Cadmium

Cadmium is a soft, silvery-white, ductile, and highly toxic heavy metal. It is a chemical element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. Found primarily as a byproduct of zinc, lead, and copper mining, cadmium is used in various applications, including rechargeable batteries (nickel-cadmium), pigments for coloring plastics and ceramics, and corrosion-resistant coatings. Its toxicity stems from its interference with essential cellular processes, and chronic exposure can lead to severe health problems like kidney damage, bone weakening, and cancer. Environmental regulations exist to limit cadmium's release due to its potential for bioaccumulation.

Cadmium meaning with examples

• The rechargeable batteries in many older devices utilized nickel-cadmium technology, offering a reliable power source, however, disposal required care due to the cadmium content. cadmium batteries are a common source of cadmium contamination in landfills and are being gradually replaced with less environmentally harmful options.
• Artist pigments, particularly those in vibrant red and yellow hues, may contain cadmium sulfide, a compound responsible for their intense color. The risk associated with these pigments is reduced, but still requires mindful practices. Improper handling and disposal of cadmium-based art materials are regulated to minimize health and environmental effects.
• Industrial processes, like metal plating, sometimes employ cadmium coatings to protect components from corrosion. These protective layers resist rust, but pose an environmental hazard if they are not properly disposed of at the end of its lifecycle, because of their leaching properties.
• Studies on the effects of cadmium exposure often focus on the potential for kidney damage, as cadmium tends to accumulate in the kidneys. Assessing urinary cadmium levels can serve as a useful method to measure its impact on humans, indicating the extent of exposure.
• Regulations place restrictions on cadmium levels in soil, water, and consumer products to protect public health and the environment. Food products are routinely tested for cadmium contamination, and maximum allowable concentration levels are set to reduce risks.