| hazards summary | May cause respiratory tract irritation and pulmonary edema. May cause kidney injury. The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of cadmium oxide stem from its toxicologic properties. Toxic primarily by ingestion and inhalation, exposure to this odorless, brown crystalline substance may occur from the smelting and refining of ore, and from the smelting and refining of zinc, lead, and copper ores, spraying cadmium-containing pigments, and from its use in electroplating, as a chemical intermediate or catalyst and in ceramic glazes, silver-zinc storage batteries, and plastics. Effects from exposure may include headache, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, kidney damage, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary edema (possibly resulting in death). NIOSH has recommended that cadmium (dust and fumes) be treated as a potential human carcinogen. The OSHA PEL for cadmium fume is 0.1 mg Cd/cu m, and for cadmium dust is 0.2 mg Cd/cu m. Processes and operations which may release cadmium fumes or dust should be enclosed and fitted with exhaust ventilation to maintain exposure at or below recommended levels. 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 oxide 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 oxide should be stored in cool, well-ventilated areas, out of direct rays of the sun, and away from fire hazards. If hazardous concentrations of cadmium oxide 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 oxide, consult environmental regulatory agencies for guidance. |