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Zinc chloride (Cl2Zn) is an exogenous inorganic compound with an average molecular weight of 136.31 g/mol. Zinc chloride belongs to the transition metal chlorides, a subclass of transition metal salts within the inorganic compounds. It is classified as a mixed metal/non-metal compound and exists as a solid at room temperature.
The compound serves several industrial, biological, and chemical roles, acting as a Lewis acid (PMC10342298 , PMC9919330 ), a catalyst (PMC9632252 ), a humectant, a corrosion inhibitor, a disinfectant, and an astringent. It is also used as an industrial flavouring and nutrient. In the production of plastics, it is utilized in polyamide and polyethylene terephthalate. Zinc chloride is released from 36 recorded sources, including electrical and electronic equipment such as antennas and communication cables, household cleaning and consumer products like soap detergents and bleaching agents, and building and construction materials including tents, canopies, and fencing. It is also found in healthcare products such as vasoprotectives and IV solution additives, as well as in food processing activities including the preparation of vinegar, wine, wort, and beer fermentation processes. Recorded exposure routes include oral, dental, topical, oropharyngeal, and intravenous.
Zinc chloride interacts with 97 recorded protein targets, including the B1 bradykinin receptor (BDKRB1), Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A (ALDOA), and Methylated-DNA--protein-cysteine methyltransferase (MGMT). It also targets Superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] (SOD1), where it may act as a ligand, inhibitor, regulator, cofactor, chaperone, or chelator. Unbalanced levels of zinc and copper binding to SOD1 have been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as transition metal chlorides. These are inorganic compounds in which the largest halogen atom is Chlorine, and the heaviest metal atom is a transition metal.
Anaemia results from the excessive absorption of zinc suppressing copper and iron absorption, most likely through competitive binding of intestinal mucosal cells. Unbalanced levels of copper and zinc binding to Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase has been linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Stomach acid dissolves metallic zinc to give corrosive zinc chloride, which can cause damage to the stomach lining. Metal fume fever is thought to be an immune response to inhaled zinc. (2, 3, 1)
Ingestion of large doses of zinc causes stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Acute inhalation of large amounts of zinc causes metal fume fever, which is characterized by chills, fever, headache, weakness, dryness of the nose and throat, chest pain, and coughing. Dermal contact with zinc results in skin irritation. (3)
Treatment
Zinc poisoning is treated symptomatically, often by administering fluids such as water or milk, or with gastric lavage. (3)
Health Effects
Health Effect
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periodontal disease
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A disorder in the gingival tissue around the teeth. (NCI CTCAE)
Stormwater runoff?Stormwater runoff refers to the flow of rainwater or melted snow that does not soak into the ground and instead collects pollutants as it travels over impervious surfaces such as roads and parking lots.
Drinking water?Drinking water can be a medium for synthetic chemical contamination, often originating from various industrial processes and agricultural practices.
Ballast water?Ballast water, taken on by ships to maintain stability and balance, often contains a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and plankton.
Bilge water?Bilge water is a byproduct generated from the accumulation of water in the lowest part of a ship's hull, which may include a mixture of seawater, oil, fuel residues, and various contaminants.
Brushes?Brushes used in personal care and cosmetics can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and coatings used in their manufacturing.
IV solution additives?IV solution additives are substances incorporated into intravenous fluids to enhance therapeutic effects, such as electrolytes, vitamins, and medications.
Fencing?Fencing materials, particularly those used in construction and landscaping, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the treatments and coatings applied for durability and weather resistance.
Sunshades Awnings Or Outside Screens?Sunshades, awnings, and outside screens are often constructed using synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, or acrylic fabrics.
Sunshades Awnings Or Outside Screens?Sunshades, awnings, and outside screens are commonly used in construction to enhance energy efficiency and provide shade.
Tents Or Canopies?Tents and canopies used in various applications can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination primarily due to the materials from which they are made.
Antennas?Antennas, commonly used in communication technologies, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination through the materials and coatings used in their construction.
Communication Cables Or Conductors?Communication cables or conductors are essential components in the transmission of data and signals in various applications, including telecommunications and networking.
Conductors Or Conductive Bodies Characterised By The Conductive Materials?Conductors, or conductive bodies, are materials that allow the flow of electrical current, typically made from metals such as copper, aluminum, or silver.
Cores Yokes Or Armatures?Cores, yokes, or armatures are components commonly found in electrical devices, used to facilitate the magnetic and electrical functions within motors, transformers, and generators.
Discharge Lamps?Discharge lamps, including fluorescent and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps, are commonly used for lighting applications due to their energy efficiency and brightness.
Electric Switches?Electric switches, integral components in numerous devices, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials and manufacturing processes involved in their production.
Electrically Stimulated Smoking Devices?Electrically stimulated smoking devices, commonly known as e-cigarettes or vape pens, utilize electrical components to heat a liquid solution, often containing nicotine, flavorings, and other additives, to produce an aerosol for inhalation.
Electrodes?Electrodes, used in various electrical and electronic applications, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials from which they are constructed and the processes involved in their manufacturing.
