Zinc is a transition metal used in alloys, compounds, and as a nutrient trace element. It is brittle at room temperature, but becomes malleable when heated. Zinc has been used for thousands of years and is found in a variety of foods. It is used in sunscreen, batteries, and coins. Zinc can be toxic when heated and excessive exposure can lead to health problems.
Zinc is a metallic chemical element found in reasonable abundance throughout the world. It is classified as a transition metal, along with nickel and mercury, among others. The metal is used in a variety of alloys and compounds that have a wide range of uses, from sun protection to fine art. Even living organisms rely on it as a valuable nutrient trace element; many foods are great sources, including seeds and whole grains.
Pure zinc is a bluish-white, lustrous metal. It is extremely brittle at average room temperature, although when heated it becomes soft, malleable and easily worked. When burned, it produces a bright blue to green flame, and the metal is reactive, combining easily with an assortment of other elements. In the periodic table of elements, zinc is identified with the symbol Zn and the metal has the atomic number 30.
Humans have been using zinc for thousands of years; The item has been widely used particularly in India. Around 1500 it began to be imported into Europe, where it was an expensive and unusual metal. Presumably, zinc was named by Paracelsus, from the German zinke, “jagged”, to describe the way it behaved in a furnace. By the 1700s, several European scientists had succeeded in isolating the element; there is some dispute as to who did it first, although many people give the credit to Andreas Marggraf.
In alloys like bronze, zinc makes the metal stronger and sometimes even easier to work with. It is also used in welding and galvanizing. Zinc oxide, a well-known compound, is a popular ingredient in sunscreen. Some batteries, pigments and coins also contain this metal. Humans require about 11 milligrams of zinc each day, most of which is absorbed through a variety of foods. A deficiency can lead to hair loss, diarrhea and sores, while an excess can cause stomach cramps and anemia.
Pure zinc metal is non-toxic, but the item should be handled with caution under some circumstances. The fumes can be toxic to people who work with the metal while it is heated and the free ions can be very dangerous. It is important to wear adequate protection when melting and heating metals in general to reduce exposure to toxic fumes. People who are exposed to too much zinc may find it difficult to get the necessary dietary minerals, as the metal can block its absorption. Therefore, excess can lead to substantial health problems if not addressed.
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