Zinc is an important element for the human body. Its deficiency threatens the development of thyroid diseases, liver, nervous system disorders. A person receives a substance with food in conjunction with other trace elements. The element is widely used in industry and, if safety is not followed, zinc poisoning occurs. The symptoms of intoxication are specific, at the first manifestations you should seek help.
What is zinc?
Zinc - a silver metal, in the periodic table standing at number 30. In nature, pure zinc is not found, only in combination with other chemical elements. The radioactive metal is zinc salts.
In the earth's crust, metal is a component of sulfide ores and minerals. In its pure form, zinc is a dull silver color, zincite, willemite, sulfide and other minerals give it various shades.
For the first time, metal without impurities was obtained in the 16th century. Since then, it has been actively used in medicine, pharmacology, industry. Widespread has caused zinc poisoning. Under the influence of high temperatures, small particles of the element are released into the atmosphere. If safety measures are not followed, fumes and dust enter the human body, exerting a toxic effect.
Zinc in the human body
Zincum, Zn is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. It is difficult to overestimate its role in the body:
- part of carbonic anhydrase - a substance involved in the formation of hydrochloric acid;
- participates in the transport of carbon dioxide, transfers bicarbonates from tissue capillaries with blood to the lungs;
- maintains acid-base balance in the blood;
- stimulates the tropic hormones of the pituitary gland, which regulate the function of the endocrine glands;
- regulates the production and biological effects of insulin;
- participates in the metabolic processes of lipids and cholesterol, normalizing the metabolism of fats, accelerates the process of lipid breakdown;
- prevents fatty hepatosis;
- regulates the function of seminal vesicles and exocrine tubular-alveolar gland
The human body contains about 2-3 g of zinc. A deficiency or oversupply leads to a disruption in the synthesis of metalloproteins. Normally, the adult's need for zinc is 10-15 mg per day.
Hazardous Zinc Compounds
In industry, pure zinc is also used in compounds.
- Zinc oxide (ZnO) is widely used in industry. It is used in the manufacture of rubber, dental cement, cosmetics. During the melting process, zinc oxide releases a finely divided aerosol. When inhaled, vapors have a toxic effect.
- Zinc phosphide (Zn 3 P 2 ) is used as a rodent control method. The toxic substance interacts well with hydrochloric acid, which is part of the gastric juice. Poison is effective in the development of rats and mice resistance to other poisons. In humans, zinc phosphide poisoning occurs when a large amount of vapor is inhaled.
- Zinc chloride (ZnCl 2 ) is used in the pulp and paper industry, tinning, soldering. Contact with skin causes chemical burns.
- Zinc sulfate is used in agriculture as a fertilizer. It is in demand in pharmacology, eye drops based on it are used for conjunctivitis, blepharitis. Zinc sulfate is a food supplement for farm and domestic animals. In humans, it causes intoxication when the concentration in the atmosphere is exceeded 5 mg / m³. skin contact leads to ulcers.
Symptoms of acute and chronic intoxication
Intoxication with zinc compounds can be acute or chronic. The first usually occurs during metal heating processes. In acute zinc poisoning, symptoms appear immediately:
- there is a sweet taste in the mouth;
- loss of smell, and the nose is not blocked;
- within an hour or two there is a strong thirst, since metal particles damage the mucous receptors, it seems to a person that he did not get drunk;
- getting into the trachea dust causes attacks of suffocating cough;
- painful chest tightness, difficulty breathing;
- nausea, severe vomiting.
Chronic poisoning is much more dangerous. Metal is ingested in small doses and settles mainly in the liver and kidneys. Symptoms do not appear immediately, a person does not even realize that they are caused by the toxic effects of the metal. Signs of chronic poisoning:
- nausea in the morning;
- abdominal pain, epigastrium, lower back;
- regular breakdown of stool;
- after physical exertion, spasms of the calf muscles are observed;
- loss of appetite;
- when walking fast, shortness of breath appears;
- noise in ears;
- drowsiness, fatigue.
People who often come in contact with metal must always follow safety precautions. If you experience any unpleasant manifestations, consult a doctor immediately.
