CADMIUM

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: A bluish-silver lustrous metal that does not burn in bulk. Clouds of finely-divided dust are a fire and explosion hazard, however. When heated strongly in air cadmium oxide fumes can be generated. Freshly formed cadmium fume is an intense pulmonary irritant and may result in development of pulmonary edema several hours after exposure. Inhalation or ingestion of dust or fumes may produce both acute and chronic health effects. Probable cancer hazard. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing are required for all emergency response personnel when cadmium is involved in a fire situation. Do NOT use water or foam. Apply dry chemical, dry sand, or special powder extinguishing media.

Potential health effects

Cadmium dust and fume have both acute and chronic health effects. Cadmium dust is a pulmonary irritant. Freshly formed cadmium fume is an intense pulmonary irritant, resulting in respiratory distress and possible pulmonary edema that may develop 4 to 10 hours after exposure. In severe cases death may result. Long term exposures may cause kidney dysfunction and lung injury (emphysema) as well as other symptoms. EYE/SKIN: Cadmium can cause local skin or eye irritation. INGESTION: Ingestion of cadmium dust may lead to irritation of the GI tract with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, salivation pain, cramps and diarrhea. Extreme cases could lead to collapse and death. Other symptoms of ingesting cadmium include mild anemia and kidney damage resulting in increased excretion of proteins in urine. INHALATION: Severe exposure can cause irritation to the respiratory tract with early symptoms of throat dryness and cough and progressing to shortness of breath, chest pains, flu-like symptoms and fluid in the lungs, which could lead to death. Long-term exposure to cadmium may result in kidney damages and an increased risk of cancer of the lung and prostate. CARCINOGENICITY