A couple of comments regarding pennies and their zinc content:
Canadian pennies have had 98.4% zinc + 1.6% copper for only the past 15 years (ie, since 1997); prior to that time they contained 1-2% zinc + 98-99% copper.
US pennies switched from 5% zinc + 95% copper to 97.5% zinc + 2.5% copper 15 years before that (ie, in 1982). And if the US Mint has realized that the copper content in a penny is worth more than a penny, it's surprising that it hasn't taken similar steps to eliminate the waste. It took the Canadian Mint long enough, even though they mooted about the issue for many years — and we don't have anything like a $14-trillion debt.
Zinc toxicity from pennies (and other zinc-containing objects, such nails, staples, sun blocks, zinc oxide preparations) is a serious, potentially fatal problem in small animals, primarily dogs and especially puppies. Zinc exposure rapidly can produce hemolytic anemia with vomiting, diarrhea, depression and collapse. Immediate veterinary attention is required.
Bottom line: Declining numbers of pennies in Canada should result in fewer zinc poisonings.
