This compound is known to affect unborn babies. Mercury compounds are present in chlorine production and mining and are used, for example, in tanner's mordant, pickling baths and pesticides. Cadmium is a component of some solder metals and baths used for electroplating. It is used in Ni-Cd batteries. PVC plastics may contain cadmium stearate as a heat stabilizer.
Many pigments contain cadmium compounds, often to make yellow or red colours.
The human body lacks the ability to expel this metal from its system. Practically all the cadmium taken in during the lifetime is stored in the kidneys, which gradually results inreduced kidney function. Cadmium and its compounds are environmental and marine pollutants. Many countries have banned or severely restricted certain uses of cadmium compounds. Nickel is used in the production of a wide range of alloys, including stainless steel.