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The cadmium requirement of the European Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), Annex XVII concerning the Restrictions on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of certain dangerous substances, preparations and articles, Item no. 23.

The Requirements

The materials (whether accessible or not) of the products under concern should comply with the requirements of the Cadmium Directive. The following Table summarizes the substances to be determined and the corresponding limits.

Limit

European Commission 100 ppm

Netherlands 50 ppm

Sweden 75 ppm

Switzerland 10 ppm

The UK 100 ppm

Remarks: mg/kg = milligrams per kilogram (ppm = parts per million)

Test method

With reference to Method B of BS EN 1122:2001 – Plastics. Determination of Cadmium. Wet Decomposition Method.

Scope of the requirements

Amending Directive 76/769/EEC on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations, the Regulation prohibits the placing on the market of cadmium-plated products or components of such products, used in the following sectors/ applications:

a) equipment and machinery for food production, agriculture, cooling and freezing, printing and book-binding;

b) equipment and machinery for the production of household goods, furniture, sanitary ware, central heating and air conditioning plant.

c) equipment and machinery for the production of paper and board, textiles and clothing.

Main uses of Cadmium and its Compounds

1. Pigments for paints

2. Coloring of plastics

3. Manufacture of Ni-Cd batteries

4. Electroplating on metals

5. Coloring of glass and ceramic glazes

6. Soldering with silver solder or brazing

7. Making or using cadmium stabilizers, catalysts, or phosphors

8. Recycling telephone and electric cable

Information on Cadmium and its Compounds

About 65% to 75% of cadmium produced worldwide is used in the production of Ni-Cd Batteries. About half the remaining consumption, or 2,000 tons annually, is used to produce colored cadmium pigments. The principal pigments are a family of yellow/orange/red cadmium sulfides and sulfoselenides. Brilliantly colored, with good permanence and tinting power, Cadmium Yellow, Cadmium Orange, and Cadmium Red are familiar artist colors, but of little use in architectural paints. Their greatest use is in the coloring of plastics and specialty paints which must resist processing or service temperatures up to 300°C.

Environmental Pollution

Cadmium is found naturally in small quantities in air, water and soil. Since cadmium is a metal, it does not break down and can build up over time. Cadmium can be released into the air when household or industrial waste, coal or oil are burned. Cadmium also can be released from car exhaust, metal processing industries, battery and paint manufacturing, and waste hauling and disposal activities. Once cadmium is in the air, it spreads with the wind and settles onto the soil or surface water as dust.

Higher levels of cadmium may be found in soil or water near industrial areas or hazardous waste sites, posing health hazards to human beings through the food chain. The main objective of the Regulation is to protect the environment and safeguard public health.

High levels of cadmium in surface soils usually result from cadmium particles settling from the air. Soils near roads may contain high levels of cadmium from car exhaust. Surface water also can contain low levels of dissolved cadmium. Cadmium in water tends to sink.

Cadmium is a mineral which binds with elements such as oxygen, sulphur and chlorine. It is found naturally (in low levels) in certain foods and is one of the ingredients of cigarette smoke. Smelting for other metals, like zinc and copper, produces cadmium. Some of the many uses of cadmium include metal plating and the manufacture of nickel-cadmium batteries. High intake of cadmium by either inhalation or ingestion (eating) can cause a range of ill effects, such as lung damage and kidney disease. Occupations that involve handling of cadmium or its salts carry a higher risk of exposure. Low-level exposure over a long period of time may also cause health problems, as cadmium lingers in the body.

A range of health risks:
The health risks of cadmium depend on the degree and length of time of exposure, and whether the mineral was inhaled or eaten. Ingested cadmium is not well absorbed by the body and therefore carries a lower risk. However, around half of inhaled cadmium does get into the body. Health effects and symptoms of exposure may include:

- Acute exposure (ingested) - affects the kidneys, liver and intestinal tract. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain or a choking sensation.

- Acute exposure (inhaled) - affects the lungs. High levels may cause pneumonitis (lung inflammation) and pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs). Symptoms include breathlessness and coughing. 'Metal fume fever' can be life threatening.

- Chronic exposure - conditions from long term exposure include kidney dysfunction, anaemia and lung conditions. Some studies suggest that occupational inhalation may be associated with some types of cancer, such as those of the prostate and lung