Fixed Capacitors And Their Manufacture?Fixed capacitors are passive electronic components used to store and release electrical energy, playing a critical role in various circuits.
Hybrid Capacitors?Hybrid capacitors are energy storage devices that combine the properties of electrolytic and supercapacitors, utilizing a combination of electrochemical principles to achieve higher energy density and power density.
Magnets?Magnets, commonly used in various electrical and electronic applications, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials used in their production.
Power Cables?Power cables are used to transmit electrical energy and are typically composed of conductive materials, insulation, and protective coatings.
Superconductive Or Hyperconductive Conductors Cables Or Transmission Lines?Superconductive or hyperconductive conductors, including cables and transmission lines, are materials that exhibit zero electrical resistance under specific conditions, typically at low temperatures.
Television Systems?Television systems can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the various materials and components used in their manufacture and operation.
Food Preservation?Food preservation often involves the use of synthetic chemicals, such as preservatives, flavor enhancers, and color additives, to extend shelf life and enhance the sensory qualities of food products.
Preparation Of Vinegar?Vinegar is produced through the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria, resulting in a solution that typically contains 4-8% acetic acid.
Preparation Of Wine Or Sparkling Wine?The preparation of wine or sparkling wine involves various stages, including fermentation, aging, and bottling, which can introduce potential sources of synthetic chemical contamination.
Treatment Of Hops?Hops, a key ingredient in brewing and food flavoring, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to various agricultural practices.
Bleaching Agents?Bleaching agents are chemical substances used to whiten or lighten materials, often employed in various cleaning products for their stain removal and disinfecting properties.
Perfumes Within Detergents And Soaps?Perfumes within detergents and soaps are synthetic fragrance compounds added to enhance the sensory experience of cleaning products.
Pipe Accessories?Pipe accessories, such as fittings, connectors, and seals, are components used in plumbing systems to facilitate the flow of liquids and gases.
Soap Detergents?Soap detergents are synthetic surfactants designed to enhance the cleaning efficacy of water by reducing surface tension, allowing for better interaction with dirt and grease.
Soap Dispensers?Soap dispensers, commonly used for dispensing liquid soaps and sanitizers, can become a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the materials used in their construction and the products they dispense.
Tobacco Pipes?Tobacco pipes, often made from materials such as plastic, wood, or metal, can serve as sources of synthetic chemical contamination due to the residues left by tobacco products.
Tobacco Smoke Filters?Tobacco smoke filters are designed to reduce the inhalation of harmful substances in cigarette smoke, including tar and other particulate matter.
Making Cigars?The process of making cigars involves several steps, including the cultivation of tobacco, fermentation, and the application of various additives to enhance flavor and preservation.
Manufacture Of Iron Or Steel?The manufacture of iron or steel involves various processes, including smelting, refining, and alloying, which can result in the release of synthetic chemicals and contaminants.
Manufacture Preparation Of Tobacco Products?The manufacture and preparation of tobacco products involve various processes that can result in the introduction of synthetic chemicals into the environment.
Paper Making Machines?Paper making machines utilize various synthetic chemicals throughout the production process, including additives, coatings, and bleaching agents.
Lawn Mowers?Lawn mowers, particularly those powered by gasoline, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the combustion of fossil fuels and the use of engine oils.
Nematocides?Nematocides are synthetic chemicals specifically designed to control nematodes, which are microscopic roundworms that can cause significant damage to crops and plants.
Rodenticides(1)?Rodenticides are synthetic chemicals specifically formulated to control rodent populations, serving as a crucial tool in managing pests that can damage crops and spread diseases.
Rodenticides?Rodenticides are chemical substances specifically designed to control rodent populations by causing death through various mechanisms, including anticoagulation or neurotoxicity.
Aftersun Products?Aftersun products are designed to soothe and hydrate the skin after sun exposure, often containing various synthetic chemicals such as emollients, preservatives, and fragrances.
Anti Perspirants Or Body Deoderants?Antiperspirants and body deodorants commonly contain synthetic chemicals such as aluminum compounds, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
Depilatories?Depilatories are products designed to remove unwanted hair through the application of synthetic chemicals that break down the protein structure of hair, facilitating its removal.
Essential Oils Or Perfumes?Essential oils and perfumes are complex mixtures of volatile compounds derived from natural or synthetic sources, commonly used for their aromatic properties.
Eye Makeup Products?Eye makeup products, including mascaras, eyeliners, and eyeshadows, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals such as pigments, preservatives, and film-forming agents.
Face Mask Cosmetics?Face mask cosmetics often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals, including preservatives, emulsifiers, and fragrances, which can contribute to chemical contamination.
Lip Care Products?Lip care products, including lipsticks, balms, and glosses, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
Lip Makeup Products?Lip makeup products, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip liners, often contain a variety of synthetic chemicals, including pigments, preservatives, and emollients.
Azo Dyes?Azo dyes are synthetic organic compounds characterized by the presence of one or more azo groups (-N=N-), which are widely used for coloring textiles, leather, and furnishings.
Buttons?Buttons, often made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, or polycarbonate, can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination during their production, use, and disposal.
Embroidering And Tufting?Embroidering and tufting processes often involve the use of synthetic chemicals such as dyes, adhesives, and finishing agents.
