About Galvanized Metal
Since its conception in the early 1900's, galvanized metal has offered a durability other steels and metals do not, a durability that lasts for decades. There are health risks involved for those who work with it though, and these health risks cannot be ignored. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Galvanized metal was named after the Italian scientist, Luigi Galvani. In 1783 he had a dissected frog on the same table he was using while conducting an experiment on static electricity. When he touched the sciatic nerve of the dead frog with his metal scalpel, the frog's leg moved. He called it "animal electricity," but his fellow scientists referred to it as galvanizing. It was in 1923 that the first piece of galvanized metal was used by the Baldwin brothers. They constructed the Gleaner Combine Harvester, the first harvester to be self-propelled. It was also the first time galvanized metal was used in construction.
Significance
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Galvanized metal has many uses in today's world. Due to the type of processing it undergoes, it is considered to be the most durable and reliable steel to use in the world of construction. It has been shown that galvanized metal can be recycled and re-used, even after sixty years or more of prior use. It is a product that many opt for when constructing large buildings because of its ability to resist rust and corrosion from natural elements, and has proven itself much stronger than average steel which has a tendancy to weaken over time.
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Function
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Galvanized metal goes through a processing which involves a piece of steel or metal being submerged in melted zinc. It is during this process of galvanizing that the zinc chemically reacts to the molecules in the metal, permanently bonding it to the metal. The zinc provides protection against rust and corrosion that the natural elements have a tendancy to cause; elements that weaken unprocessed steel or metal. It is because of this that galvanized metal is used in the construction of warships and submarines, large buildings found in the big cities, roof tops and housing, and as vents for heating and cooling sytems. Not only is it a reliable construction source, it is also inexpensive, given the fact that it can be reused multiple times.
Types
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Galvanized metal comes in many forms: Sheet metal which is used for roof tops and machinery. Steel structures which are used to build guard rails and large buildings. Heating and cooling fans and vents which are used in air ducts. Pipes which are used as underground water pipes. And cable wire which are used for cranes.
Considerations
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Galvanized metal can be painted, but it requires a primer made especially for it. You need to be sure that the surface of the metal is free of alkaline build-up and then add the metal primer. You can then paint it with latex paint. Any oil or alkyd based paints should not be used; they do not mix well with the chemicals found in galvanized metal. Also, any product containing galvanized metal should not be used for any form of food preparation or storage. The acids found in food could dissolve in the zinc, making the person eating the food extremely ill.
Warning
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Many illnesses, some life threatening, can occur as a result of exposure to high levels of zinc. Since zinc is the main chemical in galvanized metal, precautions need to be taken. Galvanized metal workers are at a higher risk than many. While small amounts of zinc are acceptable, high levels like those found in galvanizing plants are not. OSHA has regulated the amount of zinc these workers can be exposed to in a day due to the fact that it can be deadly. If over-exposure has occurred, the intial symptoms would be nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. More serious symptoms include a low bood pressure, jaundice, fever, and seizures. If any of the symptoms occur, give the worker large amounts of milk and water and rush them to the hospital. It is highly likely that they are suffering from zinc poisoning.
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