Symptoms of zinc poisoning during welding
Zincum consists of five isotopes. 15 radioactive nuclei of a chemical element are also known. Zinc interacts well with many metals. It reacts well with acids, alkalis, ammonium salts, molecular chromium and bromine. This far from complete list of physicochemical properties allows the use of a substance in various branches of human activity.
Zinc poisoning in most cases occurs at industrial sites. There is no pure metal in nature; it is obtained by exposure to high temperatures and various chemical compounds. During the melting process (for example, when welding pipes), zinc oxide will emit vapors and a fine aerosol.
Particles enter the body through inhalation and ingestion. Metal irritates the mucous membranes. Settling on the walls of the organs of the upper and lower respiratory tract, it causes coughing, inflammation of the bronchi and lungs. In severe cases, holes may form in the plate separating the nasal passages. If it enters the intestines, it causes dyspeptic disorders - nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
Zinc dust, as a rule, settles on the skin, causing ulceration, especially on the back of the hands.
The effects of toxic effects of zinc vapor
Zinc reacts well with acids contained in human biological fluids. Zinc is poorly excreted from the body, with constant contact quickly accumulates, which contributes to the development of complications. In chronic poisoning with zinc vapor, atrophic changes in the mucous membranes develop. The consequences are manifested in the form of serious diseases:
- hypochromic anemia (the concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells is less than 30 picograms);
- progressive pneumoconiosis (pulmonary fibrosis);
- impaired ventilation and blood circulation of the lungs (emphysema);
- pulmonary edema;
- toxic pneumonia;
- small spotted dissemination;
- an increase in the content of urobilin in the urine;
- erosive lesion of the mucosa of the bulbar part of the small intestine (erosive bulbitis);
- stomach ulcer.
First aid
The body perceives excess zinc as poison, the first signs are the same as with any other poisoning. Each organism is individual, in the presence of chronic diseases, the consequences of intoxication can be unpredictable. A person needs help, but later (and as early as possible) he must consult a doctor.
Most often, zinc poisoning occurs during welding. At the enterprises, next to the safety instructions, a memo is posted with information on the procedure for providing first aid:
- Evacuation of the victim from the affected area, interruption of contact with a toxic substance.
- Ensuring access to fresh air: stretch the buttons near the throat, loosen the belt on the trousers;
- Providing drinking in large quantities.
- In case of zinc phosphide poisoning, a weak solution of potassium permanganate (0.1%) is obtained.
- When intoxication with zinc chloride, I wash my stomach by artificial vomiting.
When to seek medical attention
Zinc poisoning refers to severe intoxication. If high doses of metal enter the body, it is imperative to be examined. Hospitalization is necessary under the following conditions:
- with the provision of independent first aid, the condition of the victim only worsens;
- a person vomits continuously, impurities of blood are observed in the masses;
- the skin changes color to pale, fingers and toes become cold;
- unconditional hospitalization are subject to small children, women in position, people of advanced age;
- the victim rolls his eyes, a coma is observed.
As a rule, the company always has a full-time medical staff capable of providing qualified first aid. If you call an ambulance at the first manifestations of intoxication, you can avoid serious consequences.
Zinc Poisoning Treatment
There are no special antidotes to neutralize metal. In the hospital, general anti-toxic measures are carried out aimed at reducing the concentration of the substance in the body. They are as follows:
- Gastric lavage. The procedure is carried out using a gastric tube, introducing a solution of sodium bicarbonate (3%) through it.
- The use of detoxifying agents. The victim is injected intramuscularly with 5-10 ml of Unithiol solution.
- Restoring carbohydrate balance. A glucose solution with ascorbic acid is administered intravenously.
The symptomatic treatment of zinc poisoning during welding is also carried out:
- elimination of the gag reflex;
- stool normalization;
- with skin burns, local painkillers and regenerating agents are used.
The patient undergoes a full examination, when identifying diseases caused by the toxic effects of the metal, appropriate therapy is prescribed.
Poison Prevention
Excessive concentrations of zinc pose a threat to human health. To avoid intoxication, preventive measures should be taken:
- The process of melting non-ferrous metals containing zinc should be mechanized.
- There should be good general ventilation in the working area.
- Respirators, industrial gas masks and other protective equipment should be used in the work process.
- Before work, the hands are treated with a fat cream, then washed with an alkaline solution.