Does working with Zinc pose any health risks??

Recently i have been doing some craft work which involves cutting ,soldering(lead free) and finishing (sanding/polishing) pieces of Zinc with a dremmel. The process creates some quite fine particles of zinc dust .
Are there any health implications to this, and if so what steps should i take to minimize them?
Thanks

Zinc is essential for human health. It is vital for many biological functions such as disease resistance, wound healing, digestion, reproduction, physical growth, diabetes control, taste and smell. Every cell in the human body requires zinc to multiply and more than 300 enzymes need zinc for proper functioning. Also proven essential for healthy skin, bones and teeth

However to much zinc can cause poisoning.
Clinical Signs

The clinical signs of zinc toxicosis include:
vomiting, diarrhea, red urine, icterus (yellow mucous membranes), liver failure, kidney failure, anemia

How zinc is able to produce hemolysis is not known.

Treatment

If an object possibly made of zinc is seen on a radiograph, it should be removed promptly. Support then becomes crucial. Fluid therapy is important to keep circulation to the kidneys adequate and help prevent failure. Transfusion may be necessary to combat anemia and anti-nauseal therapy is warranted. Research is looking at methods for binding excess zinc in the circulation similar to the way lead poisoning is treated.

As you mentioned there are fine particles try wearing a dust mask to stop you from breathing them in. Other than that unless you experience any of the above effects you should be all right. If in doubt go and ask your doctor or pharmacist as they know more about it.

See links below for more information on Zinc poisoning and diertary requirements.

Most likely all you have done is give yourself a boost to your health. As I dont think you are likey to absorb zinc unless you digest it. They do say this although I dont recommend it as a step to minimize the the health risk as it carries its own risks.

Alcohol decreases the absorption of zinc and increases loss of zinc in urine.

Metallic zinc is not considered to be toxic, but free zinc ions in solution (like copper or iron ions) are highly toxic. There is also a condition called zinc shakes or zinc chills (see metal fume fever) that can be induced by the inhalation of freshly formed zinc oxide formed during the welding of galvanized materials. Excessive intake of zinc can promote deficiency in other dietary minerals.

dont think so but best check with dr