Zinc compounds are widely used in industry. Zinc compounds are not explosive or flammable. Both of these compounds are used to make white paints, ceramics, and several other products. Zinc oxide is also used in producing rubber. Zinc compounds, such as zinc acetate, zinc chloride, and zinc sulfate, are used in preserving wood and in manufacturing and dyeing fabrics.
Zinc chloride is also the major ingredient in smoke from smoke bombs.
Zinc compounds are also used by the drug industry as ingredients in some common products, such as sun blocks, diaper rash ointments, deodorants, athlete's foot preparations, acne and poison ivy preparations, and antidandruff shampoos. Zinc is an essential food element need by the body in small amounts. Too little zinc in the diet can lead to poor health, reproductive problems, and lowered ability to resist disease. Too much zinc can be harmful to health. Most zinc enters the environment as the result of human activities, such as mining, purifying of zinc, lead, and cadmium ores, steel production, coal burning, and burning of wastes.