Although zinc poses no documented health risks, if its physical state is altered during use then health risks can be created. Inhalation of metallic oxide fumes can lead to metal fume fever.
Emissions of zinc have declined by 55% since 1990. The main sources in 2021 were use of recovered waste lubricants as fuel (42% of UK emissions), road transport (21%), and iron and steel production (15%). Emissions arising from road transport include those from brake and tyre wear which contributed 21% of total zinc emissions in 2021. The remainder of the road transport emission is from use of both diesel and petrol. The reduction in UK zinc emissions since 1990 is largely due to the decline in coal combustion, improvements in abatement measures in the metal industries and the closure of the UK's only primary zinc manufacturing plant.