Zinc Paint.

Scientific American 24, 23.2.1856

We have received a communication from D E. Goodell, of Pittsfield, Mass., in which he stater, it is his opinion, and that of others, that, zinc paint is more poisonous than white lead. He is a painter, and he judges from witnessing its effects upon himself and other persons.

He asks our opinion on th s point; because it has been stated that zinc paint will not injure the human system like lead paints.

Pure oxyd of zinc used as a paint is not poisonous, as we understand it, therefore it is not hurtful to the system like white lead. But then, almost all zinc ores contain arsenic, and unless this is expelled in making the oxyd for paint, it (the paint) will be more poisonous than white lead. Mr. Goodell states it as his belief that it will never take the place of white lead for priming, but it is four times more durable for an outer coating, and will therefore still maintain its place as a valuable paint. He also states that it turns yellow much sooner than white lead. This should not be the case with pure white oxyd of zinc; and in our opinion it is a sign that the kind he speaks of contains arsenic, which becomes yellow by an increased absorption of oxygen. Arsenic forms the basis of the yellow in French green paint, and in the "sage green" of the dyer.