CONTAMINANT: CADMIUM
ORGIN: Moldex Technical Services Department
DATE: January 14, 1999
REVIEWED: July 2015
Overview
Cadmium is a metal which is found in lead, copper and zinc sulfide ores. Most cadmium compounds are red, yellow or brown in color. In its elemental form, cadmium is a bluish metal or a grayish powder. It is used in the production of battery components, dyes and plastics. Also, cadmium may be used as a coating on metals, such as electrical conduit, steel and certain types of equipment.
Dusts and fumes of cadmium or cadmium-containing materials are health hazards which can cause lung and kidney disease, and are considered carcinogenic.
Exposure to cadmium may occur when brazing or welding with cadmium alloys, fusing reinforced steel by cadmium welding, burning, grinding or welding on surfaces painted with cadmium-containing paints and wrecking or demolishing facilities with cadmium-containing materials.
The Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for cadmium was lowered by OSHA in late 1993 to 5 micrograms per cubic meter.)
Moldex® Solution
Moldex® suggests the N or P100 respirators as the minimum protection.
Affected Industries
Construction or demolition companies
Maintenance or renovation companies
Reference
OSHA’s 29CFR1910.1027 for general industry and 29CFR 1926.1127 for construction
https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10035
https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10891
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/cadmium/index.html
WARNING: The information contained in this Tech Brief is dated and was accurate to the best of Moldex’s knowledge, on the date above. It is not meant to be comprehensive, nor is it intended to be used in place of the warning/use instructions that accompany Moldex respirators. Outside of the USA, check with all applicable and local government regulations.
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