What is Cadmium used for? Cadmium, cadmium sulfide and other variations of this metal are used in many things. Scrap cadmium is valuable like all metals and today I want to talk about its history briefly as well as answer the question, what is cadmium used for today.
According to academia.edu, Cadmium was founded in Germany by Friedrich Stromeyer and Karl Samuel Leberecht in 1817 this metal of bluish-white color is prominently found in one of the most used items in the world, Batteries.
It was discovered by the two scientists as an impurity in Zinc Carbonate. Though in some forms this element can be toxic it has been used in the early 1900’s in a medicinal form to help with Enlarged Joints, Scrofulous Glands, and Chilblains.
This soft, malleable, and ductile metal is very similar to another element known as Zinc.
It is resistant to corrosion, and as a bulk metal it is insoluble in water and non-flammable.
But beware, when it is in powder form this element can burn and it can release a highly toxic fume.
What is Cadmium Used for Currently
As of 2009, 86% of Cadmium was used in rechargeable batteries.
Batteries are not the only item it is used in, this metal is also used in the aircraft industry largely due to the fact that when applied it helps prevent corrosion.
The oxidized form of this metal is commonly used in black and white television phosphors, and blue and yellow phosphors for colored televisions.
Commonly used by painters for its long lasting and brilliant color when it is in the form of Cadmium Selenide.
PVC piping is also a product that has this mineral. It helps with resistance to heat, light, and weather.
Biologically speaking it has been found in the highest concentration in human kidneys! Throughout childhood and early adult stages humans inhale about 30 MG.
Safety precautions should be used when around Cadmium. It is an occupational hazard to some, especially when it is inhaled as a fine dust or fume.
Exposure can additionally cause atherosclerosis, hypertension which commonly leads to cardiovascular disease.
This metal founded almost 200 years ago has been used in the production of some of today’s most commonly used items.
The next time you get on a plane, or pick up a pack of rechargeable batteries at your local store, remember that this pure metal has been used in the process to power your devices, and help get you to your destination high up in the sky.
Other scrap cadmium items that you may find while out scrapping include, silver colored jewelry, old metal toys, fishing lures and sinkers, nuts, screws and bolts.