Zinc bis(hydroxymethanesulphinate)

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

Assessment of the acute oral toxicity of zinc chloride was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats and Swiss mouse according to OECD guideline no 401 .The LD50 value was within the range of 1,100 to 1,260 mg/kg bw.
In the 10 min inhalation study in female Sprague-Dawley rats, zinc chloride has demonstrated acute toxicity via the inhalation route (LC50 ≤ 1,975 mg/m3). However, since the exposure of the animals to the size of the particles is not truly representative of exposure to humans under normal conditions, it is difficult to assess whether or not, zinc chloride is acutely toxic since a four hour LC50 value could not be derived and a clear dose-response relationhip coud not be established.
Airway irritation has been observed both in animals and in humans, zinc chloride has the potential to be a respiratory tract irritant.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Acute toxicity: via oral route

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Value:

1 100 mg/kg bw

Acute toxicity: via inhalation route

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

LC50

Value:

1 975 mg/m³ air

Acute toxicity: via dermal route

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed

Dose descriptor:

LD50

Value:

2 000 mg/kg bw

Additional information

Soluble zinc chloride is harmful following acute oral exposure (LD₅₀range 1,100 to 1,260 mg/kg bw). Zinc chloride has also demonstrated acute toxicity via the inhalation route (LC₅₀≤ 1,975 mg/m³). However, since the exposure of the animals to the size of the particles is not truly representative of exposure to humans under normal conditions, it is difficult to assess whether or not, zinc chloride is acutely toxic since a four hour LC₅₀value could not be derived and a clear dose-response relationhip coud not be established. Airway irritation has been observed both in animals and in humans, zinc chloride has the potential to be a respiratory tract irritant.

Soluble zinc sulphate (monohydrate, hexahydrate and heptahydrate) has LD₅₀oral values ranging from 574 to 2,949 mg/kg bw, 862 to 4,429 mg/kg bw and 920 to 4,725 mg/kg bw, respectively for the three forms of zinc sulphate. Zinc sulphate is not acutely toxic via the dermal route (LD50 >2,000 mg/kg bw). Effects of inhalation exposure to zinc sulphate were limited to pulmonary effects only.

Soluble zinc bis(dihydrogen phosphate) is also harmful following acute oral exposure (LD50 range >300 to <2000 mg/kg bw).

While no specific acute toxicity data were identified for diammonium tetrachlorozincate and triammonium pentachlorozincate, it is (due to its similar solubility characteristics) likely to display a toxicity profile similar to that of zinc chloride, zinc sulphate or zinc bis(dihydrogen phosphate).

Justification for classification or non-classification

Soluble zinc chloride is harmful following acute oral exposure (LD50 range 1,100 to 1,260 mg/kg bw) and is classified as harmful if swallowed (Xn; R22 or Acute Tox. Cat. 4: H302) according to EC criteria.

Zinc chloride has also demonstrated acute toxicity via the inhalation route (LC50 ≤ 1,975 mg/m3). However, since the exposure of the animals to the size of the particles is not truly representative of exposure to humans under normal conditions, it is difficult to assess whether or not, zinc chloride is acutely toxic since a four hour LC50 value could not be derived and a clear dose-response relationhip coud not be established.

Zinc chloride is based on read-across data of very low acute dermal toxicity not requiring a classification according to EC criteria.