Common Name: Cadmium CAS Number: 7440-43-9 DOT Number: UN 2570 Date: July 31, 1986 ----------------------------------------- HAZARD SUMMARY * Cadmium can affect you when breathed in. * Cadmium is a CARCINOGEN, a TERATOGEN, and causes REPRODUCTIVE DAMAGE. HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION. * High exposures can cause severe lung damage and death. This can be delayed for several hours. * Repeated lower exposures can cause permanent kidney damage, emphysema, anemia, and/or loss of smell. * High exposure to Cadmium may cause nausea, salivation, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. IDENTIFICATION Cadmium is a bluish metal or grayish powder. It is used in electroplating other metals, batteries, pigments, stabilizers for plastics, nuclear reactor rods, and as a catalyst. REASON FOR CITATION * Cadmium is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is regulated by OSHA. * This chemical is also on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is a CANCER CAUSING AGENT. * Definitions are attached. 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 during any (15 minute) work period. NIOSH: It is recommended that exposure to Cadmium be at the lowest feasible level. ACGIH: The recommended airborne exposure limit is 0.05 mg/m3 averaged over an 8 hour workshift. * These exposure limits are recommended for Cadmium Dust. * Cadmium is a PROBABLE CANCER CAUSING AGENT 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 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 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. ------------------------------------------ Metal, metal compounds and alloys are often used in "hot" operations in the workplace. These may include, but are not limited to, welding, brazing, soldering, plating, cutting, and metallizing. At the high temperatures reached in these operations, metals often form metal fumes which have different health effects and exposure standards than the original metal or metal compound and require specialized controls. Your workplace can be evaluated for the presence of particular fumes which may be generated. ------------------------------------------ HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION Acute Health Effects The following acute (short term) health effects may occur immediately or shortly after exposure to Cadmium: * During heating or grinding operations, Cadmium can cause a flu like illness with chills, headache, aching and/or fever. This can go on to more serious illness. * High exposures can cause rapid and severe lung damage, with shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and even a buildup 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 during HEATING and GRINDING operations. * High exposure to Cadmium may cause nausea, salivation, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. Chronic Health Effects The following chronic (long term) health effects can occur at some time after exposure to Cadmium and can last for months or years: Cancer Hazard * Cadmium (especially Cadmium Oxide) is a PROBABLE CANCER CAUSING AGENT 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 cancer causing agent. Reproductive Hazard * It is a PROBABLE TERATOGEN in humans. * Cadmium may damage the testes (male reproductive glands) and may affect the female reproductive cycle. Other Long Term Effects * Repeated low exposures can cause permanent kidney damage which can go unnoticed without testing until severe. The kidney damage can lead to kidney stones and other serious health problems. * Emphysema and/or lung scarring can occur from a single high exposure or repeated lower exposures. * Long term exposure can cause anemia, 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 are recommended: * Urine test for Cadmium (levels should be less than 10 micrograms per liter of urine). * Urine test for "low molecular weight proteins" to detect kidney damage * Urinalysis (UA). * Lung function tests. For persons exposed to levels equal to or greater than half the TLV, the following is also recommended: * Complete blood count (CBC). These should be repeated after suspected overexposure. 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 hard for the body to eliminate Cadmium, it tends to build up in the body. Any workplace exposure adds to these levels. * Smoking or carrying cigarettes near Cadmium increases release of toxic fumes. Also, because both smoking and Cadmium 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 controls are recommended: * If Cadmium is used in a "hot" process such as smelting, steel fabricating, or melting Cadmium ingots, Cadmium Fume may be released. This is more acutely toxic than Cadmium Dust and proper controls and protective equipment are necessary. * Specific engineering controls are recommended for this chemical by NIOSH. Refer to the NIOSH criteria document: Occupational Exposure to 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 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. * Wash any areas of the body that may have contacted Cadmium at the end of each workday, whether or not known skin contact has occurred. * Do not eat, smoke, or drink where Cadmium 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. 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 with 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 DOT Number: UN 2570 DOT Emergency Guide code: 53 CAS Number: 7440-43-9 ---------------------------------------- NJ DOH Hazard rating FLAMMABILITY Not Found REACTIVITY Not Found ---------------------------------------- DO NOT USE WATER FLAMMABLE POWDER TOXIC FUMES PRODUCED IN FIRE ---------------------------------------- Hazard Rating Key: 0=minimal; 1=slight; 2=moderate; 3=serious; 4=severe FIRE HAZARDS * Cadmium is a FLAMMABLE POWDER. * Toxic Fumes are produced in a fire. * Use dry chemicals appropriate for extinguishing metal fires. DO NOT USE WATER. * If employees are expected to fight fires, they must be trained and equipped as stated in OSHA 1910.156. SPILLS AND EMERGENCIES If Cadmium is spilled, take the following steps: * Restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill until clean up is complete. * Remove all ignition sources. * It may be necessary to contain and dispose of Cadmium as a HAZARDOUS WASTE. Contact your state Environmental Program for specific recommendations. ========================================== FOR LARGE SPILLS AND FIRES immediately call your fire department. ========================================== HANDLING AND STORAGE * Prior to working with Cadmium you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. * A regulated, marked area should be established where Cadmium is handled, used, or stored. * Cadmium must be stored to avoid contact with SULFUR, SELENIUM, TELLURIUM, AMMONIUM NITRATE, and HYDRAZOIC ACID since violent reactions occur. * Store in tightly closed containers in a cool well ventilated area away from OXIDIZERS (such as PERCHLORATES, PEROXIDES, PERMANGANATES, CHLORATES, and NITRATES). * Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Cadmium is used, handled, or stored in a manner that could create a potential fire or explosion hazard. FIRST AID POISON INFORMATION Eye Contact * Immediately flush with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention. Skin Contact * Remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin with soap and 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: Insoluble OTHER COMMONLY USED NAMES Chemical Name: Cadmium Other Names and Formulations: C.I. 77180. ------------------------------------------ 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.