Sources of Cadmium

Cadmium is a chemical element with the symbol Cd, existing as a soft, malleable, bluish white metal. It is often found in zinc ore. Cadmium was discovered in Germany in 1817 and was originally sought after because it produces brilliant yellow, orange, and red pigments. As an element, it is unique in that it resists corrosion, which makes it highly useful as a coating for iron and steel. We most often see cadmium used as a component in batteries; however, cadmium is also used as a stabilizer for plastic, and for plating or metal coatings. Cadmium and its compounds are highly toxic, and exposure to this metal is known to cause cancer and targets the body's renal, gastrointestinal, and respiratory systems.

To learn more about Cadmium Safety visit our Cadmium Safety Online Training web page.