqueDetection Limit
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
Odor ThresholdNot applicable - odorless
Environmental Impact
Aquatic ToxicityVery toxic to aquatic life. LC50 (fish, 96h): 0.5-5 mg/L depending on pH and hardness. More toxic in soft acidic water.
BiodegradabilityNot biodegradable (inorganic).
BioaccumulationModerate bioaccumulation. BCF: 10-100. Essential element but toxic at high levels.
Soil MobilityLow mobility. Adsorbs to soil particles. Persistence: indefinite.
Atmospheric FateSettles as particulate. Does not react in atmosphere.
Ozone Depletionfalse
Reportable Releases
Water1000 lbs zinc compounds to navigable waters
Air1000 lbs/day zinc compounds (CERCLA RQ)
Ppe Requirements
RespiratoryNIOSH-approved air-purifying respirator with P100 particulate filters for ≤50 mg/m³. PAPR for higher concentrations. SCBA for unknown or emergency response.
Eye ProtectionSafety glasses with side shields. Welding goggles/helmet for welding operations.
Skin ProtectionLeather or cotton gloves adequate for dust. Welding gloves for metal work.
Reactivity
StabilityStable under normal conditions.
PolymerizationWill not polymerize
Incompatible Materials
  • Chlorinated rubber (fire risk)
  • Linseed oil (spontaneous ignition)
  • Magnesium (explosive)
  • Strong acids (generates hydrogen)
Hazardous Decomposition
  • Zinc oxide fume
  • Zinc vapors at very high temperatures
Conditions To Avoid
  • High heat (>1000°C)
  • Incompatible materials
  • Chlorinated rubber mixtures
Reactivity HazardGenerally stable. Reacts with strong acids producing hydrogen gas. May ignite spontaneously with linseed oil.
Regulatory Classification
Un NumberNone (not regulated as hazardous for transport)
Dot Hazard ClassNot classified
Dot LabelNone
Nfpa Codes
Health1
Flammability0
Reactivity0
Epa Hazard Categories
  • Specific target organ toxicity (respiratory)
Sara Title Iiifalse
Cercla Rq1000 pounds (454 kg) for zinc compounds
Storage Requirements
Temperature RangeStore at room temperature
VentilationGeneral ventilation adequate. Keep containers closed.
Incompatibilities
  • Chlorinated rubber
  • Linseed oil
  • Magnesium
  • Strong acids
Container MaterialPlastic or metal containers with tight lids.
SegregationNone required for pure zinc oxide. Separate from incompatibles.
Quantity LimitsNone specified. Follow facility storage protocols.
Special RequirementsKeep containers closed when not in use. Store in dry area. Prevent dust accumulation.

Produced From Contaminants

Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo
Z-Beam Logo

Exposure Limits

Regulatory exposure thresholds and safe concentration levels

Osha Pel Mg M3
5
Niosh Rel Mg M3
5
Acgih Tlv Mg M3
2
Workplace Exposure
Osha Pel
twa_8hr: 15 mg/m³ (total dust), 5 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
stel_15min: null
ceiling: null
Niosh Rel
twa_8hr: 5 mg/m³ (fume), 10 mg/m³ (total dust)
stel_15min: 10 mg/m³ (fume) - 15 min
ceiling: null
idlh: 500 mg/m³ (fume)
Acgih Tlv
twa_8hr: 2 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
stel_15min: 10 mg/m³ (respirable fraction)
ceiling: null
Biological Exposure Indices
0: [object Object]
1: [object Object]

Physical Properties

Physical characteristics and state information

Boiling Point
1974°C (3585°F) - sublimes
Melting Point
1975°C (3587°F)
Vapor Pressure
Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density
Not applicable (solid)
Specific Gravity
5.6
Flash Point
Not applicable
Autoignition Temp
Not applicable
Explosive Limits
Not applicable
Appearance
White to yellowish-white powder
Odor
Odorless

Reactivity

Chemical reactivity and compatibility with other substances

Stability
Stable under normal conditions.
Polymerization
Will not polymerize
Incompatible Materials
  • Chlorinated rubber (fire risk)
  • Linseed oil (spontaneous ignition)
  • Magnesium (explosive)
  • Strong acids (generates hydrogen)
Hazardous Decomposition
  • Zinc oxide fume
  • Zinc vapors at very high temperatures
Conditions To Avoid
  • High heat (>1000°C)
  • Incompatible materials
  • Chlorinated rubber mixtures
Reactivity Hazard
Generally stable. Reacts with strong acids producing hydrogen gas. May ignite spontaneously with linseed oil.

Synonyms & Identifiers

Alternative names and chemical identifiers (CAS numbers)

Synonyms
  • Zinc white
  • Chinese white
  • Flowers of zinc
  • Philosopher's wool
  • ZnO
Common Trade Names
  • Zincite
  • Zinc oxide fume
Other Identifiers
Rtecs Number
ZH4810000
Ec Number
215-222-5
Pubchem Cid
14806