Common Name: Cadmium Acetate CAS Number: 543-90-8 DOT Number: NA 2570 Date: August 1, 1987 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Cadmium Acetate can affect you when breathed in. * Cadmium Acetate is a CARCINOGEN. HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * High exposure to Cadmium Acetate can cause severe lung damage and even death. Illness may be delayed for several hours, allowing dangerous exposure without adequate warning. Risk is greatest near dust or fume from HEATING or GRINDING Cadmium Acetate. * Repeated lower exposure can cause permanent kidney damage, emphysema, low blood sugar and/or loss of smell. * Serious damage can occur at levels below the OSHA TLV. IDENTIFICATION Cadmium Acetate is a colorless crystal (sugar or sand-like) material which is used in ceramics, textile dyeing and printing and electroplating and to make other acetate compounds. REASON FOR CITATION * Cadmium Acetate is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA and cited by ACGIH, DOT, NIOSH, IARC, NTP and CAG. * This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CARCINOGEN. HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE BEING EXPOSED * Exposure to hazardous substances should be routinely evaluated. This may include collecting personal and area air samples. You can obtain copies of sampling results from your employer. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. * If you think you are experiencing any work-related health problems, see a doctor trained to recognize occupational diseases. Take this Fact Sheet with you. ----------------------------------------- WORKPLACE EXPOSURE LIMITS OSHA: The legal airborne permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 0.2 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 0.6 mg/m3, not to be exceeded at any time for Cadmium dust (as Cadmium) and 0.1 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift and 0.3 mg/m3 not to be exceeded at anytime for Cadmium fumes (as Cadmium). NIOSH: Reduce exposure to lowest feasible level. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.05 mg/m3 averaged over an 8-hour workshift for Cadmium dusts and salts, as Cadmium. * Cadmium Acetate is a CARCINOGEN in humans. There may be no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen, so all contact should be reduced to the lowest possible level. WAYS OF REDUCING EXPOSURE * Where possible, enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. If local exhaust ventilation or enclosure is not used, respirators should be worn. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Cadmium Acetate is handled, used, or stored. * Wear protective work clothing. * Wash thoroughly at the end of the work-shift. * Post hazard and warning information in the work area. In addition, as part of an ongoing education and training effort, communicate all information on the health and safety hazards of Cadmium Acetate to potentially exposed workers. This Fact Sheet is a summary source of information of all potential and most severe health hazards that may result from exposure. Duration of exposure, concentration of the substance and other factors will affect your susceptibility to any of the potential effects described below. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short-term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Cadmium Acetate: * Cadmium Acetate on heating or grinding can cause a flu-like illness with chills, headaches, aching and/or fever. This can go on to more serious illness and always indicates overexposure. * High exposures can cause rapid and severe lung damage, with shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and even a build-up of fluid in the lungs. In severe cases death or permanent lung damage occurs. Illness can be delayed for 4 to 8 hours, allowing overexposure WITHOUT WARNING. If overexposure is suspected, leave the area; do not wait for signs of illness. Risk is greatest from HEATING or GRINDING Cadmium Acetate. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long-term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Cadmium Acetate and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Cadmium Acetate is a PROBABLE CARCINOGEN in humans. There is some evidence that it causes prostate and kidney cancer in humans and it has been shown to cause lung and testes cancer in animals. * Many scientists believe there is no safe level of exposure to a carcinogen. Such substances may also have the potential for causing reproductive damage in humans. Reproductive Hazard * Cadmium Acetate should be handled as a potential teratogenic agent and reproductive hazard since several related Cadmium compounds are known teratogens and decrease fertility in males and females. Other Long-Term Effects * Repeated low exposures (below the OSHA TLV) can cause permanent kidney damage which can go unnoticed without testing until severe. Kidney stones can also occur. * Emphysema and/or lung scarring can occur from a single high exposure or repeated lower exposures. * Long term exposure can cause a low blood count, loss of sense of smell, fatigue and/or yellow staining of teeth. MEDICAL Medical Testing Before beginning employment and at regular times after that, the following is recommended: * Urine test for Cadmium (levels should be less than 10 micrograms per liter of urine). * Urine test for "low molecular weight proteins" (electrophoresis method best). * Urinalysis (UA). * Complete blood count (CBC). * Lung function test. These should be repeated after suspected overexposure. For those with frequent or potentially high exposure (half the TLV or greater), the following are recommended before beginning work and at regular times after that: * Consider chest x-ray after acute over-exposure. Any evaluation should include a careful history of past and present symptoms with an exam. Medical tests that look for damage already done are not a substitute for controlling exposure. Request copies of your medical testing. You have a legal right to this information under OSHA 1910.20. Mixed Exposures * Cigarette smoke contains some Cadmium. Because it is very difficult for the body to get rid of Cadmium, it tends to very slowly build up in the body. Any workplace exposure adds to these levels. * Smoking or carrying cigarettes near Cadmium Acetate increases release of toxic fumes. Also, because both smoking and Cadmium Acetate can cause emphysema, lung effects may be greater in smokers. WORKPLACE CONTROLS AND PRACTICES Unless a less toxic chemical can be substituted for a hazardous substance, ENGINEERING CONTROLS are the most effective way of reducing exposure. The best protection is to enclose operations and/or provide local exhaust ventilation at the site of chemical release. Isolating operations can also reduce exposure. Using respirators or protective equipment is less effective than the controls mentioned above, but is sometimes necessary. In evaluating the controls present in your workplace, consider: (1) how hazardous the substance is, (2) how much of the substance is released into the workplace and (3) whether harmful skin or eye contact could occur. Special controls should be in place for highly toxic chemicals or when significant skin, eye, or breathing exposures are possible. In addition, the following control is recommended: * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH . Refer to the NIOSH criteria document:CADMIUM #76-192. Good WORK PRACTICES can help to reduce hazardous exposures. The following work practices are recommended: * Workers whose clothing has been contaminated by Cadmium Acetate should change into clean clothing promptly. * Do not take contaminated work clothes home. Family members could be exposed. * Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by individuals who have been informed of the hazards of exposure to Cadmium Acetate. