Is zinc a dangerous heavy metal like cadmium for example?
No, zinc is not a dangerous heavy metal in the same sense as cadmium for example. Metals are commonly divided into two groups: “heavy” metals (with a density of over 5 g/cm3 * “Effets des métaux lourds sur l’environnement et la santé” (Effects of heavy metals on the environment and health) G. Miquel, Rapport 261 – Office parlementaire d’évaluation des choix scientifiques et technologiques.) and light metals (with a density of less than 5 g/cm3). Since the density of zinc is slightly higher than 5 g/cm3 it can certainly be classified as a “heavy metal” because of its density. But the term “heavy metal” is often associated with “toxic”. While this association is true for certain metals such as cadmium (if even a small quantity of these elements is inhaled, ingested or enters the human body through the skin, it can cause death or chronic or acute problems * Décret n°97-517 du 15 mai 1997 relatif à la classification des déchets dangereux. (Order 97-517, May 15 1997 regarding the classifica
