Zinc formate is a white crystalline solid. It is soluble in water. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. It is used as a catalyst in chemical processing and as a waterproofing agent. Zinc formate is used as a pharmaceutical intermediate. Synthetic and plant-derived zinc formate were equally effective as inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 enzymes and as hepatoprotective agents in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats.