Composition
Cadmium metal is produced in massive form
by Britannia Zinc Limited as rods.
Approximate Composition by Weight
| Cadmium 99.95
and 99.99% |
| Lead <0.005% |
| Copper <0.002% |
| Zinc <0.005% |
| Nickel <0.005% |
| Mercury <0.004% |
| Iron <0.002% |
| Antimony, Arsenic and Thallium
(total) <0.01% |
|
Hazards
Cadmium metal in massive form is not classified as hazardous.
However if the physical form of the cadmium metal is changed,
eg, by melting, then hazards to health may be created.
If cadmium metal is heated past its melting point then fumes
of cadmium oxide will be evolved which are classified:
| T - Carcinogen |
Category 2 |
| Risk Phrases: |
R49-22-48/23/25 |
| |
May cause cancer by inhalation. |
| Safety Phrases: |
S53-44 |
| |
Harmful if swallowed. |
| Toxic: |
Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged
exposure through inhalation and if swallowed. |
|
| Inhalation: |
Remove from exposure, rest and
keep warm. Obtain medical attention |
| Ingestion |
Wash out mouth thoroughly with water. Obtain
medical attention. |
| Eyes: |
Wash out thoroughly with water. If discomfort
persists seek medical attention. |
| Skin: |
Wash affected areas thoroughly
with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. If
rash or discomfort persists, seek medical attention. |
|
Fire Fighting
Cadmium metal does not burn under normal conditions.
However, if exposed to extreme heat or fire, toxic metallic
oxide fumes will be liberated.
Wear self contained breathing apparatus.
Extinguish fire with suitable extinguishing
media.
|
|
Accidental Release
Not applicable to cadmium metal, however avoid releasing
excessive fume due to overheating molten cadmium. Extracted
air containing cadmium should be cleaned before discharge.
Do not allow cadmium bearing materials to enter water courses.
Cadmium is a strictly controlled substance with discharge
limits.
|
|
Handling and Storage
Avoid generating dust or fumes
Keep away from food, drink or animal feed
When using do not eat, drink or smoke
Store dry, away from extreme heat or fire
Use only in well ventilated conditions
Do not add damp metal to molten metal baths.
|
Exposure Controls
EH40 lists the following applicable exposure limits:
| Cadmium and cadmium compounds (except cadmium oxide
fume) MEL 8 hour TWA 0.025 mg/m3. |
| Cadmium oxide fume MEL 8 hour TWA 0.025 mg/m3 |
| STEL 15 minute 0.05 mg/m3 |
Specific control measures are mentioned in the "Control
of Carcinogenic Substances" Approved Code of Practice
- part of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health series
- which must be adhered to, but generally:
Do not breathe dust or fumes. Approved respiratory protective
equipment should be used.
Where possible, local exhaust ventilation should be provided.
Strict control of melt bath temperatures is recommended to
avoid generating excessive fumes.
|
|
Stability and Reactivity
Stable under normal conditions.
Cadmium dust is a severe fire hazard if exposed to fire or
oxides.
Cadmium and ammonia react to create a fire hazard.
Cadmium reacts explosively in contact with ammonia nitrate
(fused) or if immersed in hydrazoic acid.
Cadmium reacts with acids generating nascent hydrogen which
may form explosive mixtures in air.
|
Toxicological and Ecological Information
Cadmium is highly toxic to marine, freshwater and terrestrial
organisms including humans and bioaccumulates in most organisms.
Cadmium binds strongly in soil, sediment and organic matter.
Limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans but sufficient
evidence exists of its carcinogencity in animals.
| LC50 30 minutes rat inhalation |
25 mg/m3 |
| LD50 rat oral |
225 mg/kg |
| LD50 96 hour Japanese marine species |
5.5-30.5 mg/litre |
| LC50 96 hour
palalmonetes vulgaris |
0.76 mg/litre |
|
|
Regulatory Information
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
applies to this substance.
|
|
Physical/Chemical Properties
The following properties are listed for pure cadmium - impurities
may slightly affect these figures:
| Melting point |
321C |
| Solubility in water |
Nil |
| Boiling point |
769C |
| Solubility (other) |
Soluble in acids and ammonium hydroxide |
| Specfic Gravity |
8.65 |
| Vapour pressure |
1mm Hg at 395C |
|
Disposal
All cadmium bearing emissions and effluents
should be suitably cleaned or treated before disposal in
accordance with legislation. Cadmium has a water discharge
limit and should not be allowed to enter a water course.
|
Transport Information
Cadmium metal in massive form is not classified
as hazardous for conveyance by road or rail.
|
