Zirconium Compounds Toxicity

Introduction

Zirconium (Zr) constitutes about 0.2% of the earth's crust, common minerals bind zircon, zirconium dioxide and zirconates.

Uses

in alloys and metals used in nuclear power, aerospace and various chemical industries
in the manufacture of ceramics, glass, and porcelains
in the synthesis of pigments, dyes, and water repellants
in tanning operations
in abrasive and polishing materials
as igniters in the manufacture of munitions and detonators
in lighter flints
in skin ointments and antiperspirants
as a "gas getter" in the manufacture of high-vacuum tubes
as a deoxidizer, denitrifier and desulfurizer in iron and steel manufacture

Typical Compounds

zirconium hydride (ZrH2)
zirconium oxide (ZrO2)
zirconium oxychloride (ZrOCl2.8H₂O)
zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₂)
zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl4)
zirconyl acetate (H2ZrO2(C2H3)2)2)

Occupational exposures

Potential occupational exposures to zirconium may be encountered during:

liberation from refining and casting operations
preparation of alloys
In the manufacture of metal or alloys

Toxicology

Zirconium compounds are generally considered to be of low toxicity.

Skin

Granulomata have been produced by repeated topical applications of zirconium salts to human skin.

Zirconium compounds are commonly used in antiperspirants and thus sometimes cause granulomata of the axillary skin. Aluminium zirconium compounds, which are mainly used today, are considered to be safer in this regard.

Lungs

Studies among workers exposed to zirconium compounds fumes have failed to demonstrate adverse pulmonary effects.

However, a recent report shows that severe pulmonary fibrosis containing high concentrations of several zirconium compounds occurred in a worker polishing and blocking lenses in an optical company.

Eyes

In my personal experience I have encountered a corneal burn with a subsequent scar in a titanium dioxide plant caused by the ocular projection of a small drop of liquid zirconium sulfate at the place where it was introduced into the process.

Quebec's exposure limit

VEMP (Valeur d'Exposition Moyenne Pondérée) = 5mg/m³

References

Occupational Medicine,Carl Zenz, last edition.
Clinical Environmental Health and Toxic Exposures, Sullivan & Krieger; last edition.
Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, Lewis C., last edition.
Toxicologie Industrielle et Intoxications Professionnelles, Lauwerys R.R. last edition.
Chemical Hazards of the Workplace, Proctor & Hughes, 4th edition

By Edouard Bastarache

Related Information

Links

Hazards	Zirconium Encapsulated Stains Toxicity
Materials	Magnesium Zirconium Silicate
Materials	Zircon
Materials	Zircopax
Materials	Superpax
Typecodes	Article by Edouard Bastarache Edouard Bastarache is a well known doctor that has written many articles on the subject of toxicity of ceramic materials and books on technical aspects of ceramics. He writes in both English and French.

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