1. What is zinc oxide used for?
Zinc oxide is a largely inert, white compound which is used very widely as a bulking agent or filler, and as a white pigment. It is found in some rubber, glass and ceramic products, and finds use in the chemical industry as a catalyst. It is also used in paints as a corrosion inhibitor and for mildew control.
Zinc is an essential trace element, and zinc oxide is added to fertilizers, animal feed, and vitamin supplements. It is also used in a many cosmetic and medical products and in toiletries, as it has antibacterial and deodorant properties. It is found in, for example, baby powder and anti-dandruff shampoos, in calamine lotion and in sticking plasters and dental cement.
Its strong absorption of ultra-violet (UV) light has led to its use in sunscreen lotions. It blocks both UVA (longer wavelength) and UVB (shorter wavelength) radiation, protecting against sunburn, skin damage and cancer.
La estructura de tres niveles utilizada para comunicar la opinión del Comité Científico de Seguridad de los consumidores (SCCS) es propiedad intelectual de Cogeneris SPRL.