Footwear?Footwear production often involves the use of various synthetic chemicals, such as adhesives, dyes, and treatments, which can contribute to environmental contamination.
Inorganic Fibres?Inorganic fibres, such as asbestos, glass wool, and ceramic fibres, are used in various applications due to their thermal resistance, strength, and durability.
Multicolour Dyeing?Multicolour dyeing involves the application of multiple synthetic dyes to textiles and other materials to achieve vibrant, diverse color patterns.
Purses Luggage Hand Bags?Purses, luggage, and handbags are often manufactured using synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, and various types of nylon.
Ropes?Ropes manufactured from synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene, nylon, and polyester, are widely used in various applications, including marine, construction, and outdoor activities.
Surface Finishing Of Leather?Surface finishing of leather often involves the use of various synthetic chemicals, including dyes, resins, and finishing agents.
Transfer Printing?Transfer printing is a process used to apply designs and patterns onto various substrates, commonly utilizing synthetic dyes and inks that can contain hazardous chemicals.
Yarns Or Threads?Yarns or threads used in textiles can be a source of synthetic chemical contamination due to the production processes and treatments they undergo.
Fire Fighting Gels?Fire fighting gels are synthetic chemical formulations designed to enhance fire suppression effectiveness by creating a protective barrier against heat and flames.
Gaseous Fire Fighting?Gaseous fire fighting systems utilize synthetic chemicals, such as halocarbons and inert gases, to suppress fires through chemical and physical processes.
Non-PFAS Fire Fighting Foam?Non-PFAS fire fighting foam refers to fire suppression agents that do not contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are synthetic chemicals known for their water- and grease-resistant properties.
Solid Fire Fighting Substances?Solid fire fighting substances, such as certain types of dry chemical powders, are used in fire suppression applications to extinguish flames and prevent fire spread.
Airplanes And Helicopters?Airplanes and helicopters are significant sources of synthetic chemical contamination primarily through the use of aviation fuels, lubricants, and de-icing agents.
Nitrogenous Fertilisers?Nitrogenous fertilizers are synthetic chemical compounds primarily used to enhance plant growth by supplying essential nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for photosynthesis and protein synthesis.
Cements?Cements are a composite material primarily used as a binding agent in construction applications, formed by the calcination of limestone and clay minerals at high temperatures.
Clay Wares?Clay wares are ceramic products made from natural clay, often utilized in various construction applications such as tiles, bricks, and sanitary ware.
Glass Coatings?Glass coatings are synthetic chemical formulations applied to glass surfaces to enhance properties such as durability, UV resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
Lime?Lime, primarily comprised of calcium oxide (CaO) or calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), is widely used in various applications, including as a key ingredient in mortars, plasters, and cement.
Non Oxide Glass?Non-oxide glass refers to a category of glasses primarily composed of materials other than silicon dioxide, such as boron oxide or phosphorous oxide.
Silica Free Oxide Glass?Silica Free Oxide Glass is a type of glass that is produced using alternative materials to traditional silica-based formulations.
Silica Glass?Silica glass, primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), is widely used in various applications, including windows, glass facades, and insulation materials.
Nanotechnology?Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the molecular or atomic level, typically within the range of 1 to 100 nanometers.
Embossing Machines?Embossing machines are industrial devices used to create raised patterns or designs on materials, including paper and fiber products.
Erasers?Erasers, commonly used in writing and drawing applications, are often made from synthetic rubber or thermoplastic materials, which can contain various additives such as plasticizers, fillers, and colorants.
Coating Compositions?Coating compositions, which include paints, sealants, and varnishes, are formulated with a variety of synthetic chemicals such as solvents, resins, pigments, and additives.
Leather Tanning?Leather tanning is a process that transforms raw animal hides into durable leather through the application of various chemicals, including chromium salts, aldehydes, and vegetable tannins.
Sludge Treatment?Sludge treatment involves the processing of waste materials generated from wastewater treatment plants, which often contain a variety of organic and inorganic substances.
Water, Wastewater, & Sewage Treatment?Water, wastewater, and sewage treatment processes are critical for managing and mitigating pollutants in water systems.
Vonk WI, Klomp LW: Role of transition metals in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Biochem Soc Trans. 2008 Dec;36(Pt 6):1322-8. doi: 10.1042/BST0361322. [PubMed: 19021549]
ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2005). Toxicological profile for zinc. U.S. Public Health Service in collaboration with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). - http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp60.html
ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (2001). Minimal Risk Levels (MRLs) for Hazardous Substances. U.S. Public Health Service in collaboration with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). - http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mrls/
Lewis RJ Sr. (ed) (2004). Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 11th Edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Interscience, Wiley & Sons, Inc.
European Chemicals Bureau (2004). EU Risk Assessment Report- Zinc chloride, Vol.45.
Yannai, Shmuel. (2004) Dictionary of food compounds with CD-ROM: Additives, flavors, and ingredients. Boca Raton: Chapman & Hall/CRC.
![Superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] structure](https://cdn.rcsb.org/images/structures/1azv_assembly-1.jpeg)
