Zinc is found in the air, soil, and water and is present in all foods. There is no information on the taste and odor of metallic zinc. Powdered zinc is explosive and may burst into flames if stored in damp places. Metallic zinc has many uses in industry. A common use is as coating for iron or other metals so that they do not rust or corrode.
Metallic zinc is also mixed with other metals to form alloys such as brass and bronze.
A zinc and copper alloy is used to make pennies in the United States. Metallic zinc is also used to make dry cell batteries. Zinc can also combine with other elements, such as chlorine, oxygen, and sulfur, to form zinc compounds. Zinc compounds that may be found at hazardous waste sites are zinc chloride, zinc oxide, zinc sulfate, and zinc sulfide. This profile focuses primarily on metallic zinc and commonly found or used zinc compounds.