International Chemical Safety Cards

CADMIUM ICSC: 0020

CADMIUM
(powder)
Cd
Molecular mass: 112.4
CAS # 7440-43-9
RTECS # EU9800000
ICSC # 0020
UN # 2570 (cadmium compounds)
TYPES OF
HAZARD/
EXPOSURE 		ACUTE HAZARDS/
SYMPTOMS 		PREVENTION FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Flammable in powder form. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking. NO contact with heat or acids.
Dry sand. Special powder. No other agents.
EXPLOSION Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.
Prevent deposition of dust; closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.

 
EXPOSURE
PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! STRICT HYGIENE!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
INHALATION Cough. Headache. Symptoms may be delayed (see Notes).
Local exhaust or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration if indicated. Refer for medical attention.
SKIN
Protective gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.
EYES Redness. Pain.
Face shield or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
INGESTION Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Headache. Nausea. Vomiting.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.
Rest. Refer for medical attention.
SPILLAGE DISPOSAL STORAGE PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Extinguish ignition sources. Sweep spilled substance into containers; if appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder, then remove to safe place (extra personal protection: P3 filter respirator for toxic particles).
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong acids, food and feedstuffs.
Airtight. Unbreakable packaging; put breakable packaging into closed unbreakable container. Do not transport with food and feedstuffs.
UN Hazard Class: 6.1
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
ICSC: 0020 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS CEC 1993

International Chemical Safety Cards

CADMIUM ICSC: 0020

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
SOFT BLUE-WHITE METAL LUMPS OR GREY POWDER. MALLEABLE. TURNS BRITTLE ON EXPOSURE TO 80°C AND TARNISHES ON EXPOSURE TO MOIST AIR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
Reacts with acids giving off flammable hydrogen gas. Dust reacts with oxidants, hydrogen azide, zinc, selenium or tellurium, causing fire and explosion hazard.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELs):
TLV (as dust): ppm; 0.05 mg/m3 as TWA (ACGIH 1991-1992).


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its aerosol and by ingestion.

INHALATION RISK:
Evaporation at 20°C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance irritates the eyes and the respiratory tract. Inhalation of fume may cause lung oedema (see Notes). Inhalation of fume may cause metal fever. The effects may be delayed. Medical observation is indicated.

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolonged exposure to dust particles. The substance may have effects on the kidneys , resulting in proteinuria and kidney dysfunction. This substance is probably carcinogenic to humans.
PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
 Boiling point: 765°C
Melting point: 321°C
Relative density (water = 1): 8.6		 Solubility in water: none
Auto-ignition temperature: 250°C (cadmium metal dust)°C
ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA
N O T E S
Reacts violently with fire extinguishing agents such as water, foam, carbon dioxide and halons. Depending on the degree of exposure, periodic medical examination is indicated. The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation are therefore essential. Do NOT take working clothes home.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ICSC: 0020 CADMIUM
© IPCS, CEC, 1993
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use.