This pamphlet provides answers to basic questions about cadmium. It will explain what cadmium is, where it is found, how it can affect your health, and what you can do to prevent or reduce exposure to it. Cadmium is released into the environment from mining and metal processing operations, burning fuels, making and using phosphate fertilizers, and disposing of metal products. People living near industry that conducts any of these activities may be exposed to cadmium. Cadmium exposure at low levels usually does not produce immediate health effects, but can cause adverse health effects over long periods.
Pure cadmium is a soft, silver-white metal found naturally in small amounts in soil.
Cadmium usually combines with other things to form different compounds. Some of these compounds affect the body more than others. Cadmium does not have a definite taste or odor. Cadmium is not mined, but it is a by-product of the smelting of other metals such as zinc, lead, and copper. Cadmium is used in nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries and for metal plating.