| hazards summary | An irritant. May cause effects on the kidneys, bones, and respiratory tract. An irritant. Cadmium compounds are potential carcinogens that are toxic to the kidneys, liver, and respiratory tract. The heavy metal sulfides are generally insoluble and show little toxic action except through the liberation of hydrogen sulfide. See Cadmium and the linked diseases.The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of cadmium sulfide stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic primarily by ingestion and inhalation, exposure to this yellow, orange, red, or brown crystalline substance may occur from its use as a pigment for coloring glass, soaps, textiles, paper, rubber, inks, ceramic glazes, fireworks, and epoxy resins. Effects from exposure may include headache, shortness of breath, chest pain, kidney damage, liver damage, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary edema (possibly resulting in death). Processes and operations which may release cadmium fumes or dust should be enclosed and fitted with exhaust ventilation. In activities where over-exposure is possible, workers should wear a high efficiency particulate filter respirator or self-contained breathing apparatus. Protective clothing also should be worn. Preferably this should include disposable one piece suits (close-fitting at the ankles and wrists), gloves, hair covering, and overshoes. These should be removed before leaving work. If contact should occur, immediately wash contaminated skin with large amounts of water. Do not eat, smoke, or drink in work areas. Cadmium sulfide presents only a moderate fire hazard (when in the form of dust) if exposed to heat, flame, or by chemical reaction with oxidizing agents, metals, hydrogen azide, zinc, selenium, or tellurium. Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus when fighting such fires. Cadmium sulfide should be stored in cool, well-ventilated areas, out of direct rays of sun, and away from combustibles and other fire hazards. Should hazardous concentrations of cadmium sulfide are accidentally released, remove all ignition sources, ventilate the area, and collect the released material in closed containers for disposal. Before implementing land disposal of waste cadmium sulfide, consult environmental regulatory agencies for guidance. |