Cadmium is a soft, malleable, and ductile silver-white divalent metal found in zinc ores and, to a lesser extent, in the cadmium mineral greenockite
. It has various industrial applications, including:
- Batteries : Cadmium is a crucial component in the production of nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) rechargeable batteries, which are used in devices like mobile phones and cordless equipment
- Alloys : Cadmium is used in the manufacture of various alloys, such as solder, bearing alloys, and low-melting alloys like Wood's metal
- Coatings : Cadmium is used as a corrosion-resistant plating on steel and as a protective coating in other metals
- Pigments : Cadmium compounds are used as red, orange, and yellow pigments in various applications, including glass coloring and plastic stabilization
- Plastics : Cadmium is used as a stabilizer in plastics, such as in PVC, to improve their heat, light, and weathering resistance
- Solar cells : Cadmium is used in the production of solar cells due to its ability to absorb light and generate electricity
Cadmium is also used in nuclear reactors as a neutron absorber
. The major sources of cadmium exposure include workplace settings where cadmium products are made, such as battery manufacturing, smelting, welding, and soldering
. Additionally, people can be exposed to cadmium through their diet, as it is absorbed into plant and animal foods, and by breathing cigarette smoke, which contains high levels of cadmium