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Cadmium Acetate at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Cadmium Acetate is handled, processed, or stored, since the chemical can be swallowed. Wash hands carefully before eating or smoking. * Use a vacuum or a wet method to reduce dust during clean-up. Do not dry sweep. * When vacuuming, a high efficiency particulate absolute (HEPA) filter should be used, not a standard shop vacuum. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WORKPLACE CONTROLS ARE BETTER THAN PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. However, for some jobs (such as outside work, confined space entry, jobs done only once in a while, or jobs done while workplace controls are being installed), personal protective equipment may be appropriate. The following recommendations are only guidelines and may not apply to every situation. Clothing * Avoid skin contact with Cadmium Acetate. Wear protective gloves and clothing. Safety equipment suppliers/ manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/ clothing material for your operation. * All protective clothing (suits, gloves, footwear, headgear) should be clean, available each day and put on before work. Eye Protection * Eye protection is included in the recommended respiratory protection. Respiratory Protection * IMPROPER USE OF RESPIRATORS IS DANGEROUS. Such equipment should only be used if the employer has a written program that takes into account workplace conditions, requirements for worker training, respirator fit testing and medical exams, as described in OSHA 1910.134. * At any exposure level, use a MSHA/NIOSH approved supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in the positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, hood, or helmet in the continuous flow mode, or use a MSHA/NIOSH approved self- contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode. Common Name: Cadmium Acetate DOT Number: NA 2570 DOT Emergency Guide code: 53 CAS Number: 543-90-8 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- DOES NOT BURN POISONOUS GAS IS PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Extinguish fire using an agent suitable for type of surrounding fire. Cadmium Acetate itself does not burn. * POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Cadmium fumes. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Cadmium Acetate is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean-up is complete. * Ventilate the area of spill. * Collect powdered material in the most convenient and safe manner and deposit in sealed containers. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Cadmium Acetate as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or your regional office of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Cadmium Acetate you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from HEAT * A regulated, marked area should be established where Cadmium Acetate is handled, used, or stored. FIRST AID Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with water. Breathing * Remove the person from exposure. * Begin rescue breathing if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. * Transfer promptly to a medical facility. * Medical observation is recommended for 24 to 48 hours after breathing overexposure, as pulmonary edema may be delayed. PHYSICAL DATA Water Solubility: Soluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Acetic Acid, Cadmium Salt Other Names and Formulations: Cadmium (II) Acetate; Bis (Acetoxy) Cadmium; Cadmium Diacetate. ------------------------------------------ Not intended to be copied and sold for commercial purposes. ------------------------------------------ NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH Right to Know Program CN 368, Trenton, NJ 08625-0368 ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION Cadmium is a naturally occurring element used in metal alloys, electroplating, process engraving, photoelectric cells, and in nickel-cadmium electrical storage batteries. Cadmium enters the environment primarily through industrial effluents and landfill leaching. ACUTE (SHORT-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Acute toxic effects may include the death of animals, birds, or fish, and death or low growth rate in plants. Acute effects are seen two to four days after animals or plants come in contact with a toxic chemical substance. In fresh waters, cadmium toxicity is influenced by water hardness-- the harder the water, the lower the toxicity. Cadmium has high acute toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the short- term effects of cadmium on plants, birds, or land animals. CHRONIC (LONG-TERM) ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS Chronic toxic effects may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behavior. Chronic effects can be seen long after first exposure(s) to a toxic chemical. Cadmium has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. No data are available on the long-term effects of cadmium to plants, birds, or land animals. WATER SOLUBILITY Cadmium is slightly soluble in water. Concentrations of less than 1 milligram will mix with a liter of water. DISTRIBUTION AND PERSISTENCE IN THE ENVIRONMENT Cadmium is highly persistent in water, with a half-life of greater than 200 days. The half-life of a pollutant is the amount of time it takes for one-half of the chemical to be degraded. BIOACCUMULATION IN AQUATIC ORGANISMS Some substances increase in concentration, or bioaccumulate, in living organisms as they breathe contaminated air, drink contaminated water, or eat contaminated food. These chemicals can become concentrated in the tissues and internal organs of animals and humans. The concentration of cadmium found in fish tissues is expected to be much higher than the average concentration of cadmium in the water from which the fish was taken. SUPPORT DOCUMENT: AQUIRE Database, ERL-Duluth, U.S. EPA.