Cadmium

1Identification

Name

Cadmium

IUPAC name

cadmium

CAS number

7440-43-9

EC number

231-152-8

Molecular formula

Cd

Molecular weight

112.41 g/mol

InChIKey

BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

[Cd]

PubChem CID

23973

Synonyms

CADMIUM, Cadmium, elemental, Colloidal cadmium, Kadmium, Cadmium metal, Elemental cadmium, Cadmium metallicum, C.I. 77180, C I 77180, Indigestion, Dietary Cadmium, Cadmium metalllicum, cadmium(II) cation, RefChem:54590

Recommended uses

• Most cadmium used in the United States today is obtained as a byproduct from the smelting of zinc, lead, or copper ores.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Sources of cadmium exposure include: emissions from fossil fuel burning (>40 ng/m3 in polluted urban areas); cigarettes (1-3 ug/pack); drinking water (usually <1 ppb); and food (2-40 ppb); [ATSDR ToxProfiles] MINING, SMELTING, OR METALLURGY: Smelt & refine zinc, lead or copper ores; alloy production; reclaim scrap metal; MANUFACTURING: Nickel-cadmium batteries; pigments for plastics, glass, ceramics & paints; printing & dyeing textiles; fungicides; USING OR DISPOSING: Weld, cut, or burn; braze using cadmium-based solder; spray paint; electroplate; remove coatings;
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• OSHA standard 1910.1027 defines exposure monitoring, respiratory protection and medical surveillance for workers exposed above the action level of 2.5 ug/m3.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Plating agent Semiconductor and photovoltaic agent Alloys Other Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Alloys Semiconductor and photovoltaic agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Chemical Classes -> Inorganic substances · Food Contaminant -> METALS -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• Cadmium is a natural element in the earth's crust. It is usually found as a mineral combined with other elements such as oxygen (cadmium oxide), chlorine (cadmium chloride), or sulfur (cadmium sulfate, cadmium sulfide). All soils and rocks, including coal and mineral fertilizers, contain some cadmium. Most cadmium used in the United States is extracted during the production of other metals like zinc, lead, and copper. Cadmium does not corrode easily and has many uses, including batteries, pigments, metal coatings, and plastics.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Cadmium can cause developmental toxicity and male reproductive toxicity according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Cadmium is a silver-white blue tinged lustrous metallic solid. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS06, GHS08, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

