Zinc Poisoning - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Zinc poisoning has been reported from many parts of the world. It is one of the global health problems that affect many organs, if exposed by inhalation of zinc vapors or by consumption of contaminated food and water. Long term exposure to zinc compounds from different sources such as air, water, soil, and food, lead to toxic effects on body systems, especially digestive, respiratory, and nerve systems, and also causes cancer. Zinc levels can be determined in blood, urine, hair, and nails. Patients with zinc toxicity need chelating agents, other pharmacological treatment, protective lung ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and supportive care.