ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a detailed discussion on the occurrence and production, uses, chemical and physical properties, exposure and exposure limits, toxicokinetics, and effects of zinc in humans. Estimates of the concentration of zinc in the earth's crust range from 5 to 200 ppm. Sphalerite and smithsonite are the major zinc minerals. The amount of zinc in drinking waters, however, also depends on the materials used for piping. Major uses of zinc include zinc coatings to protect iron and steel, die casting alloys, and brass. Zinc is also used alone in dry batteries, construction materials, and printing processes. The effects of zinc in humans include information on acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, biochemistry, specific organs and systems, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity.