8 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Cadmium dust (as Cd): Exposure Routes: Inhalation, ingestion Symptoms: Pulmonary edema, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), cough, chest tightness, substernal (occurring beneath the sternum) pain; headache; chills, muscle aches; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; anosmia (loss of the sense of smell), emphysema, proteinuria, mild anemia; [potential occupational carcinogen] Target Organs: Respiratory system, kidneys, prostate, blood Cancer Site: Prostatic & lung cancer (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Flammable in powder form. Combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• May ignite spontaneously on contact with air. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Cadmium is a natural element in the earth's crust. It is usually found as a mineral combined with other elements such as oxygen (cadmium oxide), chlorine (cadmium chloride), or sulfur (cadmium sulfate, cadmium sulfide). All soils and rocks, including coal and mineral fertilizers, contain some cadmium. Most cadmium used in the United States is extracted during the production of other metals like zinc, lead, and copper. Cadmium does not corrode easily and has many uses, including batteries, pigments, metal coatings, and plastics.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• The main sources of cadmium in the air are the burning of fossil fuels such as coal or oil and the incineration of municipal waste. The acute (short-term) effects of cadmium in humans through inhalation exposure consist mainly of effects on the lung, such as pulmonary irritation. Chronic (long-term) inhalation or oral exposure to cadmium leads to a build-up of cadmium in the kidneys that can cause kidney disease. Cadmium has been shown to be a developmental toxicant in animals, resulting in fetal malformations and other effects, but no conclusive evidence exists in humans.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Soap wash - If this chemical contacts the skin, wash the contaminated skin with soap and water. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Fire fighting: /Wear/ self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand, or other positive mode. /Cadmium dust (as cadmium)/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• When heated to a high temperature it emits toxic fumes of cadmium.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 154 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Non-Combustible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• Evacuate danger area! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Remove all ignition sources. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• 1) REMOVE ALL IGNITION SOURCES. 2) VENTILATE AREA OF RELEASE. 3) COLLECT RELEASED MATERIAL IN THE MOST CONVENIENT AND SAFE MANNER FOR RECLAMATION OR FOR DISPOSAL. ... /CADMIUM DUST/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Dry. Keep under inert gas. Separated from ignition sources, oxidants, acids and food and feedstuffs.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep containers closed and protect against physical damage.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practicable to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion-proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• STORAGE: MATERIALS WHICH ARE TOXIC AS STORED OR ... DECOMP INTO TOXIC COMPONENTS DUE TO CONTACT WITH HEAT, MOISTURE, ACIDS, OR ACID FUMES, SHOULD BE STORED IN COOL, WELL-VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF ... RAYS OF SUN, AWAY FROM AREAS OF ... FIRE HAZARD ... /CADMIUM CMPD/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Cadmium dust (as Cd): Skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for personal protective equipment for the body. Eyes: No recommendation is made specifying the need for eye protection. Wash skin: DAILY - The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift, and prior to eating, drinking, smoking, etc. Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the need for removing clothing that becomes wet or contaminated. Change: DAILY - Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premises. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... dispensers of liq detergent /should be available./ ... Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. ... In animal laboratory, personnel should ... wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. ... Gowns ...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Contaminated exhaust air should be filtered, and persons in charge of dust collectors and filters should wear respirators while working on the equipment. /Cadmium/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• In areas with hazards of flying particles, chemical splashes, radiant heat and so on (e.g., near electroplating tanks and furnaces), workers should wear appropriate safety equipment, such as eye, face, hand and arm protection and impermeable clothing. /Cadmium/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• (See OSHA respirator requirements for selected chemicals) NIOSH At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator with an N100, R100, or P100 filter. Click here for information on selection of N, R, or P filters.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• A violent explosion occurred 30 minutes after placement of a CADMIUM rod into hydrazoic acid [Mellor 8 Supp. 2:50 1967]. Fused ammonium nitrate with powdered metal often produces a violent explosive reaction. Reactivity similar to zinc. May be incompatible with oxidants.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• The finely divided metal is pyrophoric. Slowly oxidized by moist air to form cadmium oxide. Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• The dust ignites spontaneously in air and is flammable and explosive when exposed to heat, flame, or by chemical reaction with oxidizing agents, metals, ammonia, zinc, selenium, and tellurium.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• A violent explosion followed immersion of a cadmium rod in hydrazoic acid after about 30 mins.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Strong oxidizers; elemental sulfur, selenium & tellurium
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Chemical stability

• Slowly oxidized by moist air to form cadmium oxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Cancer, Gastrointestinal (Digestive), Musculoskeletal (Muscles and Skeleton), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Urinary
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Short-term exposure effects

• The fume is irritating to the respiratory tract. Inhalation of fumes may cause lung oedema. Inhalation of fumes may cause metal fume fever. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged inhalation of dust particles may cause effects on the lungs. The substance may have effects on the kidneys. This may result in kidney impairment. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Recycling: Sort, classify and put in a box properly labeled. Salvage profitably for reuse by local shop or sell as a scrap metal. Recommendable method: /SRP: Hazardous Waste/ Landfill. Not recommendable method: Thermal destruction.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number D006, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste. /Cadmium/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

DOT label

• Poison
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 6.1
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 2570 154(cadmium compound)
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Cadmium is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and is subject to effluent limitations. /Cadmium and compounds/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 10 lb or 4.54 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b). No reporting of releases of this hazardous substance is required if the diameter of the pieces of the solid metal released is larger than 100 micrometers (0.004 inches).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• D006; A solid waste containing cadmium may or may not become characterized as a hazardous waste when subjected to the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure listed in 40 CFR 261.24, and if so characterized, must be managed as a hazardous waste. /Cadmium/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 23973 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.