Cadmium

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1. Abstract
Cadmium is a dangerous element with myriad long-term health effects. It is produced as a byproduct of zinc refinement. Its main use is in Nickel-Cadmium rechargeable batteries, which are being used less and less as bans are placed on cadmium. The European Union, Canada, and California have already partially banned cadmium, prohibiting its use in consumer batteries and other products.

Cadmium is extremely poisonous. Mild exposure can cause vomiting and other feverish effects. Long-terms effects are fatal. Cadmium builds up in the kidneys, and causes a bunch of problems there. It also weakens bones and harms the lungs. Cadmium is equally dangerous in animals, and the same effects show up there.

There are already commercially viable alternatives to Nickel-Cadmium batteries, and so a full ban on cadmium use would not have a huge effect on the battery market. The US produces only 4% of the world’s cadmium, and imports almost none. Americans would not be affected by a full ban.

Cadmium should be fully banned. There are many serious health effects, and it would be in people’s best interests to not come into any contact with this chemical. Nickel-Cadmium batteries are not commonly used in the United States any more, and have been replaced with NiMH batteries. Cadmium production and use has been decreasing for years. Based on all of that information, there is no more any need for cadmium, and it is detrimental. A full ban would make sense and is practical.

2. Background
Cadmium is a soft, white, naturally occurring metal, and is also, more commonly, found as a byproduct of refined zinc.

Cadmium is used in various products, such as Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries and pigments. It is also used as coatings for corrosion resistance on electrical connectors and steel products. However, over 80 percent of its use is in batteries.

Cadmium is used in batteries and other products because it has a low coefficient of friction. NiCd batteries last longer, and can hold high surge currents. For paints, it creates a very bright strong red, yellow, and orange.

Cadmium is partially banned by the European Union’s Restriction on Hazardous Substances, specifically the use of Cadmium in consumer batteries. California has followed suit and partially banned Cadmium in the same circumstances. In the USA, the Environmental Protection Agency has set a limit of 5 parts of cadmium per billion parts of drinking water (5 ppb). The EPA doesn't allow cadmium in pesticides. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limits the amount of cadmium in food colors to 15 parts per million (15 ppm). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) limits workplace air to 100 micrograms cadmium per cubic meter (100 µg/m3) as cadmium fumes and 200 µg cadmium/m3 as cadmium dust. In Canada, it has been placed on a list of toxic substances and listed in a Hazardous Products Act.

3. Human Health
Cadmium is quite detrimental human health. According to the Center for Disease Control, mild overexposure to cadmium can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Breathing in cadmium can damage the lungs. Long-term exposure builds up in the kidneys, and causes kidney malfunction. Over time, bones become more fragile. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has determined that inhaling cadmium probably causes cancer. Overall, that adds up to three human systems affected: respiratory, skeletal, and urinary.

People are exposed to cadmium from cigarette and tobacco smoke. It is also found in the general diet. Since it is used in industrial settings, factories using cadmium in their products can contaminate the workers.

4. Environmental Implications
Cadmium does not seem to have any specific environmental impact other than effects similar to human effects in animals.

5. Synthesis and Production
When zinc is refined through the process of smelting, cadmium is one of the chemicals gathered from the raw material. Sulphide ores are roasted in industrial plants. That forms zinc oxide, which, when refined by distillation under a vacuum, separates out the impurities, including cadmium.

Nickel-Cadmium batteries contain a nickel hydroxide positive electrode plate, a cadmium negative electrode plate, a separator in between them, and an alkaline electrolyte. The components are jelly-rolled inside the battery case.



6. Economic and Political Impact
Cadmium is already partially banned in most of the world. In major battery companies, such as Energizer, Duracell, and Rayovac, Nickel-Cadmium batteries have already been phased out. The alternatives, Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries mainly, are in wide use, cost less, and have a longer lifespan and larger charge capacity. When cadmium is fully banned, it will not affect the average American.

China and Japan are the largest producers of cadmium, having produced 2,500 metric tons each in 2002. That accounted for 15.8% of world production. The US, in contrast, produced a total of 700 metric tons, which was 4.4% of world production. That year the US imported only 25 tons of cadmium. Cadmium production and use has fallen worldwide.

When cadmium is fully banned in Europe and the US, there will be political ramifications in Asia, because Asia produces the most cadmium. Relationships with China and Japan may cool a bit as a result, but cadmium does not seem to be extremely important between countries, so politics should not be affected.

7. Summary
Cadmium should be fully banned. There are many serious health effects, and it would be in people’s best interests to not come into any contact with this chemical. Nickel-Cadmium batteries are not commonly used in the United States any more, and have been replaced with NiMH batteries. Also, NiMH batteries cost around thirteen dollars for a pack of four, while NiCd batteries are thirty dollars apiece. Cadmium production and use has been decreasing for years. Based on all of that information, there is no more any need for cadmium, and it is detrimental. A full ban would make sense and is practical.

8. Public Service Announcement
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9. Sources
[|Cadmium.org] [|Wikipedia] [|EPA] [|CDC] [|Scorecard] [|ATSDR] [|Defense Supply Center Richmond] [|Department of Justice, Canada] [|Webelements] [|Duracell] [|Rayovac] [|Energizer]

(c) 2008 Hannah Feldman