Cadmium compounds are used in black and white television phosphors and in blue and green phosphors for color TV tubes. Cadmium and solutions of its compounds are toxic. Failure to appreciate the toxic properties of cadmium may cause workers to be unwittingly exposed to dangerous fumes. Some silver solders, for example, contain cadmium and should be handled with care. Serious toxicity problems have been found from long-term exposure and work with cadmium plating baths.
Natural cadmium is made of eight isotopes.
Thirty four other isotopes and isomers are now known and recognized. In low-melting alloys. In brazing alloys. In solar batteries. In television phosphors.