Safety data sheet reference · CAS 1314-13-2
Zinc oxide SDS
also: zinc oxide MSDS · safety data sheet · ZnO · CAS 1314-13-2 · EC 215-222-5
Official PDF from supplier
This page is a reference, not the legal document.
CAS number
1314-13-2
EC number
215-222-5
CLP Annex VI index
030-013-00-7
Molecular formula
OZn
Structural formula
ZnO
Molar mass
81.4 g/mol
§ 02 · Hazards identification
Zinc oxide harmonised EU classification
CLP Annex VI · Index 030-013-00-7. A supplier SDS may add self-classified hazards — this is the legal minimum.
§ 03 · Composition and identifiers
Zinc oxide structure
Zinc oxide is an ionic compound — there is no discrete ZnO molecule. The diagram shows the ions the crystal lattice is built from.
Ions of zinc oxide · ZnO
Identifiers from PubChem (NIH, public domain). Structure diagram drawn with RDKit from the SMILES string.
§ 04 · First-aid measures
Zinc oxide first aid measures
Call your national emergency number first. These are published first-aid measures, not medical advice, and they do not replace emergency services, a poison control centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.
§4–§6 below reproduce the CAMEO Chemicals entry ZINC OXIDE, CRUDE. CAMEO publishes response data per product entry, so the entry can describe a solution, a refrigerated liquid or a molten form rather than the pure substance in §9 — check it matches what you are handling.
Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Source: NIOSH, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain.
§ 05 · Fire-fighting measures
Zinc oxide fire fighting measures
ERG 2024 · GUIDE 171 Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)ERG guidance is written per response guide, not per substance — Guide 171 covers every material assigned to it, so a few sentences reference other UN numbers in the same group.
Fire and explosion hazard
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot. For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported in a charged state. Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
Extinguishing media and tactics
CAUTIONFire involving Safety devices (UN3268) and Fire suppressant dispersing devices (UN3559) may have a delayed activation and a risk of hazardous projectiles. Extinguish the fire at a safe distance.
SMALL FIREDry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.
LARGE FIREWater spray, fog or regular foam. Do not scatter spilled material with high-pressure water streams. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKSCool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.
Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: ZINC OXIDE, CRUDE.
§ 06 · Accidental release measures
Zinc oxide spill and leak response
Containment and clean-up
Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent dust cloud. For Asbestos, avoid inhalation of dust. Cover spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Do not clean up or dispose of, except under supervision of a specialist.
SMALL DRY SPILLWith clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
SMALL SPILLPick up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.
LARGE SPILLDike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
Initial isolation and evacuation
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILLIncrease the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: ZINC OXIDE, CRUDE.
§ 07 · Handling and storage
Zinc oxide computed storage compatibility
Derived from CLP Annex VI classification and CAMEO reactive-group data — not copied from a PDF.
Full interactive verdict — reactions, gas release on contact, ADR forms →
§ 08 · Exposure controls
Zinc oxide exposure limits (IDLH)
IDLH
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
500 mg/m3
NIOSH Pocket Guide — Zinc oxide →
IDLH from the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (CDC, U.S. public domain), via CAMEO Chemicals. Occupational exposure limits — OSHA PEL, NIOSH REL and EU IOELV — are not published on this page yet.
§ 09 · Physical and chemical properties
Zinc oxide physical properties
Source: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain); per-value source references stored in the database.
§ 10 · Stability and reactivity
Reactive group (CAMEO/NOAA): Salts, Basic. Our database documents 16 incompatible and 18 caution reaction-partner groups for zinc oxide — including which combinations release gas on contact. See the per-partner breakdown with gas release →
16
Incompatible
18
Caution
§ 13 · Disposal considerations
Dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local and national regulations — in the EU under the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. Never discharge to drains or municipal waste; hand contaminated packaging and unused product to an authorised waste-disposal company. The supplier's SDS section 13 lists the applicable waste codes for the specific product.
MSDS vs SDS
Zinc oxide MSDS vs SDS: is there a difference?
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the format is set by REACH Annex II. So a "zinc oxide MSDS" and a "zinc oxide SDS" refer to the same document — today it is issued as an SDS. Full breakdown of the differences →
Substance profile
What zinc oxide is
Physical and chemical properties with the conditions each value was measured under, synonyms, formula and the harmonised CLP classification →
Compliance hub
From classification to SDS
The classification above corresponds to Section 2 of a Safety Data Sheet. Learn how a compliant 16-section SDS is structured and authored →
GHS label maker
Build the label for zinc oxide
Pictograms, signal word and H-statements combined into a compliant label layout →
§ 16 · Sources
- Classification: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), Annex VI
- Transport: UN ADR 2025 (UNECE), Table A
- Reactivity: NOAA CAMEO Chemicals reactive-group matrix (public domain)
- Physical properties: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain) — per-value source references stored in the database
- Emergency response (§4–§6): ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), all US federal public domain, reproduced verbatim
- Substance data: PubChem · ECHA
Reference aid only. This page summarises the harmonised EU classification and computed storage guidance — it is not a Safety Data Sheet and does not replace one. Always verify hazards, handling and storage against the supplier's SDS (sections 7 and 10) and local regulations before use. Page updated 2026-08-11.
Frequently asked questions about zinc oxide
Is an MSDS the same as an SDS?
In practice, yes. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the SDS format is set by REACH Annex II. A document you find labelled "zinc oxide MSDS" is today issued as an SDS.
What GHS pictograms does zinc oxide require?
Under the harmonised EU classification (CLP Annex VI), zinc oxide carries GHS09 with the signal word "Warning". Hazard statements: H400, H410. A supplier's SDS may add self-classified hazards on top of this harmonised minimum.
Where can I download an official zinc oxide SDS PDF?
From your own supplier — an SDS is issued per product and supplier, so the correct PDF for an inspection is the one matching the product you actually purchased. The supplier links on this page lead to the official SDS libraries of major distributors.
Call emergency services first
112 in the EU · 911 in the US. This screen is published response information, not medical advice, and it does not replace emergency services, a poison centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.
Text below is the CAMEO Chemicals entry ZINC OXIDE, CRUDE — confirm it matches the form in front of you.
01 · First aid
What to do for the person
Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
02 · Fire
Extinguishing and tactics
Fire and explosion hazard
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot. For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported in a charged state. Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours.
Extinguishing media and tactics
CAUTIONFire involving Safety devices (UN3268) and Fire suppressant dispersing devices (UN3559) may have a delayed activation and a risk of hazardous projectiles. Extinguish the fire at a safe distance.
SMALL FIREDry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.
LARGE FIREWater spray, fog or regular foam. Do not scatter spilled material with high-pressure water streams. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKSCool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.
03 · Spill
Containment, isolation, evacuation
Containment and clean-up
Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent dust cloud. For Asbestos, avoid inhalation of dust. Cover spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Do not clean up or dispose of, except under supervision of a specialist.
SMALL DRY SPILLWith clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
SMALL SPILLPick up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.
LARGE SPILLDike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
Initial isolation and evacuation
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILLIncrease the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Sources: ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Text reproduced verbatim.