Zinc is used in galvanising iron and steel, and as an alloy of brass and bronze. Inhalation of zinc oxide fumes produced during welding can cause metal fume fever characterised by nausea, headaches, muscular and joint pain, shortness of breath, thirst and a cough. These symptoms develop 4-12 hours after exposure and last for 1-2 days. Zinc chloride fumes, which are highly corrosive to skin, eyes and mucous membranes, are produced from welding flux, wood preservatives and the manufacture of high quality paper, dyes and deodorants. It is also used in smoke screens.
Plasma zinc levels are thought to follow a circadian pattern, with the highest values occurring in the morning at approximately 10.00 am.
Lipids/Trace Metals
UZN
Sample timing is not critical for occupational exposure
Aliquot for UCRN to Core Laboratory
5 days
4231