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Magnesium Oxide Risks

There are two forms of magnesium oxide (MgO): dietary and chemical. MgO is normally a white powder at room temperature, but it can exist in fumes if it is created by welding or heating galvanized steel, or another chemical reaction. It is not formally listed as a carcinogen, mutagen, teratogen (toxic to embryonic development) or developmental toxin (causing damage to an infant or child's development). However, MgO does cause various forms of irritation, and exposure to this chemical should be limited both in a work setting and when it is taken as a supplement.

  1. Skin Irritation

    • Skin exposure to MgO can cause mild irritation. Remove contaminated clothes and wash the exposed area with water (alternatively, take a shower after exposure). Cover the exposed skin with an emollient (a soothing or moisturizing cream). Consult a doctor if the skin irritation persists.

    Eye Pain

    • MgO exposure to the eyes can cause redness and pain. Remove any contact lenses immediately, if applicable. Wash the eyes in an eye bath or with plenty of water, and consult a doctor.

    Ingestion

    • Magnesium oxide can be taken as a dietary supplement to help the body get enough magnesium, which is needed for cells and some proteins to work. Consult a pharmacist if you are taking any drugs at all before starting a dietary supplement that contains MgO to be sure there will be no possible drug interactions. Most MgO is not absorbed by the body, and if too much is taken, it can cause diarrhea. Always take MgO supplements with water to dilute and aid absorption.

      For work-related ingestion of dangerously high amounts of non-food grade MgO, do not induce vomiting. Though it is slowly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, MgO can cause rapid bowel evacuation (diarrhea) in the right amounts. Drink plenty of water to dilute the chemical, and call poison control, especially if a large amount was ingested.

    Inhalation

    • Inhalation of MgO powder or fumes can cause coughing, wheezing and, in the right amounts, metal fume fever. Metal fume fever can happen when MgO is released as a hot gas and inhaled, usually when welding certain alloyed metals or in a chemical burning reaction. Symptoms include headache, cough, lung crackling, sweating, nausea, weakness, convulsions and fever. These symptoms usually occur within four to 12 hours of exposure and subside within one to three days. Get some fresh air as soon as possible and seek medical attention if symptoms are serious.

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