Acute zinc chloride ingestion in a young child

This brief report describes the clinical course and management of a child who ingested a zinc chloride solution used in a lead soldering process. Injury was limited to bleeding from esophageal erosions and hematemesis. No adverse systemic effects were observed, although serum zinc levels were markedly elevated. A single small dosage of calcium disodium edetate (150 mg dissolved in 75 ml 1:5 normal saline) was effective in normalizing the serum zinc level.