Cadmium appears in the workplace in solder, a neutron absorbent in the nuclear industry, alkaline storage batteries, an amalgam in dentistry, a stabilizer for polyvinyl chloride, engravings and pigments. Some occupations at risk include alloy makers, battery makers, engravers, textile workers, welders, solder workers and zinc and lead refiners. Environmental Fate Coal and other fossil fuels contain cadmium and their combustion releases the element into the environment. The principal cadmium-bearing mineral in primary deposits is sphalerite which also contains zinc. Among sedimentry rock types, the carbonaceous shales, formed under the reducing conditions, contain the most cadmium.
Volcanic action is considered to be the major natural source of cadmium.
This is related to the very large quantities of particulate matter emitted, together with high enrichment of cadmium in volcanic aerosols. Liberation during fabrication of metal, alloys, or plated steel. Liberation during coating on metals by hot dipping or spraying. Ceramic artists can be exposed to many hazardous materials, generally related to dry clays, glazes and kiln use. Glazes can contain lead, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, chromium, cobalt, cadmium, copper, vanadium and other materials which all have potential toxic effects.